The first generation of Chevrolet Corvette, known as C-1 and introduced in 1953, was also known as the “solid-axle” generation. The 1962 Chevrolet Corvette was the last Corvette model to come out of the first generation which would end the era of the straight-axle and real trunk (until 1998). Although the 1962 Chevy Corvette was the last Corvette with a solid rear-axle suspension; the two new engines that were available made this model the fastest Corvette of the first generation.
Greasy Lightning Fast
The 1962 Chevrolet Corvette saw the engine displacement increase to 327 cubic inches with the debut of 327 engine. The 1962 Chevrolet Corvette came with the choice of two flavors of the 327, both fuel-injected V-8s. One with 275 horsepower and the other produced a max of 340 horsepower. Both packed more punch than the previous Corvette models in the C-1 generation. The 327 engine also utilized hydraulic valve lifters which protected the valves during the engine’s normal process of thermal expansion.
There were also many options that made the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette a very capable racing machine. Some options included a transmission that was aluminum-cased, thermo-activated cooling fans and a 24-gallon fuel tank.
The 1962 Chevrolet Corvette could go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.90 seconds and it had a top speed of 150 mph. The time it took to complete the standing quarter mile was a blazing 14.9 seconds. Some would take this speedy car, which was cutting edge at the time, and have it customized into a production racer and compete with it at tracks across the country.
Other 1962 Chevy Corvette Notables
The 1962 model of Corvette was the last year the wrap around windshield was used. It was also the last year of the convertible-only style of body. The trunk lid and exposed headlights, also a trademark of the C-1 first generation Corvettes (including the 1962 model), would cease with the next generation of Corvettes starting in 1963 and would not re-appear for many decades.
· Some other 1962 Chevrolet Corvette specs:
· Number built in 1962: 14,531 (a 30% increase over ’61)
· Introduction price: $4420 (US)
· Models available: convertible
· Compression ratio: 11.25:1
· Fuel system: fuel injection
The Corvette also had a number of transmissions options as well. Buyers could have a 2 speed automatic or they could go with three manual transmission options; 3 speed manual, 4 speed manual, and a 4 speed manual wide ratio transmission.
The 1962 Corvette stands out for a lot of reasons. It has a lots of “firsts” and “lasts”. It was the last Corvette from the first generation. It was the first car with the 327 engine. It was the most seen Corvette from the C1 generation as it was the most produced. The 1962 Chevy Corvette was and still is an eye-catcher and the Corvette style has survived so many decades of success that it became the first and only American sports car to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2003.
