If you are a collector who likes to pick your ride for sentimental reasons, the 1962 Corvette
could be the kind of iconic model that is calling your name. After all, 1962 was the final year for the first generation of the Corvette, before Chevrolet introduced the second generation in 1963 with their classic split-window Corvette Stingray.
But the 1962 Corvette had other features going for it that make it beyond iconic.
What makes the 1962 Corvette a sought-after collectible?
Chevrolet has envisioned the Corvette as a model for innovation since it went into production in 1953. 1961 and 1962 saw the company putting the finishing touches on the first generation of the classic, touches that would carry through for years to come.
The 1962 Corvette was nearly identical in design to the 1961 model, which introduced the double taillight design that would mark the Corvette through the 2014 model year.
Sure, some minor tweaks came into the 1962 version. Old Cars Guide
notes the emblem on the front and in the cove sides was changed to a set of crossed flags and in front was encircled in chrome. The cove was no longer trimmed in chrome and could not be painted a different color. The front grille was painted black instead of being chromed, and a ribbed aluminum piece was added to the rocker panel below the doors. The big change came under the hood. Chevy boosted the power of the 1962 Corvette with a 327-cubic-inch V8 engine, up from 283 in previous years. That allowed the Corvette to boast 250 horsepower on the base model, 300 and 340 hp on optional engines, and a lovely 360 hp on a fuel-injected V8, giving the Corvette the power to match the demands of its sleek styling.
Features that disappeared after 1962
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With the advent of the second generation coming in 1963, features that disappeared after the 1962 Corvette might be more notable than what appeared in 1962.
First, the Corvette was no longer produced as a convertible-only model starting in 1963. According to the Corvette Museum
, Chevrolet produced 14,531 Corvettes in 1962, all of them convertibles. The 1962 Corvette included both soft-top, fold-back models and removable hardtops. With the move away from the convertible-only option, Chevy eliminated the wrap-around windshield. Chevrolet also did away with the exposed headlights and trunk lid the following year. Most importantly, the company converted from the solid rear axle to an independent suspension in 1963, making the 1962 the last Corvette with a solid axle.
The cost of a 1962 Corvette: then and now
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The base cost of a 1962 Corvette was a smooth $4,038, according to NADA Guides
. Choosing the fuel-injection engine added about $500 to the base price. Many other upgrades were offered—even adding an AM radio could set you back $137. If you want to park a 1962 Corvette in your driveway today, you'll be looking at anywhere from $38,400 to $101,400 for the base model, depending upon condition and mileage. For the fuel-injected version, add about 40% to those prices, bringing a mint-condition model up to more than $140,000.
Insurance for the classic 1962 Corvette
If you find your classic 1962 Corvette, you want to be sure to get the proper insurance to maintain such a valuable automobile. The friendly and professional agents at Jerry
will help you assess various policies to ensure you have proper coverage for the full value of your Corvette for the best price. After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They can even help cancel your old policy!
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