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1962 C1 Corvette
1962 C1 Corvette Overview
With the creative influences of such incredible engineering talents as Edward Cole, Zora Arkus-Duntov and Bill Mitchell behind it, the C1 Corvette had emerged as an American classic, but one that was ready to undergo a transformation into something completely new and exciting.1962 C1 Corvette Overview
In fact, with the second-generation Corvette now just one model year away, there were few within Chevrolet who did not view the 1962 Corvette as anything other than a transitional model between the classic styling of the C1 roadster and the far more competitive and edgy lines of the next generation Corvette.
The 1962 model year represents the end of an era for the Chevrolet Corvette. Over the course of ten years, the Corvette had evolved from Harley Earl’s conceptual two-seat sports car – a car that was initially plagued with design and performance deficiencies – into a vehicle that rivaled sports cars around the world with an unabashed reputation for performance and fun.
Model: | 1962 Corvette |
Generation: | C1 Corvette |
Type: | 2 Door Convertible |
Available Colors: | Tuxedo Black, Roman Red, Almond Beige, Honduras Maroon, Fawn Beige, Ermine White, Sateen Silver |
Engine: | 327 ci ohv V-8 (fuel injected or carbureted) – multiple-horsepower options available |
VIN: | 20867S100001 – 20867S114531 |
Transmission: | 3-speed manual (standard), 4-speed manual (optional), 2-speed Powerglide (optional) |
Original Price: | $4038.00 |
Units Produced: | 14,531 |
Full Spec List | 1962 Corvette Complete Specs |

Despite the fact that the 1962 is considered one of the greatest of all the C1 Corvettes, the perception that the 1962 Corvette was “transitional” was not completely unwarranted.
For one, the ‘62 Corvette was the first model year to incorporate the 327 cubic inch V-8 engine in place of the smaller 283 cubic inch engine.
Though technically the same engine block as the 283, the smaller engine was bored and stroked to bring its cylinder dimensions to 4.00 x 3.25 inches and it’s displacement up to 327 cubic inches.
While this larger engine would certainly produce more horsepower, there were other changes that would have to be incorporated first to ensure that the engine could receive the air and fuel it would need to run as it was meant to.

A small but significant change was made to the Rochester fuel injection system that allowed more air/fuel to pass through it which helped to feed the “deeper-breathing” 327 small block. In addition, heavier duty bearings, larger ports and a longer duration camshaft were fitted to the base 250-bhp engine. Duntov’s solid-lifter camshaft was now a standard spec for the most powerful of the three carbureted engines – an engine that would be officially rated as producing 340 horsepower.
The Duntov cam would also be placed in the top “fuelie” (fuel-injected) engine that year.Both of the engines sporting Duntov cams ran a tight 11.25:1 compression ratio, which was a considerable step up from the base level and mid level 300 horsepower engines, which ran a more conventional 10.5:1 compression.
Of these engines, the lower end engines were actually considered the best choice for an all purpose Corvette. They offered the driver enough power to satisfy his (or her) lust for speed and performance while remaining simple enough that they provided easy maintenance and repair.
DID YOU KNOW: The conventional trunk design of the 1962 Corvette was the last model to include it for many years. The models that followed had no external rear storage access until 1982 when a special “collector’s edition” Corvette featured a hatch window which allowed access to the rear storage compartment area. Still, a trunk comparable to the 1962’s did not re-appear until the introduction of the C5 Corvette Convertible in 1998.
Gone forever from the 1962 (and all future models) Corvette was the troublesome twin four-barrel Carter carburetors. These were replaced by a more powerful, single four barrel Carter carburetor.
While these top two versions of the new 327 engine proved to provide a consistent improvement in power over its predecessor, the peak of its power curve occurred at the engine’s top end while it turned some 6,000 rpm – which was considered incredibly fast at that time for a pushrod power plant. Of the smaller engines, peak power was achieved at 4,400 rpm (the 250 horsepower engine) and at 5,000 rpm (the 300 horsepower engine).
Of all these engines, only the last two were made available with the optional Powerglide automatic transmission. Like the four speed manual in 1961, the Powerglide was fitted with a weight-reducing aluminum case, which helped improve performance and decreased the overall weight of the car.

While the jump to a V-8 in the 1950’s had proved pivotal to the Corvette’s ultimate success and sustainability, nobody could have imagined the impact that the introduction of the 327 V-8 would have on the last of the C1 Corvettes. The larger 327 V-8 produced power and torque that was unparalleled with anything seen prior to its emergence as the primary power plant of the 62 Corvette. This new ‘Vette, when equipped with a four speed and fuel injection, could regularly run the quarter mile in under fifteen (15) seconds and achieve speeds in excess of 100 mile per hour while doing so.
Of course, as with each of the several different iterations of the C1 Corvette before it, the 1962 Corvette did undergo more than just a mechanical overhaul. Though the overall appearance of the ‘62 remained faithful to the styling of Harley Earl’s earlier models, this new Corvette was, and remains, one of the most desirable of all the C1 models.
While it’s styling was beginning to look a bit dated as it moved into it’s second decade of existence, this final variation was stripped of any of the remaining excesses that had plagued it’s earlier counterparts.
The most obvious of these deletions was the removal of the chrome outlines that had framed the body side coves since 1956. Further, the chrome accent spears (that had accentuated the side vents within the coves) were also removed, replaced instead by more conservative aluminum blades that were finished in black. Another omission which added to the more cohesive look of the car was the deletion of the option to have the coves painted in a different color than the rest of the car.

Other subtle changes also helped to give the 1962 Corvette a more unified appearance. Like the side spears in the coves, the silver mesh grille and its flanking cutouts were now finished in black, as was the background of the trunk lid medallion.
Following one of the most popular automotive styling trends of the era, the ’62 Corvette was fitted with narrow-band white wall tires.
They mated perfectly with the new Corvette and only helped to enhance its sleek, nearly minimalist appearance. In fact, the only place where any form of decoration was actually added was to the rocker panels, which were newly adorned with ribbed anodized-aluminum moldings.

Despite it’s origins and it’s undeniable ties to the very first Corvette, the 1962 was faster, handled better, was more physically appealing, and was the most completely realized and most civilized of any Corvette made to date, though it continued to retain much of the pioneering imagination that made Harley Earl’s 1953 concept car such a triumph at it’s unveiling during the 1953 Motorama.
Sales of the 1962 Corvette jumped by nearly 40 percent from the previous year, with total sales of 14,531 units, pushing the Corvette firmly “into the black” on General Motors financial bottom line.
For those early pioneers of the Corvette – Cole, Duntov, and Mitchell – this came as a huge relief. After all, they (like Harley Earl (before his retirement)), were the ones who fought to keep the Corvette program alive during its darkest days.
Of course, getting to this point was only half the battle. Now that they had achieved solid financial success with the C1 Corvette platform, it was imperative that they bring Corvette forward into its next iteration and, in so doing, take the car to even greater successes.
Little did any of them realize just how successful Corvette was about to become.
1962 Corvette Image Gallery
See full 1962 Corvette Image Gallery
See Also
C1 | ’53 | ‘54 | ’55 | ’56 | ’57 | ’58 | ’59 | ’60 | ’61 | ’62 |
Gen | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 | C6 | C7 |
1962 Corvette – Specifications
1962 Corvette Main Specs
MODEL: | 1961 Chevrolet Corvette |
BODY STYLE: | Two-door convertible, front engine, rear wheel drive |
MANUFACTURING LOCATION: | St. Louis, Missouri |
CONSTRUCTION: | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP or “fiberglass”) body, steel frame with steel and chrome structural & chassis components. |
VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN): | 20867S100001 – 20867S114531 |
VIN PREFIX: | RC: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION RD: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION RE: 327 CUBIC INCH, 340 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION RF: 327 CUBIC INCH, 360 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION SC: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER, POWERGLIDE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SD: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, POWERGLIDE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION |
ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: | 3782870 |
HEAD NUMBER: | 3782461: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, 340HP, 360HP 3795896: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250HP 3884520: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250HP |
CARBURETOR NUMBERS: | CARTER 3190S #3788245: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CARTER 3191S #3788246: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250HP CARTER 3310S #3819207: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CARTER 3269S #3797699: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP MANUAL TRANSMISSION, 340HP |
FUEL INJECTION NUMBER: | ROCHESTER 7017355 ROCHESTER 7017360 |
DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: | 1110984: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250HP, 300HP 1110985: 327 CUBIC INCH, 340HP 1110990: 327 CUBIC INCH, 360HP 1111011: 327 CUBIC INCH, 360HP |
GENERATOR NUMBER: | 1102174: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250HP, 300HP 1102268: 327 CUBIC INCH, 340HP, 360HP |
AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER | CA: 3-SPD, 4-SPD, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, (3.36:1 RATIO) CG: 4-SPD, (3.70:1) |
PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: | AUG. 1961: 100443, SEP. 1961: 100827, OCT. 1961: 102065, NOV. 1961:103465, DEC. 1961:104766, JAN. 1962: 106234, FEB. 1962: 107585, MAR. 1962: 109116, APR. 1962: 110519, MAY 1962: 112035, JUN. 1962: 113459, JUL. 1962: 114520, AUG. 1962: 114531 |
1962 Corvette Price & Options
CODE | DESCRIPTION | QUANTITY | RETAIL PRICE |
867 | Base Corvette Convertible | 14,531 | $4,038.00 |
102 | AM Radio, signal seeking | 13,076 | $137.75 |
203 | Rear Axle, 3.08:1 Ratio | – | $0.00 |
242 | Positive Crankcase Ventilation (California) | – | $5.40 |
276 | Wheels, 15 x 5.5 (5) | 561 | $0.00 |
313 | Powerglide Automatic Transmission | 1,532 | $199.10 |
396 | 327ci, 340HP Engine (4-Barrel Carburetor) | 4,412 | $107.60 |
419 | Auxillary Hardtop | 8,074 | $236.75 |
426 | Power Windows | 995 | $59.20 |
441 | Direct Flow Exhaust System | 2,934 | $0.00 |
473 | Power Operated Folding Top | 350 | $139.90 |
488 | 24 Gallon Fuel Tank | 65 | $118.40 |
582 | 327ci, 360HP Engine (Fuel Injection) | 1,918 | $484.20 |
583 | 327ci, 300HP Engine (4-Barrel Carburetor) | 3,294 | $53.80 |
675 | Positraction Rear Axle | 14,232 | $43.05 |
685 | 4-Speed Manual Transmission | 11,318 | $188.30 |
686 | Metallic Brakes | 2,799 | $37.70 |
687 | Heavy Duty Brakes and Special Steering | 246 | $333.60 |
1832 | Whitewall Tires, 6.70×15 | – | $31.55 |
1833 | Blackwall Tires, 6.70×15 nylon | – | $15.70 |
1962 Corvette Exterior/Interior Colors
EXTERIOR | SOFT TOP | WHEELS | INTERIOR |
Tuxedo Black | Black, White | Black | Black, Fawn, Red |
Ermine White | Black, White | Black – White | Black, Fawn, Red |
Roman Red | Black, White | Black – Red | Black, Fawn, Red |
Sateen Silver | Black, White | Black – Silver | Black, Red |
Almond Beige | Black, White | Black – Almond Beige | Fawn, Red |
Fawn Beige | Black, White | Black – Fawn Beige | Fawn, Red |
Honduras Maroon | Black, White | Black – Maroon | Black, Fawn |
Exterior Color Templates
Interior Color Templates
1962 Corvette Powertrain Specifications
Description | 4-barrel Carb | Large 4-barrel Carb | Large 4-barrel Carb with Special Cam | Fuel Injection with Special Cam |
Name: | Standard | RPO 583 | RPO 396 | RPO 582 |
Type: | 90 V | 90 V | 90 V | 90 V |
Number of Cylinders | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Displacement (cid): | 327 | 327 | 327 | 327 |
Horsepower (gross @ rpm): | 250hp @ 4,400 | 300hp @ 5,000 | 340hp @ 6,000 | 360hp @ 6,000 |
Torque (lbs.-ft. @ rpm): | 350 @ 2,800 | 360 @ 3,200 | 344 @ 4,000 | 352 @ 4,000 |
Bore Spacing (C/L to C/L) | 4.4 inches | 4.4 inches | 4.4 inches | 4.4 inches |
Bore x stroke (in.): | 4.00 x 3.25 | 3.875 x 3.00 | 3.875 x 3.00 | 3.875 x 3.00 |
Redline (rpm): | – | – | – | – |
Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 | 11.25:1 | 11.25:1 |
Idle Speed (RPM) | 500 in neutral (man. trans) | 500 in neutral (man. trans) | 500 in neutral (man. trans) | 500 in neutral (man. trans) |
Engine Weight (Dry); | – | – | – | – |
Automatic | – | – | – | – |
3 Speed Manual | – | – | – | – |
4 Speed Manual | – | – | – | – |
Firing Order: | 18436572 | 18436572 | 18436572 | 18436572 |
Cylinder Number System; | – | – | – | – |
Left Bank: | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 |
Right Bank: | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 |
Recommended Fuel: | 94-96 Premium Octane | 94-96 Premium Octane | 94-96 Premium Octane | 94-96 Premium Octane |
EPA Powerglide | – | – | – | – |
EPA 4 Speed | – | – | – | – |
Manual Transmission / Gear Ratios
Gear | 3-Speed Close Ratio | 4-Speed (RPO 685) | |
1st Gear: | 2.47:1 | 2.20:1 | |
2nd Gear: | 1.53:1 | 1.66:1 | |
3rd Gear: | 1.00:1 | 1.31:1 | |
4th Gear: | N/A | 1.00:1 | |
Reverse: | 2.80:1 | 2.26:1 |
Clutch | Stats |
Type | Borg and Beck, dry plate, semi-centrifugal, coil spring |
Spring Pressure (lbs) | 1620 initial |
Lining area (sq. in.) | 90.68 |
Powerglide Automatic Transmission RPO 313/ Gear Ratios
Drive | 1.76 and 1.00:1 |
Low | 1.76:1 |
Reverse | 1.76:1 |
1962 Corvette Exterior Dimensions
Exterior Dimensions | Hardtop |
Wheelbase: | 102 Inches |
Overall Length: | 176.7 Inches |
Total Body Width: | 70.4 Inches |
Overall Height: | 52.1 Inches |
Front Track Width: | 57 Inches |
Rear Track Width: | 59 Inches |
Min. Ground Clearance | 6.7 Inches |
Interior Dimensions | Hardtop |
Headroom: | 36.0 Inches |
Shoulder Room: | 49.4 Inches |
Hip Room: | 59.6 Inches |
Leg Room: | 46.4 Inches |
Exterior Dimensions | Softtop |
Wheelbase: | 102 Inches |
Overall Length: | 176.7 Inches |
Total Body Width: | 70.4 Inches |
Overall Height: | 52.2 Inches |
Front Track Width: | 57 Inches |
Rear Track Width: | 59 Inches |
Min. Ground Clearance | 6.7 Inches |
Interior Dimensions | Softtop |
Headroom: | 37.1 Inches |
Shoulder Room: | 49.4 Inches |
Hip Room: | 59.6 Inches |
Leg Room: | 46.4 Inches |
Capacities | Specs |
Passenger Capacity: | 2 Passengers |
Curb Weight (LBS/KG): | – |
w/3-Speed manual trans. | 3,060 |
w/4-Speed manual trans. | 3,075 |
w/Powerglide automatic | 3,075 |
Hard Top: | 55 |
Interior Passenger Volume (cu.ft): | – |
Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft): | 12.09 |
Fuel Capacity (gallons): | 16.4 (24 with RPO 488) |
Engine Oil Capacity (qts.): | 5 (capacity of crankcase less filter – refill) |
Coolant Capacity (qts.): | 16.5 (with heater) |
Battery: | 12 volt, 11 plates per cell, 61AH, Delco 1980558 |
1962 Corvette Brakes, Wheels & Suspension
Suspension – Front
Unitized, Independant, Short and Long Arm
Front Springs: | Chevrolet, coil |
Make & Type | Chrome alloy steel .547 — .550 |
Material & Gauges | Total 9.75; active 7.94 |
Number of Coils | Outside 4.30; pitch 3.752 |
Diameter | Free 13.75; working [email protected] 1245 lb. |
Height | 9.72 |
Height Under Curb Weight | 800 lb. |
Capacity At Ground | – |
Deflection Rate | – |
-At Spring | 300 lb. |
-At Wheel | 110 lb. |
Front Shock Absorbers: | – |
Make & Type | Delco, direct double acting |
Mounting | Vertically from lower control arm through coil spring to front suspension crossmember |
Front Stabilizer Bar: | – |
Type | Link |
Material | Hot rolled steel |
Diameter | .8125 |
Suspension – Rear
Outrigger mounted semi-elliptical leaf springs
Rear Springs: | Specs |
Make & Type | Chevrolet, semi-elliptic |
Material | Chrome carbon steel |
Length & Width | 51×2.0 |
No. of Leaves | 4 |
Leaf Thickness | Number 1 & 3 = .282, Number 2 = .313, Number 4 = .262, Total = 1.159 |
Capacity | At pad = 575 lb., At ground = 725 lb. |
Rear Shock Absorbers: | Specs |
Make & Type | Delco, direct double acting |
Mounting | Stem attached to slotted holes in flanged “U” shaped rear crossmember, eye attached at bottom to an anchor bolt on rear spring “U” bolt and shock absorber anchor bolt plate |
Piston Diameter and Travel | 1.0 x 7.44 |
Rear Stabilizer Bar: | – |
Type | Link |
Material | Hot rolled steel |
Diameter | 0.625 |
Brakes: | Specs |
Type: | Duo Servo – 4 Wheel Hydraulic (Heavy Duty, RPO 687) |
Power brake type: | None |
Drum diameter, front (in.): | 11 |
Drum diameter, rear (in.): | 11 |
Effective area (sq. in.): | 157 (Heavy Duty 134.6) |
Wheels/Tires | Specs |
Wheel Type (Standard): | Short Spoke Disk, Pressed Steel |
Tire Size | 6.70 — 15 — 4 Ply Tubeless (standard), 6.70 — 15 — 4 Ply Whitewall |
Front & Rear Wheels: | 15″ |
Tires, type: | Rayon Cord (Nylon with RPO 1833) |
Revolutions at 30mph: | 760 |
Inflation (cold) | 24 lbs. Front & Rear |
Steering | Specs |
Type: | Semi-reversible, worm and ball bearing sector |
Make: | Saginaw |
Ratio: | 16.0:1 |
Wheel Diameter (in): | 17 |
Turns, Stop to Start | 3.7 (3.25 with RPO 687) |
Turn Diameter (curb to curb) | 36.5 ft. right — 37 ft. left (outside front), 38.5 ft. right — 39 ft. left (outside front) |
1962 Corvette Performance
Performance Results | Standard | RPO 583 | RPO 396 | RPO 582 |
3-Speed Transmission | ||||
Performance weight (lbs.) | 3360 | 3360 | 3340 | 3370 |
Pounds/gross horsepower | 13.44 | 11.20 | 9.82 | 9.36 |
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement | 10.28 | 10.28 | 10.21 | 10.31 |
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement | .765 | .917 | 1.040 | 1.101 |
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) | 241.6 | 241.6 | 241.6 | 241.6 |
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) | 143.8 | 143.8 | 144.7 | 143.4 |
0 – 60 mph (seconds) | – | – | – | – |
Top Speed (mph) | – | – | – | – |
Powerglide Transmission | ||||
Performance weight (lbs.) | 3375 | 3375 | 3355 | 3385 |
Pounds/gross horsepower | 13.50 | 11.25 | 9.87 | 9.40 |
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement | 10.32 | 10.28 | 10.26 | 10.35 |
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement | .764 | .917 | 1.040 | 1.101 |
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) | 241.6 | 241.6 | 241.6 | 241.6 |
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) | 143.0 | 143.0 | 144.0 | 142.7 |
0 – 60 mph (seconds) | – | – | – | 5.9 |
Top Speed (mph) | – | – | – | 132 |
4-Speed Transmission | ||||
Performance weight (lbs.) | 3375 | 3375 | – | – |
Pounds/gross horsepower | 13.50 | 11.25 | – | – |
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement | 10.32 | 10.32 | – | – |
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement | .764 | .917 | – | – |
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) | 241.6 | 241.6 | – | – |
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) | 137.5 | 138.1 | – | – |
0 – 60 mph (seconds) | 143.0 | 143.0 | – | – |
Top Speed (mph) | – | – | – | – |
1962 Corvette Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN)
VIN Range | 20867S100001 – 20867S114531 |
2 (First Digit) | Model year (“2” for 1962) |
0867 (Second thru Fifth Digit) | General Motors identification/series code for Chevrolet Corvette. |
S (Sixth Digit) | Location of the Assembly Plant. S – St. Louis, Missouri. |
1XXXXX (Seventh thru Twelfth Digits) | Production Sequence Numbers (or Unit Number). |
The last six digits begin at 100001 and run thru 110939. Each Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is unique to an individual car. For all 1962 Corvettes, the location of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped on a stainless steel tag and secured to the steering column in the engine compartment.
1962 Corvette Factory Options
CODE | DESCRIPTION | QUANTITY | RETAIL PRICE |
867 | Base Corvette Convertible | 14,531 | $4,038.00 |
102 | AM Radio, signal seeking | 13,076 | $137.75 |
203 | Rear Axle, 3.08:1 Ratio | – | $0.00 |
242 | Positive Crankcase Ventilation (California) | – | $5.40 |
276 | Wheels, 15 x 5.5 (5) | 561 | $0.00 |
313 | Powerglide Automatic Transmission | 1,532 | $199.10 |
396 | 327ci, 340HP Engine (4-Barrel Carburetor) | 4,412 | $107.60 |
419 | Auxillary Hardtop | 8,074 | $236.75 |
426 | Power Windows | 995 | $59.20 |
441 | Direct Flow Exhaust System | 2,934 | $0.00 |
473 | Power Operated Folding Top | 350 | $139.90 |
488 | 24 Gallon Fuel Tank | 65 | $118.40 |
582 | 327ci, 360HP Engine (Fuel Injection) | 1,918 | $484.20 |
583 | 327ci, 300HP Engine (4-Barrel Carburetor) | 3,294 | $53.80 |
675 | Positraction Rear Axle | 14,232 | $43.05 |
685 | 4-Speed Manual Transmission | 11,318 | $188.30 |
686 | Metallic Brakes | 2,799 | $37.70 |
687 | Heavy Duty Brakes and Special Steering | 246 | $333.60 |
1832 | Whitewall Tires, 6.70×15 | – | $31.55 |
1833 | Blackwall Tires, 6.70×15 nylon | – | $15.70 |
Base Corvette Roadster (867)
- The base price of the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette without any optional equipment.
- This base option price included a 327 cubic inch, 250 horsepower V8 4-barrel carburetor engine, 3-speed manual transmission, vinyl interior trim, and a soft top.
AM Radio, signal seeking (102)
- A standard Delco, signal seeking AM radio with conventional volume and selector bars.
Rear Axle, 3.08:1 Ratio (203)
- This axle ratio was recommended in combination with RPO 685 (4-Speed Manual Transmission).
- This combination gave an overall low gear of 7.83:1 for quick starts off the line.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (242)
- This PCV was applied to all Corvettes sold and delivered to California.
Wheels, 15×5.5 (276)
- Optional wheels that were one-half inch wider than stock.
- Featured small, passenger car hubcaps instead of standard, full wheel disc covers.
Powerglide Automatic Transmission (313)
- An “optional” two-speed automatic transmission developed by GM.
327 CI, 340 HP Engine (396)
- A “high output” version of the standard 327 CI, 250 HP engine.
- 4,412 of the 1962 Corvettes were built with this engine.
Auxiliary Hardtop (419)
- An optional hard-top that replaced the standard convertible top.
- Although the Auxiliary Hardtop is shown as an option, customers could swap the convertible top for the auxiliary hard top at no additional cost. Of the 8,074 Corvettes sold with this option, 3,179 of them were the result of this substitution.
Power Windows (426)
- Electronically controlled windows which could be raised or lowered during vehicle operation.
Direct Flow Exhaust (441)
- Or straight-through mufflers which allowed for better exhaust flow to reduce back pressure.
Power Operated Folding Top (473)
- Electronically controlled convertible top that could be automatically raised/lowered.
- Unlike the 1953-1955 Corvette Roadsters, which had an optional top that could be attached to the car, this convertible top was an integral part of the design, allowing the 1962 Corvette to be classified as a true convertible.
24 Gallon Fuel Tank (488)
- Special fiber glass fuel tank that allowed for greater fuel mileage by reducing weight.
- Replaced standard tank.
- Available only with the removable hardtop (due to spacing limitations created because of the increased storage space required for the convertible soft top.)
327ci, 360hp Engine (Fuel Injection) (582)
- A “high output” version of the standard 327 CI, 250 HP engine.
- 1,918 of the 1962 Corvettes were built with this engine.
327ci, 300hp, Engine (583)
- A “high output” version of the standard 327 CI, 250 HP engine.
- 3,294 of the 1962 Corvettes were built with this engine.
Positraction Rear Axle (675)
- A “limited slip” rear axle that engages both rear wheels as drive wheels.
- For 1962, RPO 675 required that the Corvette have a manual transmission.
4-Speed Manual Transmission (685)
- An optional four-speed, close ratio, syncromesh manual transmission.
- This option included a “T” handle with positive reverse lockout.
Metallic Brakes (686)
- Optional sintered-metallic brake linings which increases braking effectiveness.
- They comprised of three pairs of lining segments that were riveted to the primary brake shoes and five pairs of slightly thicker segments for the secondary shoes.
- Drums were finless with this option but were flared at their open ends to enhance cooling.
- The sintered linings made braking less harsh than the Cerametallic material and needed far less warming up to provide maximum braking effectiveness.
- They were developed by GM’s Delco-Moraine Division.
Heavy Duty Brakes and Special Steering (687)
- This option was designed to increase brake and steering performance and included the following:
- Special front and rear shocks
- Air scoops/deflectors for front brakes and air scoops for rear brakes
- Metallic brake facings
- Finned brake drums with cooling fans
- Quick steering adaptor
- Required: RPO 582 and RPO 675
Whitewall Tires, 6.70×15 (1832)
Had a narrower white side wall.
Blackwall Tires, 6.70×15 nylon (1833)
- Were offered as an option to the standard whitewall tires.
1962 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure
Download this 1962 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car.
Download 1962 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure
See Also
C1 | ’53 | ‘54 | ’55 | ’56 | ’57 | ’58 | ’59 | ’60 | ’61 | ’62 |
Gen | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 | C6 | C7 |
Source Material:
- The Pocket Book of the Corvette: The Definitive Guide to the All American Sports Car – Copyright 2003, Barnes & Noble
- CORVETTE: Sports Car Superstar – Copyright 2005, PIL – Publications International, Ltd.
- Corvette Black Book 1953-1009 – Antonick – Copyright 2009, Michael Bruce Associates Inc
- 0-60 and Top Speed numbers from Corvette – An American Classic, 1978)
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