| 1955 Chevrolet Corvette |
The first generation Corvette comprises the 1953, 1954 and 1955 model years. The 1953 and 1954
models came equipped with a Blue Flame straight 6 engine with side carburetion. The 1955 models were
equipped with a 265ci V-8 engine with a four barrel carburetor. The 1955 models are easily identifiable by
the gold “V” in the Corvette script on the front quarter panels.
The Corvette, with a fiberglass body was a daring departure from the steel bodied cars primarily offered
by Detroit automakers. The Corvette was conceptualized to be a sports car equal to anything found in
Britain, Italy or Germany.
The Corvette got of to a rocky start in 1953 with only 183 of the 300 produced sold. 1953 models were
available in one color, Polo White with red interiors. Four color options were available in 1954 and sales
reflected this change with 3,640 Corvettes built. Sales for 1955 fell precipitously to 700 and the future of
the Corvette became uncertain. Fortunately, the Corvette had the backing of Ed Cole, Chevrolet Division
Manager and Harley Earl, SVP and head of GM’s design studio. The show would go on! It is important to
consider that in 1955 Ford sold 16,155 Thunderbirds that were not only equipped with larger engines, but
were also a more substantial automobile.
Footnote: The difference between a roadster and a convertible coupe is that the former does not have
roll-up windows but rather side curtains where a coupe has roll-up windows.
The 1955 Corvette is a certified Milestone Car.
models came equipped with a Blue Flame straight 6 engine with side carburetion. The 1955 models were
equipped with a 265ci V-8 engine with a four barrel carburetor. The 1955 models are easily identifiable by
the gold “V” in the Corvette script on the front quarter panels.
The Corvette, with a fiberglass body was a daring departure from the steel bodied cars primarily offered
by Detroit automakers. The Corvette was conceptualized to be a sports car equal to anything found in
Britain, Italy or Germany.
The Corvette got of to a rocky start in 1953 with only 183 of the 300 produced sold. 1953 models were
available in one color, Polo White with red interiors. Four color options were available in 1954 and sales
reflected this change with 3,640 Corvettes built. Sales for 1955 fell precipitously to 700 and the future of
the Corvette became uncertain. Fortunately, the Corvette had the backing of Ed Cole, Chevrolet Division
Manager and Harley Earl, SVP and head of GM’s design studio. The show would go on! It is important to
consider that in 1955 Ford sold 16,155 Thunderbirds that were not only equipped with larger engines, but
were also a more substantial automobile.
Footnote: The difference between a roadster and a convertible coupe is that the former does not have
roll-up windows but rather side curtains where a coupe has roll-up windows.
The 1955 Corvette is a certified Milestone Car.