Automotive Landscape of 1962
A look at models launched in 1962
- Feb 20: John Glenn Orbital Flight and NASA Cars – Astronauts become cultural heroes, heavily boosting corporate sponsorship ties between American astronauts and automotive brands like Chevrolet and Corvette.
- Jul 5: Renault 4 Launch – Renault introduces the utilitarian Renault 4 in France, offering front-wheel drive, hatchback practicality, and rugged suspension for rural and urban markets alike.
- Oct 11: Lotus Elan Unveiled – Colin Chapman's Lotus introduces the Elan sports car, popularizing a backbone steel chassis, lightweight fiberglass body, and twin-cam engine that sets handling standards worldwide.
- Nov 1: Ford Mustang Concept Car – Ford showcases the Mustang I experimental sports car concept, gauging public interest for a lightweight, affordable four-seater sports car.
US
Chevrolet Nova
Compact
POWER
195 HP
RARITY
300,000 Sold
US
Studebaker Avanti
R1
POWER
240 HP
RARITY
4,647 Sold
US
Oldsmobile Jetfire
Turbo Rocket
POWER
215 HP
RARITY
3,765 Sold
US
Oldsmobile Jetfire
Turbo Cutlass
POWER
215 HP
RARITY
3,700 Sold
US
Shelby Cobra
260 Roadster
POWER
260 HP
RARITY
Very Rare
US
Shelby Cobra
CSX2000 260ci
POWER
260 HP
RARITY
Very Rare
US
Ferrari 250 GTO
Coupe
POWER
300 HP
RARITY
Very Rare
EUROPE
Simca 1000
Berline
POWER
52 HP
RARITY
1,935,098 Sold
EUROPE
Alfa Romeo Giulia
TI Saloon
POWER
105 HP
RARITY
572,646 Sold
EUROPE
Alfa Romeo Giulia
TI Saloon
POWER
105 HP
RARITY
570,000 Sold
EUROPE
MGB Roadster
Mk I
POWER
95 HP
RARITY
523,836 Sold
EUROPE
MGB Roadster
Mark I
POWER
95 HP
RARITY
500,000 Sold
EUROPE
Triumph Spitfire
Mk I
POWER
63 HP
RARITY
45,753 Sold
EUROPE
Lotus Elan
Series 1
POWER
105 HP
RARITY
12,224 Sold
EUROPE
Ferrari 250 GTO
Series I
POWER
300 HP
RARITY
Very Rare
ASIA
Mazda Carol
P360
POWER
18 HP
RARITY
265,000 Sold