1955 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

The original Corvette was one of several “dream cars” featured in General Motors’ Motorama extravaganza for 1953 at New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel. Upon its introduction, over 10,000 potential buyers expressed an interest in owning one, and just six months later, Chevrolet was slowly building the first production Corvettes. With only minor changes from the Waldorf show car, 300 1953 models were produced, all painted Polo White, followed by a larger run in 1954 available in three additional colors. All were powered by the 150-horsepower “Blue Flame” inline-six paired with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission until Chevrolet introduced a 256 cu-in V8 and three-speed manual for the 1955 model year. Three new colors were also offered, including Gypsy Red, which came standard with a light beige convertible top in either cloth or vinyl. Today, these early solid-axle C1 Corvettes are coveted for their simple, uncluttered styling and important position in the history of the American sports car.

Highlights

• One of only 700 Corvettes produced in 1955 – the final model year of the original Corvette design

• Finished in Rosso Corsa over a Saddle leather upholstery

• Powered by a 350 cu-in small-block Chevrolet V8 paired with a mild cam and Offenhauser aluminum intake

• 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive was reportedly rebuilt under previous ownership

• Equipped with power steering and power brakes

• 15-inch Halibrand-style American Racing wheels with knock-off center caps mounted with Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires

• The consignor reports changing the engine oil and filter, replacing the fuel filters, and replacing the starter in preparation for the sale

• This Corvette is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just over 32,286 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown  

Features

• Chrome Edelbrock air cleaner

• Mesh headlight screens

• Powdercoated grille and bumpers

• Side molding

• Dual exterior rearview mirrors

• Dash-mounted interior rearview mirror 

• Lap seatbelts

• Embroidered seatbacks

• 140-mph speedometer

• VDO instrumentation

• Clock

• Leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel

• Tilt steering column

• Embroidered floor mats

• Pioneer Premier DEH-P560MP stereo with CD receiver

• Dual exhaust outlets

• Carpeted luggage compartment

• 10-bolt rear end

Known Imperfections

• Fuel gauge reads inaccurately

• Tachometer functions intermittently

• Clock is inoperative

• Touch-up paint is visible on the leading edge of the hood, fuel door, door sills, and in between the seats

• Minor scratches on the passenger door have been corrected with touch-up paint

Included

• Four keys

• Spare tire

• Windshield wiper arms

• California license plates

Ownership History

The consignor acquired this Corvette in 2022 and has since taken it to several local car shows, including winning Crowd Favorite at the 2023 Babe Cave Salon & Auto Connect show.