American Car Spotters Guide - 1962 |
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Buick LeSabre, Invicta and Electra |
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Also see: Buick Car Reviews | The History of Buick |
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The 1962 model Buicks were a mild makeover of the previous years models. The wheelbase dimensions remained the same, with the Electra being 126 inches and the other models 123 inches. Inside the gauges were now hooded to prevent windshield glare, and all models came standard with the 401 CID V8, those fitted to the LeSabre developing 265 horsepower, the Invicta 280 hp and the Electra 325. The new "Wildcat Hardtop" had a medallion on the rear roof pillar, and a unique fabric overlay available in black or white. Prices ranged from $3567 for the LeSabre, $3815 for the Invicta convertible, $4034 for the Invicta Estate Wagon and $4125 for the Electra 325 hp Hardtop Wildcat. Once again the Electra featured four "portholes" on the front fenders, the LeSabre and Invicat having three. |
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Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Sedan 4 Door |
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Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet |
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The 1962 model Impala featured new "C" pillar styling for all models except the 4-door hardtop "Sport Sedan." Sport Coupe models now featured the "convertible roof" styling, shared with other GM "B" full-size hardtop coupes. This style proved extremely popular, and contributed to the desirability of the 1962-1964 Impalas as collectibles. The "overhang" roof style of the sedans was replaced with a more attractive, wider "C" pillar with wraparound rear window. Engine choices for '62 settled down, the 348-cubic-inch (5.7 liter) V8 discontinued and replaced by the 340 brake horsepower (250 kW) 409-cubic-inch (6.7 liter), which could be ordered with any transmission. The small-block 283 was enlarged to 327 cubic inches (5.4 liter), which added more engine choices for small-block fans. Impalas again featured premium interior appointments, plusher seats, and more chrome trim outside, including a full-width aluminum-and-chrome panel to house the triple-unit taillight assembly. Super Sport (SS) models featured that panel in a special engine-turned aluminum, which was also used to fill the side moldings, making the SS more distinctive in appearance. Due to reliability problems, the optional Turboglide automatic transmission was discontinued, leaving Powerglide the only autobox available until 1965. |
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Chrysler 300 |
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Also see: Chrysler Car Reviews | The History of Chrysler |
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A new 300 sports series replaced the Windsor and could be obtained with leather bucket seats and engine options ranging up to a 405 horsepower, short-tube ram manifold 413-cubic inch V-8 engine. A Chrysler New Yorker, averaging 18.11 miles per gallon, took top position in the Luxury Car Class of the 1962 Mobilgas Economy Run. |
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Pontiac Catalina |
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Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac |
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The 1962 Pontiacs received a heavy facelift of the 1961 design with more rounded body contours and new rooflines on two-door hardtops featuring convertible-like bows. Catalina sedans and coupes got a one-inch wheelbase increase to 120, after spending 1961 on a 119-inch (3,000 mm) spread shared with full-sized Chevys (Safari wagons retained the 119-inch (3,000 mm) wheelbase through 1964).
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Pontiac Catalina Convertible |
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Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac |
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Most regular engine/transmission offerings were carried over from 1961 with the 389 cubic-inch Trophy V8 again ranging in power ratings from 215 hp (160 kW) to 348 hp (260 kW). A small number of 1962 Catalinas and other Pontiacs were built with a "non-streetable" 421 cubic-inch Super Duty V8 with dual quads (two four-barrel carburetors) and 405 horsepower (302 kW), along with various "over the counter" performance options offered by Pontiac including aluminum bumpers and even lighter frames with drilled holes (which were dubbed the "Swiss Cheese" frames). |
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Pontiac Catalina Safari |
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Also see: Pontiac Car Reviews | The History of Pontiac |
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Most regular engine/transmission offerings were carried over from 1961 with the 389 cubic-inch Trophy V8 again ranging in power ratings from 215 hp (160 kW) to 348 hp (260 kW). A small number of 1962 Catalinas and other Pontiacs were built with a "non-streetable" 421 cubic-inch Super Duty V8 with dual quads (two four-barrel carburetors) and 405 horsepower (302 kW), along with various "over the counter" performance options offered by Pontiac including aluminum bumpers and even lighter frames with drilled holes (which were dubbed the "Swiss Cheese" frames). |
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