Footnotes

• Back in 1953, Chevrolet's launch of a two-seater sports car was a radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. Based on Harley Earl's EX-122 Motorama show car of 1952, the Corvette made use of existing GM running gear, suitably modified, and a shortened chassis frame around which was wrapped striking glassfibre coachwork. A novelty at the time, glassfibre construction kept tooling costs down to a level commensurate with low-volume production and enabled the 'Vette to go from design to introduction in less than two years. Motive power came from Chevrolet's 235.5ci (3.8-litre) overhead-valve straight six, which in 'Blue Flame' (Corvette) specification produced 150 or 155bhp. Unusually for a sports car there was automatic transmission: GM's two-speed Powerglide.
  
  Intended as competition for the T-Series MG, the Corvette cost way above the target figure, ending up in Jaguar XK120 territory. Sales were sluggish initially and the Corvette came close to being axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet's need to compete with Ford's newly introduced Thunderbird. It would go on to become the world's longest running and most successful sports car.
  
  The Corvette in its second (1956-onwards) incarnation evolved slowly, gaining a four-headlight front end for '58 and a restyled 'duck tail' rear, before acquiring a quartet of tail lights and an enlarged trunk for '61. The 'Vette was face-lifted and improved annually, with more and more options becoming part of the car's standard inventory in the process; in 1962 a stock Corvette came with electric clock, rev counter, heater/de-froster, seat belts, windshield washer, and an outside rear-view mirror. Major chassis engineering changes were few, but included a new rear anti-roll bar and aluminium radiator.
  
  The big news for '62 was the introduction of a 327ci (5.4-litre) V8 engine as the Corvette power plant, with maximum outputs ranging from 250bhp with a single, four-barrel carburettor to 360bhp on fuel injection. Equipped with the latter (RPO 582) unit, the Corvette was a genuine 140mph-plus car that could reach the 'ton' in only 13.5 seconds, the latter time being some two seconds quicker that that of the contemporary Jaguar E-Type.
  
  This stunning Corvette Roadster was fully restored to factory specification in the USA in 2014-2015 while in the care of previous custodian, a Florida based Corvette specialist, its owner for seven years. Some measure of the restoration's superb quality and the car's outstanding originality may be gained from the fact that it won 1st prize in the 'American Coupes and Convertibles' class at the 2015 Boca Raton Concours, held at the eponymous resort on the Florida coast. Finished in Fawn Beige, one of six colours available for 1962, this particular Corvette has the highly desirable 360bhp fuel-injected V8 engine, the four-speed manual transmission, and electric power windows (all extra-cost options) and thus can be said to represent the model in its ultimate specification. A spare set of wheels and tyres is included in the sale.
  
  Purchased by the current owner earlier this year, the car is only offered for sale because his hectic schedule does not allow him sufficient time to enjoy it. Currently MoT'd and offered with a V5C registration document, this gorgeous Corvette Roadster would grace any important private collection or concours lawn.
  

Saleroom notices

• Please be advised that the number plates on this car are incorrect, they should read 263 UYS.