1962

Original 1962 Corvette promos were manufactured by AMT (Aluminum Model Toys, Inc.). These cars were similar to the 1961 models. The hood, trunk, headlight caps and front valance were separate pieces from the body. The hood and trunk were permanently attached to the body from the underside with a hot tool that melted the plastic pieces together. The interior, dash and steering wheel were 3 separate pieces. These plastic pieces were glued together to make the interior assembly. The interior assembly and clear plastic windshield was attached to the underside of the body. This is the first year that Corvette promos had completely painted bodies. The bodies were molded in colored plastic and then painted with a like colored water based paint (some white cars were not painted). The body coves on 1962s were not painted a contrasting color like all of the 1958-1961 models. The interiors were unpainted except for the seat inserts (which were painted silver). The seat inserts on the 1962s are higher (closer to the rear deck) than the 1961 models. The 3 spoke steering wheel was the same as 1961 and should match the interior color. The promos had chrome rear bumpers, front bumper/grille, hubcaps and rear license plate. The headlights were clear plastic and the tail lights were translucent red plastic. The front and rear license plates both read "1962". The 1962s have the same style hubcap as the 1958-1961 models, but it's a slightly different diameter. Most came with narrow whitewall tires (this style tire was used on Corvette promos from 1962 to 1967 and also on 1969s). Some 1962s have been found with wide whitewall tires. We believe these cars are correct (AMT probably used the wheels/tires that were leftover from the 1961 model year on early 1962s). These cars came with either a friction or non-friction chassis that was very similar to the 1961s. The notable difference was the addition of simulated rivets on the frame and crossmembers. The friction cars had the friction motor on the front axle (which was concealed by a small metal cover). This cover was attached to the chassis with 2 rivets (not tabs like the 1961 models). The chassis was attached to the body with 2 screws at the front. These bright plated straight headed screws had spiral threads.

Boxes: The non-friction dealer promos came in plain white boxes with no window and had "CORVETTE" and the body color stamped on the end. The friction boxes had an oval shaped cellophane window and were covered with yellow, orange, red and black artwork. There were 2 different friction boxes used in 1962. The boxes were identical, except for the length. All 1962 Corvette friction boxes should have "CORVETTE CONV" and "F 922" stamped on the end.