Frame Off Restored Corvette Roadster L84 Fuelie 327/360hp V8 4 Speed

One of the best things about the C1 Corvette is its ability to display a wide range of personalities without ever straying from its performance roots. From refined to sinister, a change of color is all it takes to show these cars in a new light. This 1962 Corvette roadster airs on the classier side of possibilities thanks to its tasteful Fawn Beige exterior and matching cockpit. But don't let that reserved look fool you – there's some serious firepower under that fiberglass. One of only 1,918 cars equipped with the legendary L84 327, this classic mixes 360 horsepower of Chevrolet small block with a row-it-yourself Borg Warner 4-speed. And, as the beneficiary of a comprehensive, body-off restoration, it presents with authenticity, and drives every bit as good as it looks! There's never a bad time for a great Corvette! If you're looking for one of the best, step right up and take the wheel of this awesome L84 roadster!

SUBSTANTIAL APPEAL

Judging by its serial number, this roadster left GM's St. Louis line in May of 1962. While a lot of Vettes left that plant dressed in red, white, or silver, this car found a more sophisticated hue in code 920 Fawn Beige. The color's impact is heightened by Chevrolet's decision to go monochromatic for the model year, putting an end to those storied contrasting coves. The paintwork presents as it should – even and lustrous without crossing the line into over-restored territory. There are pictures of the car stripped to its bare essence during the build and, even then, the body presented well, being the kind of solid, no-hit shell builders always hope to begin with. Panel fitment is true to factory standards and, overall, this classic makes a great first impression.

For 1962, Chevrolet further refined an already great body style, creating a perfect send-off piece for the C1 Corvette. This drop-top wears those updates exceptionally well. At the front of the car, a black grille rides behind chrome bumperettes while quad headlights cap sinuous fenders. Corvette script spans the header panel, capped with a 1962-exclusive Corvette emblem. Follow the hood toward a crystal clear windshield, wrapped in stainless frames and kept clean by stainless wipers. Swing over to the side to admire the swept front fender wells leading into those classic coves. Crisp “Fuel Injection” badges hang under appropriate cross-flag emblems, while the cutouts features fine-tooth 1962-exclusive grilles. A driver side mirror, chrome door handles, and ribbed rocker molding complete that view. And out back, a “ducktail” deck continues the car's overall sense of motion, capped with dual round taillights and a second set of chrome bumperettes.

SUBSTANTIAL POWER

If you wanted the top option Corvette, the new-for-1962 L84 327 was the way to go. Making an impressive 1.146 horsepower per cubic inch (360 horsepower total), the compact powerhouse remained the highest-rated production small block ever offered by Chevrolet until the quad-cam LT5 was introduced in 1990. Rebuilt to factory specs, the original L84 in this roadster utilizes a high-lift cam, Double Hump Heads, and 11.25 to 1 compression to hit those impressive numbers. Of course, the star of the show is the Rochester mechanical fuel injection setup perched atop an aluminum Winters intake– an option just 1,918 buyers selected for the model year. The front of the engine turns little aside from a period-correct generator while the water pump pairs with a Harrison radiator, a Harrison expansion tank, GM hoses, and single fan to keep the bay cool. The finned valve covers wear their age well and, at the back, the chrome ignition cover adds some factory flash to the engine compartment. And, as expected, the mill displays a correct 3782870 casting number behind a correct "RF" suffix stamp and matching 110937 partial VIN.

SUBSTANTIAL ATHLETICISM

Crawl under this Corvette to find a solid undercarriage that's restored to the same high standards as the car's glossy exterior. The floors are finished with a light layer of undercoating while the X-braced frame and key mechanical components are finished in standard Satin Black. Behind the L84, an original Borg Warner 4-speed powers a posi-traction axle and big, 3.73 gears. Suspension stays true to stock, with a double A-arm independent front-half leading a solid axle rear-clip. There are sway bars at both ends, and axle straps come in handy during quick takeoffs. The driving experience is a direct one thanks to manual steering and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, which are surprisingly effective at the bringing the car to a quick halt. Factory-style exhaust carries spent gases through factory-style mufflers and angle-cut pipes. At the corners, 15-inch wheels spin full covers inside 6.70-15 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls, completing the car in period-correct styling.

SUBSTANTIAL STYLE

Between the doors, this Corvette conveys a distinctly upmarket feel thanks to a matching Fawn interior. Step over the polished sill pates onto clean Tuxedo carpeting that's protected by thick floor mats. That carpet extends on the bottom of the restored door panels, freshened with new hardware and reflectors. The vinyl bucket seats are still firm and supportive, and the stainless outlines that extend behind them present as new, flowing into a classic waterfall. A short shifter is framed by an original looking shift plate. The dash is an attractive jet-age carry over with a dramatic speedometer backing small accessory gauges and a prominent tachometer. All the chrome pulls and switches show well and, in the center stack, a Wonder Bar radio tops factory heater controls. This is a two-top car so, behind the seats, you'll find a white canvas top which can be hidden and replaced by a body-matched hardtop whenever you feel so inclined.

VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* An original Owner's Guide
* Restoration photos

Corvettes are always special cars, and rarities like this timeless roadster run that appeal right through the roof! The car presents well from every angle, and the fuel-injected small block is just as fun now as it was in 1962. What's better: given the exclusivity of authentic L84 cars, this Corvette will likely retain excellent value. If you're looking for a cool C1 to round out your collection, here's the perfect choice!

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SUMMARY

* Body-off restoration
* 327 cubic inch L84 V8 / Rochester fuel injection / 360 horsepower
* 4-speed manual transmission / Borg Warner T10
* Posi-traction differential / 3.73 gears
* Fawn Beige paint
* Fawn interior
* Restoration photos
* Two tops (canvas/hardtop)