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

V.I.N. 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.
- V or E = 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 001001 to 001700
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	1955 Corvette 2-dr. Roadster 2 passenger	$2909	2870 lb	700

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

Wheelbase	102 inches (2.591 m)
Overall length	167 inches (4.242 m)
Front tread	57 inches (1.448 m)
Rear tread	59 inches (1.499 m)
Wheels	steel disk
Tires	6.70 x 15
Front suspension	coil springs with tubular shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Rear suspension	Leaf springs, tube shocks and solid rear axle
Brakes	Drum on all four wheels
Axle ratio	3.55:1

OPTIONS

RPO	FEATURE	PRICE
100Q	Polo White directional signals	$16.75
100R	Pennant Blue directional signals	$16.75
101A	Heater	$91.40
102A	Signal-seeking AM radio	$145.15
422A	Windshield washer	$11.85
420A	Parking brake alarm	$5.65
313M	Powerglide automatic transmission	$178.35
290B	6.70 x 15 White sidewall tires	$26.90
421A	Courtesy 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