Big Brakes: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette 327/Auto – Sold?

August 13, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Among classic cars you just don’t see listed on Craigslist much anymore, the C1 Corvette generation (1953-1962) is among the top of that list. So many are now restored that it’s hard to find a C1 Corvette that isn’t a trailer queen. Of those, most are stick shifts, which is not what every owner wants.  This white-over-red 1962 Chevrolet Corvette, originally listed in July 2022 on Craigslist in Miami Lakes, Florida, is a driver-quality example that features nice upgrades, including four-wheel disc brakes and a four-speed 700R4 automatic that provides an overdrive for better highway cruising.

Currently offered for $57,500, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is at the low end of the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for first-generation 1962 Corvettes.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the C1 featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $39,200 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $59,000.

1962 marked the final model year for Chevrolet’s C1 Corvette design.  Not only was 1962 the final year a Corvette featured a solid rear axle mounted on leaf springs, but it was also the last year the car would feature a locking trunk lid until it returned on the 1998 C5 Corvette convertible 36 years later.

Styling changes for the 1962 Corvette were minor.  Two-tone paint options (typically consisting of contrasting coves) were no longer factory available. The twin tail light, ducktail rear-end styling introduced in 1961 carried over. The headlight trim rings, formally chrome-plated, were now body-colored while stylists added a new rocker panel molding.

Under the hood, Chevrolet engineers increased the small block V8’s displacement from 283 to 327 cubic inches which produced 250 horsepower in its base single 4-barrel carburetor version. Hydraulic valve lifters were used in the standard and optional 300 horsepower engines, solid lifters in the optional carbureted 340 horsepower, and fuel-injected 360 horsepower versions. Dual 4-barrel carburetor engines were no longer available.

The Celebrity Cars YouTube Channel features this walk around video of 1962 Chevrolet Corvette:

If you’re looking for a vintage C1 that you can actually enjoy driving but prefer an automatic, this might be the Corvette for you.

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this restored 1962 Corvette?  Please comment below and let us know!