1962 Chevrolet Full-Size Cars Fact Sheet
Chevrolet’s Refinement
for 1962
Same size car as 1961, yet most would not think so. GM Design changed the total look without changing the size. Unfortunately, the “bubble top” hardtop was lost to the 2-door hardtop with a “convertible” look took its place.
General Year Information
All Chevrolets benefited from the body side sculpturing of the 1962 design – purposefully created to make the car appear longer though it was not. Exterior bright metal decoration started at the front fascia where pairs of headlamps flanked an anodized aluminum grille. At the rear, the two or three tail lights per side theme remained, and the cove was different – designed to stretch the apparent width of the car.
Engine choices were the big news:
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- In the small block line, the venerable 283 CID V-8 was regatd to only the 170 HP base V-8.
- The new 327 CID small block V-8 replaced the 348 CID but only offered two choices – 250 and 300 HP.
- The W-Series 409 was now the only big block choice, and only in two flavors – 380 HP and 409 HP.
The Turboglide transmission was discontinued.
The Super Sport Package no longer included mandatory engine options. It was now an exterior “dress up” kit. Bucket seats and a special dash could be ordered as extra cost options added to the Package.
Models Offered
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The least expensive full-sized Chevrolet benefited from the same body side sculpturing of all of the 1962 full size cars. Standard features included heater and defroster, dual sun visors, crank operated ventipanes (small vent windows at the front of the front windows) , directional signals, parallel action windshield wipers, front door arm rests, ash tray, coat hooks and color keyed vinyl-coated rubber floor coverings. Interiors were trimmed in cloth and leather grain vinyl with all vinyl sidewalls.
Exterior bright metal decoration included an anodized aluminum grille with pairs of headlamps on each side. Biscaynes had a slender, full length lower body sill molding and four taillights at the rear. “Biscayne” in script appeared on the rear fenders. Small hub caps were standard. The line now only consisted of the 2- and 4-door sedans with no “Fleetmaster” or “utility” models. The station wagon was no longer called “Brookwood” – now merely “Biscayne”. I-6 and V-8 models were considered separate models however, and designated as such.
The Bel Air was Chevrolet’s mid-priced line. Standard equipment included all Biscayne features: heater and defroster, dual sun visors, crank operated ventipanes (small vent windows at the front of the front windows) , directional signals, parallel action windshield wipers, front door arm rests, ash tray, and coat hooks. However extra quality interior appointments were added: foam front and rear seats, color keyed carpeting, foam backed luggage compartment mat and a line-specific steering wheel hub. Interiors were higher grade cloth and vinyl combinations.
A full-length upper body side molding was used with “Bel Air” in script appearing on the rear fenders just below it. A stainless bright gutter cap molding was another Bel Air feature. Like the Biscayne, four taillights, arranged two on each side, were seen. A bright rear cove molding added a touch of distinction. Like the Biscayne, the line was trimmed with no 4-door sport sedan offered. Onthey the 2- and 4-door sedans and the Sport Coupe were offered. The station wagon was now called the Bel Air Station Wagon – no longer the “Parkwood”. Bel Airs also treated the I-6 and V-8 equipped cars as separate models.
Chevrolet’s top model was again the Impala line. Standard equipment included all the features found on the Bel Air line. Also included was bright aluminum front seat end panels, bright metal backed rear view mirror, extra-long front and rear arm rests with finger-tip door release handles, built-in door safety panel reflectors, rear seat radio grille (in Sport Coupe and convertible), and a Sports type steering wheel with Impala center emblem. The instrument panel included an electric clock, parking brake warning light, glove compartment light and bright metal valance panels. Interiors had more plush cloth and leather grain vinyl combinations and included an embossed vinyl headliner.
Exterior body side trim consisted of a full-length body side upper molding with color keyed insert, a wide, ribbed body sill molding, stainless steel window reveals (except on the convertible), and “Impala” in script with an “Impala” badge was on the rear fenders. Front fender ornaments were standard, while, at the rear, a brushed aluminum cove panel with six taillamps was found. Backup lights were built in. A simulated rear window vent was seen, below the glass, on all styles except the convertible.
Option Code 240 Super Sport package was now a trim option. It added the following items on regular Impala equipment: Swirl-patten body side moldings, “SS” rear fender emblems, “SS” deck lip badge, specific Super Sport full wheel discs with simulated knock-off spinners, locking center console and passenger assist bar. The Super Sport option was available on the Impala Sport Coupe and convertible at $53.80 extra. If bucket seats were ordered, that added another $102.25.
Engines
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- 236 CID I-6 135 HP
- 283 CID V-8 170 HP
- 283 CID V-8 230 HP
- 327 CID V-8 250 HP
- 327 CID V8 300 HP
- 409 CID V8 380 HP
- 409 CID V8 409 HP
Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 235.5 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.56 x 3.94 inches. Compression ratio: 8.25:1. Horsepower: 135 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 217 @ 2200 RPM. Four main bearings. (w/3-speed SMT) Solid valve lifters. (Other Transmission) Hydraulic valve lifters. Valve Timing: (includes 50° of ramp) Intake (336°) 286°, Exhaust: (336°) 286°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3275″, Exhaust 0.3275″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: SMT 7020003, Optional Powerglide 7020106; Optional SMT 7020107.
Turbo-Fire 283 V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 170 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 275 @ 2200RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (includes 50° of ramp) Intake (315°) 265°, Exhaust (315°) 262°, Valve Lift: 0.3336″. Carburetor: Rochester two barrel: SMT 7020007, AMT 7020008.
Super Turbofire V-8. (RPO 410) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28°. Carburetor: (SMT) Carter four barrel 3779178; (AMT) Rochester 7019004.
Turbo-Fire 327 V-8. (RPO 300) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 2800RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 300°, Exhaust: 300°, Lift: Intake 0.3987″, Exhaust 0.3987″. Overlap 78°. Carburetor: Carter AFB four barrel #3788246.
Turbo-Fire 300 HP 327 V-8. (RPO 397) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 2800RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 300°, Exhaust: 300°, Lift: Intake 0.3987″, Exhaust 0.3987″. Overlap 78°. Carburetor: Carter AFB four barrel #3797699.
Turbo-Fire 409 V-8 (RPO 580). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 409 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.3125 x 3.50 inches. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 380 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 420 @ 3200RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (includes ramps 50°) Intake: (398°) 348°, Exhaust: (353°) 303°, Lift: Intake 0.4396″, Exhaust 0.4396″. Overlap 85°. Carburetor: Carter AFB model 3345 .
Turbo-Fire 409 V-8 (RPO 587). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 409 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.3125 x 3.50 inches. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 409 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 420 @ 4000RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (includes ramps 50°) Intake: (398°) 348°, Exhaust: (353°) 303°, Lift: Intake 0.4396″, Exhaust 0.4396″. Overlap 85°. Carburetors: Carter AFB 3361 (front) 3362 (rear).
Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 119 inches.
- Overall length: 209.6 inches.
- Front tread: 60.3 inches.
- Rear tread: 59.3 inches.
- Width: 78.4 inches.
- Height: 55.5 inches.
- Tires: Impala and Bel Air – 7.50 x 14 black or whitewall tubeless, Biscayne – 7.00 x 14 black tubeless, whitewalls optional, Station Wagons 8.00 x 14 black or whitewall tubeless.
Significant Options
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- Air foam front seat cushions for Biscayne ($8).
- Bucket Seats (Impala Sport Coupe and convertible only) ($102).
- Carburetor, economy ($8).
- Comfort and Convenience Group for Impala ($30); for Bel Air ($41); for Biscayne ($44).
- Cool Pack air-conditioner ($317).
- Delcotron 45-amp generator ($27). Note: Generator option not available with 409 cubic inch V-8s.
- Delcotron 52-amp generator, with Deluxe air-conditioner ($8); without air ($34). Note: Generator option not available with 409 cubic inch V-8s.
- Deluxe air-conditioning with automatic transmission, includes heater ($364).
- Deluxe steering wheel for Biscayne ($4).
- Generator 35-amp ($8).
- Group A body equipment including OSRV mirror, rear bumper guards, grille guard and inside non glare mirror, for station wagons ($29); other models ($34).
- Heavy-duty battery ($8). Oil bath air cleaner ($5).
- Heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, except station wagons ($1).
- Heavy-duty front coil springs ($1).
- Heavy-duty metallic-faced brakes ($38).
- Heavy-duty radiator ($11). Posi-traction rear axle ($43).
- Heavy-duty rear coil springs ($3).
- Heavy-duty six-cylinder clutch ($30).
- Lockable station wagon rear compartment ($11).
- Padded dash ($16).
- Positive crankcase ventilation system I-6 ($12).
- Positive crankcase ventilation system V-8 ($5).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power seat – six-Way ($97).
- Power steering ($75).
- Power tailgate window ($32).
- Power windows, not available on Biscayne ($102).
- Powerglide transmission, I-6 ($188).
- Powerglide transmission, V-8. ($199). Note: Not available with 409 cubic inch engine.
- Radio – manual ($48).
- Radio – push button ($57).
- Shaded Sport Coupe back light ($14).
- Station wagon divided second seat ($38).
- Tachometer V-8s only ($49).
- Temperature controlled 170 horsepower V-8 radiator fan ($16).
- Tinted glass, all windows ($38); windshield only ($22).
- Tire options – whitewall and oversize ($31-36).
- Transmission, close-ratio four-speed with Turbo-Fire V-8 ($188).
- Transmission, Overdrive ($108).
- Two-tone paint ($16).
- Vinyl trim for Biscayne sedan ($5).
- Wheel discs ($18).
- Wipers with washers – electric two-speed ($17).
Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1962 Chevrolet –
Current Market Values
- 1962 Chevrolet Impala Valuation Tool
- 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Valuation Tool
- 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne Valuation Tool
Super Sport Model
NOTE: Option Code 240 Super Sport package was now a trim option. It added the following items on regular Impala equipment: Swirl-pattern body side moldings, “SS” rear fender emblems, “SS” deck lip badge, specific Super Sport full wheel discs with simulated knock-off spinners, locking center console and passenger assist bar.
The Super Sport option was available on the Impala Sport Coupe and convertible at $53.80 extra. If bucket seats were ordered, that added another $102.25.
Powertrains
Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 283 CID V-8: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.33:1
- 327 CID V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.80:1
- 409 CID V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.80:1
Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 327 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1
- 409 CID V-8: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.66:1, 3rd – 1.31:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1
Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT and Powerglide – 3.36:1, Station Wagon All – 3.55:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.70:1
- 283 CID V-8 170 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.70:1, Powerglide – 3.36:1
- 327 CID V-8 250 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, Powerglide – 3.08:1
- 327 CID V-8 305 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, Powerglide – 3.36:1
- 409 CID V-8 360 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, 4-Speed SMT optional – 3.08:1, Posi-traction 4.11:1 & 4.56:1
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.08:1 to 4.56:1.
Powertrain Options
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- Turbo-Fire 250 horsepower 327 cubic inch V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts ($191).
- Turbo-Fire 300 horsepower 327 cubic inch V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts ($245).
- Turbo-Fire 380 horsepower 409 cubic inch V-8 with four-barrel carburetor, dual exhausts, high-lift camshaft and solid valve lifters ($428).
- Turbo-Fire 409 horsepower 409 cubic inch V-8 with dual four-barrel carburetors, light weight valve train, dual exhausts and solid valve lifters ($484).
NOTE: Base V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.
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1962 Impala Sport Sedan
The 1962 Impala Sport Sedan combined Impala’s sporty image with the practicality of a family sedan. That merger led to many of this model being delivered.
1962 Impala Sport Coupe
The 1962 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe was the sharpest knife in the Chevrolet drawer – great looks and great lines. And if you wanted speed and power to go along, there was always the 409 CID W-Series V-8.
1962 Impala Convertible
The 1962 Impala Convertible was the only convertible in the Chevrolet line in 1962. If you wanted style, you had to pay for it.
1962 Impala 4-door Sedan
The 1962 Impala 4-door Sedan wedded 4-door practicality with a high-end interior. If you were looking for those features, this was the Chevrolet for you.
1962 Bel Air Sport Coupe
The 1962 Bel Air Sport Coupe offered the looks of the Impala with less flash and less out of your pocketbook as well.
1962 Bel Air 4-door Sedan
The 1962 Bel Air 4-door Sedan was a practical answer to family transportation, but its upscale interior belied its mild-looking exterior.
1962 Bel Air 2-door Sedan
The 1962 Bel Air 2-door Sedan was an unassuming workman-like vehicle – until one ordered the 409 HP W-Series V-8!
1962 Biscayne 4-door Sedan
The 1962 Biscayne 4-door Sedan was the ultimate in practicality. They were meant to be used and abused – and they were. Few survive today.
1962 Biscayne 2-door Sedan
The 1962 Biscayne 2-door Sedan was the least expensive Chevrolet for 1962. Many I-6 versions found their way into salesperson’s hands. May 409 CID V-8 models found their way into drag racer’s hands.
1962 Impala Station Wagon
The 1962 Impala Station Wagon tended to be the second car in a growing family, but one that no one would see as the second-fiddle car. Those who would have bought an Impala 4-door but needed more hauling space opted for this wagon.
1962 Bel Air Station Wagon
The 1962 Bel Air Station Wagon was the true relative of the family SUV of today. They were rugged, reliable and well enough appointed to feel comfortable on a trip.
1962 Biscayne Station Wagon
The 1962 Biscayne Station Wagon, like its brethren 4-door sedan was stark and utilitarian – it was a hauler, period.