1962 Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the first generation of the Corvette sports car produced by Chevrolet. It was introduced late in the 1953 model year, and produced through 1962. This generation is commonly referred to as the “solid-axle” generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Stingray.

The Corvette was rushed into production for its debut model year to capitalize on the enthusiastic public reaction to the concept vehicle, but expectations for the new model were largely unfulfilled. Reviews were mixed and sales fell far short of expectations through the car’s early years. The program was nearly canceled, but Chevrolet decided to make necessary improvements.

There were few complainers back then because the ’62 Corvette had so much to offer in compensations. The stylists had their act together with the bodywork, having given up on most of the chromium furbelows tacked here and there on earlier Corvettes. A lovely aluminum-cased four-speed transmission was in place with a choice of closely or widely spaced ratios. The whole Western world waned to sell the farm and ramble down Route 66 in one of these machines.

These days, anybody can drive a Corvette flat out. Even through the TBI V-8 and turbo Hydra-matic powertrain will pull you to a higher terminal speed than we registered at Old Red’s redline, it takes so long to get there, you’ll need Nebraska. The handling and braking offer more security than the good hands of Allstate. You can drive out of almost any misfortune you’re likely to stumble into just by keeping paws at nine and three and steering away from the more massive fixed objects. If you’re talented enough to keep pavement under the flat Goodyear tires, the whole U.S. is Road America and you’re qualified just a few rows back from the pole.