Dennis Collins’ Remarkable Rescue: Salvaging a Significant 1962 Chevy Corvette

Arguably, what makes this Corvette special is what rests in the engine compartment; 1962 is the first year for the 327 cubic-inch V8.

With this in mind, Collins gets to work verifying the details.

After a quick inspection, it’s confirmed that a numbers-matching engine sits under the hood – accompanying this discovery is an original four-speed transmission.

A further look reveals this power plant is the 300 horsepower version; Chevy also offered the engine in 250, 340, and 360 horsepower configurations.

Collins surmised the cast aluminum valve covers were an aftermarket add-on (these only came with the more powerful engines).

Saying Goodbye To A Classic 1969 Corvette

1962 was a significant year in Corvette lore.

Significantly, it’s the last version of the C1 generation, and by this time, Chevy had significantly upgraded its breakthrough sports car.

Mainly, this involved ditching the diminutive 283 cubic-inch V8 in favor of a gutsy 387.

Other notables for the 1962 Corvette include this being the last year for exposed headlights until 2005 with the C6 generation.

This model year is also the last time a functional trunk appears on a Corvette until the 1998 C5 convertible – in addition, Chevrolet dropped the straight axle with the debut of the C2 Corvette