1962 Corvette Stingray Overview

The 1962 Corvette had many features in common with previous models.
And it had a few that made it unique.

The car had a solid rear axle — Chevrolet did not introduce
independent rear suspension until 1963. The 1962 Corvette also had a V-8
engine. (The last inline six-cylinder engine, the ?Blue Flame,? was
installed in seven 1955 Corvettes.) The 1962 Corvette’s V-8 engine was a
327 cubic inch (5.36 L) small block powerhouse, which put out 340
horsepower (250 kW), making it the fastest C1 Corvette. The dual
four-barrel carburetor engine was no longer available for 1962, while
the base 250 horsepower engine and the 300 horsepower optional engine
featured hydraulic lifters. The 340 horsepower carburetor and
fuel-injected engines had solid lifters.

Like it predecessors, the vehicle had a ?boat-tail? rear end, with
four round taillights ? a body feature that continues today. Options
that were available included power windows; a hydraulically operated
convertible top; heavy-duty suspension, steering, and brakes; and a
manual four-speed transmission. Other, rarely-bought options include a
24-gallon gas tank and 15 x 5.5 wheels.

The 1962 Corvette was the last model year for some traditional
Corvette standards up to that time. It was the last year for the
wrap-around windshield, the final solid rear axle, the end of the
convertible-only body style, and the end of exposed headlights — until
2005 when the C6 Corvette sported exposed headlights after a 43-year
absence.