Lot 170 - 1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1

• Restored example
• 327ci with a four-speed manual gearbox

General Motors designer Harley Earl loved sports cars and was influenced by the GI’s bringing home MGs, Jaguars, Alfa Romeo’s and the like after hostilities ceased in Europe in 1945. Even the small independent carmaker, Nash Motors, began selling a two-seater sports car in 1951. Earl convinced GM that they also needed to build a two-seat sports car. Earl and his 'special projects' crew began working on the new car later that year which was code named 'Opel'. The result was the 1953 Corvette, which took its name from a small, manoeuvrable fighting frigate and was unveiled to the public at that years Motorama Car Show.

Presented in iconic red with red inserts, this splendid C1 was fully restored in the US before our enthusiastic owner took delivery in early 2017. This is an Arizona supplied car, as seen by the original US title. The first and only owner in the UK, our vendor, has used the car for trips to the pub and local shows in his five years of ownership, with most journeys being relatively short apart from a recent trip to Cornwall during which he states the car performed excellently both their and back and was a pleasure to drive. Boasting the 327ci V8 engine, recent additions include a new fuel tank and electronic ignition, new water pump, all gearbox and shaft seals replaced on the four-speed manual gearbox and we are informed there are no drips, the Rochester carburettor has been rebuilt and fitted which has made for a great responsive drive.

Having always been garaged in an air-conditioned garage, as part of our vendors modest collection, the car never sees the rain and at the time of consignment all gauges were in working order apart from the clock, but one could say time stands still when enjoying a C1 on the road with the top down. This is a very well priced and iconic C1 in what we believe is the best colour combination.