One off 1962 Corvette

[Edward M.]

Shortly after astronaut Al Shepard made his sub orbital flight (May of 1961), GM gave him a white / black interior fuel injected Corvette.I think this is the only Corvette that was actually GIVEN to any astronaut. Jim Rathman helped set up the one dollar a year lease deal for the astronauts after that.Anyway, Shepard's 62 Corvette was described as having a special "space age interior". I think this car was featured in Corvette News Vol 5, Number 1.Does anyone have any idea what this "space age interior" looked like?I did notice from exterior pictures that the car has twin white wall tires on it, the center of the hub caps behind the spinners were painted, the rocker trim was not partially painted, etc.I am really curious what this "space age interior" looked like.Also, anyone know what happened to this 62 Corvette?

[Bill O.]

Re: One off 1962 Corvette

Don't think early '62 production rockers had any black paint. Serial numbers generally below 6,000 per TIM&JG.

[John F.]

Re: One off 1962 Corvette

My early 62 #00029 does not have paint on the rocker panels.

[Richard M.]

Re: One off 1962 Corvette

Ed, A employee at Bob Steele Chevrolet in Cocoa Florida may know of the whereabouts of the car. He gave Alan Shepard a ride in his own white/red '62 in a anniversary parade back in the 90's IIRC.

See post#3

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...633#post456633

Rich
edit....p.s. If you want to call the guy at the dealer send me a PM and I'll give you his contact info. He knew Alan and may know some details about the "space age interior" in it.