(This post was originally published by HotCars and written by Michael Van Runkle.)
The eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette has emerged as a legit supercar in factory trim thanks to its mid-engined redesign. As more potent variants loom on the horizon, despite delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, looking back at the Corvette’s history with clear hindsight shows that GM should have, perhaps, undertaken the switch to a more standard supercar layout earlier. And yet, most people don’t realize that the first generation of the Corvette wasn’t all that powerful or sporty, despite its classic styling. But that styling also makes C1 Chevrolet Corvettes like this restored example currently listed on the auction website AutoHunter incredibly valuable in the modern collector-car age.
Frame-Off Period-Correct Restoration
The car in question here is a 1962 model year ‘Vette with a sparkling Ermine White exterior and a bright red interior. The ’61-’62 models have always been a curiosity as most of the car appears at it has since 1958, but with a preview of the Stingray in the rear.
The frame-off restoration reportedly took place in 2015 under previous ownership and the car is now listed for sale out of Alabama by its owner of the last three years. Under the hood lurks a period-correct (though not the original) 327ci V8 that reportedly produces 300 horsepower while employing its chrome air cleaner, bright orange valve covers, and exhaust manifolds. The powerplant routes grunt to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic gearbox.
Ride Around In Style
A rating of 300 horses and a three-speed slushbox aren’t about to blow anyone out of the water, but this car is all about riding around in style. The interior has been updated with features like a modern stereo system offering iPhone connectivity, as well as power windows. Additional details include manual drum brakes all around hidden behind 15-inch steelies wearing polished hubcaps, plus a new soft top in black. This C1 now shows just about as perfectly as a modern restoration with light updates could hope to—all that remains to be seen is whether the Bring a Trailer copycat website AutoHunter will allow the car to fetch similar prices as it might have otherwise.