1962 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
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The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport of 1962 is a true masterpiece in terms of high-performance sports cars of its era. A limited production of only five vehicles were built, and they were designed specifically to compete with European sports cars. The Grand Sport has become one of the most iconic and coveted Corvettes ever created, which makes it a popular car to collect and restore today.
The 1962 Corvette Grand Sport came with a lightweight body made of aluminum and fiberglass, and it weighed only 1,900 pounds. The car featured a powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine that generated 550 horsepower, which was a significant upgrade from the standard engine that was offered at the time. The engine was backed by a four-speed manual transmission, which was a popular choice among gearheads at the time.
The Grand Sport also had improved handling characteristics over the standard Corvette. It had a redesigned suspension that included a larger front anti-roll bar, stiffer springs, and a lower ride height. The car came standard with disc brakes on all four corners, which was a first for an American car. The combination of these features made the Grand Sport a formidable competitor on racetracks all over the world.
One of the highlights of the Grand Sport was its aerodynamic body design. The car had a low-slung front end with a large air intake and a centered grille, which allowed for improved airflow into the engine bay. The rear of the car featured a pair of fender flares and a balanced spoiler that improved downforce and stability at high speeds. The overall result was a sleek and aggressive-looking car that had the performance to match.
Inside the 1962 Corvette Grand Sport, the car was Spartan in terms of creature comforts. The car's lightweight mentality meant that many amenities were removed, including the sound-deadening materials, heating and air conditioning, and a radio. The interior was focused on providing a functional and purposeful driving experience, with bolstered bucket seats and a simple gauge cluster.
The 1962 Corvette Grand Sport was a significant accomplishment for Chevrolet. The car was the culmination of years of engineering and development, and it represented the pinnacle of high-performance sports cars of its time. Its lightweight construction, powerful engine, improved handling, and aerodynamics made it a racing legend that still captures the imagination of car enthusiasts today.
Milestones
- Introduced in 1962 as a limited-production racing version of the Corvette - Only 5 prototypes were built, featuring lightweight body panels and a powerful 6.2L V8 engine - Planned for competition in the GT class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but cancelled by GM due to internal competition policies - Despite cancellation, the Grand Sport still achieved success in various races and set speed records at Daytona and Sebring - The Grand Sport program was officially ended in 1963, and all 5 prototypes were sold to private owners - Today, the original Grand Sport Corvettes are highly coveted and valuable collectibles, with a price tag in the millions.Technical
• Engine: 327 cubic inch, V8• Horsepower: 360 @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 352 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 4-speed manual
• Suspension: Independent front, solid axle rear
• Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel disc
• Tires: 6.70 x 15 bias-ply
• Top speed: 140 mph
• 0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds
• Weight: 2,700 lbs
• Production numbers: 1,000 units
• Special features: Lightweight fiberglass body panels, racing suspension, larger brakes, and unique badging.
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