1962 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel Injection Racer

Zora Arkus-Duntov raced at Le Mans for four consecutive years, from 1952 through 1955, driving a variety of vehicles that included a Chrysler Hemi-powered Allard J2X, Cadillac-powered Allard J2R, and Porsche 550 Spyder. This experience gave Duntov an intimate knowledge of the demands of endurance racing; many of his future projects benefitted from this experience.

Under Duntov's guidance, the Corvettes received steady improvements in handling, reliability and power. A trio of Corvettes made their first appearance at Le Mans in 1960, entered by American sportsman Briggs Cunningham, and a single car was entered by 'Luck' Casner's Camoradi team. Each of these Corvettes received advice and guidance from Duntov, and even some assistance with 'preparation.'

John Fitch and Bob Grossman drove Cunninghman's #3 car to a first-in-class victory and eighth overall. This was the Corvette's first appearance at LeMans, and many years later (after Duntov had passed away), a new generation of Corvettes, factory-prepared and entered, fulfilled his dream when the C5Rs claimed victory in the GT class.

The Corvettes continued to race at Le Mans over the years, often with quiet factory assistance. Often, the Corvette's Le Mans entries were fielded by privateers like John Greenwood, Henri Greder, Dick Guldstrand, and Reeves Callaway.

There was no Corvette at Le Mans in 1961, but when they did return a year later, they came equipped with a new fuel-injected 327 cubic-inch engine. The bore had increased by a 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch increase in stroke. The overall displacement had grown by 15.5% and was rewarded with gains in horsepower and torque. The fuel-injected 327 came equipped with a solid lifter camshaft and free-breathing cylinder heads.

A total of 1,918 examples of the 360 horsepower fuel-injected Corvette were built in 1962, accounting for 13% of the 1962 production. Only 246 buyers of the F.I. Corvette selected RPO 687 which added heavy-duty brakes and steering, shock absorbers, air scoops for the front and rear brakes with deflectors ('elephant cars') up front, metallic brakes, finned braked drums with integral cooling fans, and a quick-steering adapter.

Corvette at 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans
Chassis number 1261 was the only race-prepared Corvette at Le Mans in 1962 (and one of five straight-axle Corvettes to compete at Le Mans). Since the grid size was set by engine size, the 5.4-liter Corvette was given the number one position. The car was entered by Scuderia Scirocco of Modena, Italy.

During the race, at the 13th hour, driver Jack Turner accidentally lifted the reverse lockout while downshifting at the end of the Mulsanne Straight and selected reverse at speed. Co-driver Tom Settember attempted to continue with only one useable gear in 3rd, but 30 minutes later the fuel-injected drive cable snapped and the race was over, retiring after 150 laps.

1962 Sebring
Five factory-sponsored Corvettes raced at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1962. Duncan Black and Doc Wyllie drove a Grady Davis Corvette placed 18th overall, followed by Don Yenko and Ed Lowther in another Grady Davis Corvette entry. Delmo Johnson and David Morgan placed 21st in their Corvette, and Bill Fuller placed 31st. Jerry Grant and Pat Pigott driving a Don Campbell entered Corvette placed 39th.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2024