1955 CORVETTE

  • Corvette styling remained the same as the 1954 model
  • This year, however, a V-8 engine was available
  • Corvettes with the V-8 also had a distinctive gold emblem on the front fenders with a large "V" in the word "CheVrolet"
  • V-8 models used a 12-volt electrical system while the 6-cylinder cars used a 6-volt electrical system
  • New added colors were Copper with a Beige interior and Harvest Gold (yellow) with a Green and Yellow interior
  • Gypsy Red cars now featured a light beige interior
  • The interior material was called Elascofab.
  • Soft convertible tops were offered in canvas and vinyl
  • New top colors included White and Dark Green

I.D. NUMBERS

  • Corvette used the standard 10 symbol Chevrolet Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) coding system.
  • The I.D. tag was located on the left-hand front door hinge pillar.
    • VE = V-8 Corvette model, E = 6-cyl Corvette model
    • 55 = 1955
    • S = St. Louis, MO assembly plant
    • the last six numbers were the sequential production number
    • They numbered from VE55S001001 to VE55S001700.
  • The engine number was found on the right-hand side of the crankcase behind the distributor.
  • The engine numbers for 1955 used the suffix:
    • "YG" = 6-cyl
    • "FG" = V-8 with automatic transmission
    • "GR" = V-8 with manual transmission
  • Since the Corvette bodies were virtually handmade, they did not carry standard Fisher Body Style Numbers as did other GM cars.
  • The Corvette model number consisted of the four digits 2934, which also served as the body style number for the early production years.

IDENTIFICATION

Series No. Body/Style No. Engine Body Type Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
2934 2934 6-cyl 1955 Corvette
2-dr. Roadster - 2 passenger		 $2774 2705 lb 700
2934 2934 V-8 $2909 2870 lb

ENGINE

Feature 6-cylinder 8-cylinder
Type Inline 6 V-8
Valve type Overhead valve Overhead valve
Block Cast Iron Cast Iron
Displacement 235.5 cu. in. (3.846 liters) 265 cu. in. (4.344 liters)
Bore & Stroke 3.56" x 3.93" (90.4 x 99.8mm) 3.75" x 3.00" (95.3 x 76.2mm)
Compression ratio 8.0:1 8.0:1
Brake HP 155 @ 4200 rpm 195 @ 5000 rpm
Main Bearings Four Five
Valve Lifters Solid Solid
Fuel supply Three Carter one-barrel carburetors Model 3706989 Rochester four-barrel carburetor Model 7008005

TRANSMISSION

Manual The three-speed manual transmission became standard late in the model year.
A single dry-plate clutch was used with it.
Automatic The two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission was optional

CHASSIS

Wheelbase102 inches (2.591 m)
Overall length167 inches (4.242 m)
Front tread57 inches (1.448 m)
Rear tread59 inches (1.499 m)
Wheelssteel disk
Tires6.70 x 15
Front suspensioncoil springs with tubular shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Rear suspensionLeaf springs, tube shocks and solid rear axle
BrakesDrum on all four wheels
Axle ratio3.55:1

OPTIONS

RPOFEATUREPRICE
100QPolo White directional signals$16.75
100RPennant Blue directional signals$16.75
101AHeater$91.40
102ASignal-seeking AM radio$145.15
422AWindshield washer$11.85
420AParking brake alarm$5.65
313MPowerglide automatic transmission$178.35
290B6.70 x 15 White sidewall tires$26.90
421ACourtesy light$4.05

HISTORICAL NOTES


  • Production of 1955 Corvettes began October 28, 1954
  • Most of the 1955 models had the V-8 engine while about 6 had the 6-cyl.
  • A V-8 powered 1955 Corvette could go from 0-to-60 mph in 8.7 seconds and from 0-to-100 mph in 24.7 seconds
  • The 6-cyl Corvette could go from 0 to 60 mph in 11 seconds and from 0 to 100 mph in 41 seconds.

1955 CORVETTE PHOTOS


1955 Corvette

1955 Corvette

1955 Corvette

1955 Corvette

LITERATURE & LINKS




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