Description:

MODEL HISTORY
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car manufactured by General Motors (GM). It has been produced through seven generations with the first model, designed by Harley Earl, introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car.

The first generation Corvette, or C1, was often referred to as the ‘solid-axle' model as the independent rear suspension was not introduced until the second generation. Over the years, the C1 went through several aesthetic and mechanical alterations, and in 1956 a new body was introduced featuring a new ‘face' and side coves; the taillamp fins were also removed. An optional fuel injection system was made available in the middle of the 1957 model year. Other options included power windows, a hydraulically operated power softtop, heavy-duty brakes and suspension, and a four-speed manual gearbox.

In 1958 the Corvette received further body and interior freshening which included a longer front end with quad headlamps, bumper exiting exhaust tips, a new steering wheel, plus a dashboard with all gauges mounted directly in front of the driver. In 1961, the rear of the car was completely redesigned with the addition of a ‘duck tail' featuring four round lights.

In 1962, the Chevrolet 4.7-litre small-block was enlarged to the 327 cu in 5.4-litre V8. In standard form it produced 250hp but for an extra 12% over list price, the fuel-injected version produced 360hp making it the fastest of the C1 generation. A total of 14,531 1962 Corvettes were built but amazingly only 1,918 Corvette buyers in 1962 opted for this expensive high performance option.

Out of those 1,918, however, only a few checked off the real racing packages on Corvette's list of Regular Production Options. ‘RPO 687' was the first hurdle: Heavy Duty Brakes and Steering. It included a host of high performance goodies that made a Corvette essentially unsuitable for street driving: special shock absorbers, air scoops for the front and rear brakes with deflectors up front, metallic brakes, finned braked drums with integral cooling, and a quick steering adaptor. In 1962 only 246 Corvette buyers were sufficiently performance committed to select ‘RPO 687'. Even fewer buyers then selected the rarest of all 1962 Corvette options, the 24-gallon long distance fuel tank that filled the space normally set aside for luggage and the folding top. Its filler cap came through the normal top boot cover, requiring owners to go with the hardtop-only option, which was then fitted with a special rear window for access to the fuel filler. Only 65 buyers selected this ‘RPO 488', making "Big Tank" cars the most rare of all 1962 Corvettes.
EQUIPMENT
RPO 687: Heavy duty brakes and steering, RPO 488: 24-gallon 'big tank' with modified hard top, Roll cage, Four-speed manual gearbox, Driver's four-point harness, Ridgard bucket seats, Hardtop, Headlamp guards, MSD ignition, Fire extinguisher.
EXTERIOR
This example is one of the few and highly desirable all-out endurance racing cars equipped with the 327 cu in engine, 4-speed gearbox, ‘RPO 687' Heavy Duty Brakes and Steering, and ‘RPO 488' 24-gallon tank with modified hardtop and fuel filler access through the rear window. Equipped with the Sebring package of additional front sway bar and tuned exhaust system, it is "state of the art" in high performance road-racing Corvettes from 1962.

Finished in Honduras Maroon metallic, the paintwork on this Corvette retains a wonderful patina having lead a competitive race lifestyle since the 1960s, most recently at the Goodwood Motor Circuit (pictured). The bold ivory and black stripes present well and, coupled with the number eight decals, complete the racing aesthetic.

The paintwork, although far from concours, displays only minor ‘battle scar' imperfections, and is adorned with numerous nostalgic race and rally decals, further emphasising the car's competitive past. Aside from a few small blemishes the chrome is bright, with all glass and lenses in good order. Having originated from a dry climate, the Corvette is completely solid and corrosion-free.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Removing the bonnet from the Corvette reveals the 327 cu in 5.4-litre V8. Built to FIA regulations, the race-prepared engine features a Holley Double Pumper carburetor as well as a COMP Cams flat tappet camshaft. The block and heads are period correct, and the rocker gear is also stock.

This example produces a monstrous 403hp. The block itself is finished in bright orange and features Edelbrock rocker covers and a handsome, polished air filter cover. As with the rest of the vehicle there is no corrosion at all to the engine bay. Having been worked on and prepared by the current owner's personal team of technicians, everything is in fine fettle and is entirely race-ready. The original engine is included with the purchase and is currently undergoing a full rebuild.
HISTORY FILE
The owner of this example is a keen collector and competitive driver of historic racing cars, and has owned the Corvette for the last twelve years. Little is known of this particular car's early competition history, although it did race in the States throughout the 1960s. Most recently the vehicle has competed at the Goodwood Motor Circuit 73rd Members meeting, vying for track space with the likes of E-types and Cobras.

This is an outstanding, rare and important Corvette previously of Mike Yager's MY Garage collection. Resplendent in Honduras Maroon, it is ready to show or to be campaigned as a highly competitive entrant in historic races.

Website:

http://www.lightscarsaction.com