327ci OHV V8 Engine
Mechanical Fuel Injection
Approx. 360bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Formerly owned by the late, famed automotive journalist David E. Davis
*Numbers matching
*Beautiful original example
*With factory hard top

THE '62 CORVETTE

Chevrolet had touched a cord with the Corvette when it was introduced in 1953 and had hit its true rhythm when it put a V8 and manual transmission in it in 1955. By 1962, Chevrolet had firmly secured its position as America's sportscar builder and plans where well underway for the second-generation 'Vette that would debut the next year. Of course, prior to heading out, Chevy saved the best version of the first generation 'Vette for last—the '62 Fuelie.

Of the 14,531 Corvette built in 1962, only 1,918 were ordered with the most potent available power plant, the 327 cubic inch, 360hp Rochester fuel-injected V8. It was little wonder as checking the box for RPO582 added $484.20 to the bottom line—about 12% of the base price alone. This example is one of those rare birds that was bestowed with the famous Fuelie motor. Not stopping there, however, the boxes for Positraction rear axle, 4-speed manual transmission, and Wonderbar radio were also ticked.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Ordered new in Roman Red with a matching red interior and black top, this Fuelie certainly enjoyed a life of careful maintenance and privilege. Its quality and presentation brought it to the eye of David E. Davis, who in 2005 was looking for something a bit meatier than his 1957 Alfa Romeo. Davis, who had worked for the Campbell-Ewald advertising agency writing promotional copy about Corvettes in 1962 and had come up with the famous ad line "Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet", decided to practice that which he had preached and with the help of the GM Heritage Center found and acquired this example.

After enjoying the car for a few years and with his nostalgic itch seemingly scratched, it was acquired by its next owner in 2008. A meticulous enthusiast, he careful worked to enhance the overall authenticity of the car. The old American Race wheels were ditched for the correct steel wheels and 'dog dish' hubcaps. Al Knoch Interiors provided a correct vinyl soft top while the original hardtop was fastidiously restored by Auto Entc of Crescent, Pennsylvania. When it was shown at the October 2009 Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles in Canton, Ohio it took home the Award of Distinction in the American Sports Car class.

The Fuelie joined the Oldenburg Family Collection in early 2010, after its purchase, a comprehensive mechanical overhaul was completed with receipts totaling $4,700 in parts alone, and then in 2013 it was sold by Bonhams to the former owner. But a deep case of seller's remorse, meant that it wasn't much more than a year or so, before the car returned to that very same stable from which it is offered again today. In the ensuing 6-7 years, and before it has been continually enjoyed by the Oldenburgs as a reliable steed, while it has been partner on extended journeys from Wisconsin to California and back twice, and regularly to the northern tip of the state. Along the way further maintenance has included curing of a hot start issue and general 'dialling in'

On the scale of desirability, this Corvette has all the best bits matched. Most powerful engine? Check. Exciting ownership history? Check. Striking preservation of originality and authenticity? Check. As David E. once implored us all to do, head to the ballpark, buy a 'dog, finish it off with a bit of apple pie, and head home in your red Chevrolet Corvette.