General Motors designer Harley Earl is credited with convincing GM to build a two-seat sports car for the American market.

Launched in 1953, the resulting Chevrolet Corvette quickly earned the mantle of “America’s Sport’s Car” and the model is still produced today.

1962 was the final year of the original “C1” series of cars and is considered by many experts to mark a high point in the 52-year history of the model.

The 1962 model represents the "Best of Both Worlds." Not only was it the last Corvette based upon the original sports car platform and the last of the straight axle cars, but it was equipped with the newly-available 327 ci engine and the 283 ci was retired. The Chevrolet 327 ci engine is credited by many as being the best small block V8 ever made.

The front of the car continued the twin headlight treatment as per the evolution of the C1 series, whereas the rear introduced the “Stingray” look that would be carried through on the car right through until 1967 in the C2 series.

The cars were offered in solid colours only, the grill was blacked out and the chrome around the trims was removed. For the first time, seat belts were standard equipment from factory, and it was the last year of the useful external trunk and exposed headlights.

The 1962 Corvette was the ideal combination of brawn and beauty.

THE CAR

An absolutely spectacular Tripple Black example in fantastic condition.

Equipped with the incredibly rare original Rochester fuel-injected 327ci, 360 horsepower V8 engine - only 1,918 were made. This engine was last tuned in the USA by legend Jerry Bramlett of “Ramjets that Run”.

This along with a positraction rear solid axle, solid lifters, 11.25:1 compression, a special high lift camshaft and close ratio 4-speed manual transmission results in one spectacular sports car.

The engine is responsive, strong, pulls hard and has heaps of power. The brakes have been rebuilt. The short-throw gearbox changes smoothly and gives great driver feedback.

The exterior is newly painted in stunning Tuxedo Black and is complemented well by its striking “dog dish” hub caps, stainless steel and chrome fixtures, and an outstanding black interior. The vehicle has a black soft top and matching black hard top.

The car retains its original features including the steering wheel, gauge cluster and radio. The original tools are in the trunk.

Quality C1 Corvettes are rare in Australia and becoming increasingly hard to find in the US, and with the inclusion of the above features this example truly stands out above the rest.