1955 Chevrolet Corvette

General Motors has a rich history in producing quality cars and trucks, dating back to its inception in 1908 with the merger of Buick and Oldsmobile. Louis Chevrolet, after a brief solo venture, joined General Motors in 1918, leading to the retention of the Chevrolet name and automobile line.

In 1927, General Motors welcomed Harley Earl as its design engineer, heralding a significant shift in production design concepts under his guidance. Earl’s tenure saw the emergence of numerous one-off concepts and notable changes in design philosophy. Within his first year, Earl introduced the Cadillac LaSalle to bridge a gap in the GM automotive line. The success of the LaSalle paved the way for further concept ideas, spearheaded by Earl.

By the 1950s, Harley Earl had established himself as a trusted innovator in automotive design. He redirected his focus to smaller two-passenger roadsters, a trend popularized by European manufacturers like Porsche and Jaguar. In 1951, Earl initiated a covert project dubbed the Opel project, aimed at developing a two-passenger roadster to compete with European counterparts.

The Opel project resulted in the creation of three concept cars, but only one transitioned into production. Thus, in 1953, the iconic Corvette was unveiled. Initially, only 300 units were sold, boasting hand-laid fiberglass bodies, a full steel frame, and a six-cylinder engine with three side draft carburetors mated to a two-speed automatic transmission. These early Corvettes featured a six-volt electrical system, with a body color exclusively available in white complemented by a red interior.

Production of the 1953 Corvette commenced in Flint, Michigan, before relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, by December of the same year. As public interest in the fiberglass Corvette soared, production escalated significantly in 1954, with 3,460 units manufactured and offered in four colors. Engine upgrades were introduced to enhance horsepower and reliability, alongside improvements to the wiring harness and top frame.

Despite its appeal, the Corvette initially lacked performance credentials. However, in 1955, General Motors hired Zora Arkus Duntov, a Belgian-born race car driver, to spearhead the transformation of the Corvette into a high-performance vehicle. Duntov’s swift redesign incorporated a 265ci V8 engine into the original C1 chassis, boosting horsepower and solidifying the Corvette’s reputation as a formidable sports car.

Although only 700 Corvettes were produced in 1955, Duntov’s vision ensured the Corvette’s continued production, positioning it as a sought-after two-passenger performance vehicle. Duntov’s contributions to the Corvette over subsequent years, including fuel injection systems, performance suspensions, and four-wheel disc brakes, cemented its status as a global sports car icon. His dedication earned him the esteemed title of the father of the Corvette.

This 1955 Corvette to you which is in correct original condition. Of the 700 units produced in 1955, it is estimated that little more than 100 remain in roadworthy condition. Though this car is cosmetically restored, the engine and transmissions are the correct original units to the car. The 265 V8 has been mechanically rebuilt and performs as intended. It retains its stamped vin, identifying it as being a matching numbers engine. The correct chrome distributor cover and wires are present as are the chrome air cleaner and mechanical tach drive generator. The paint and chrome on this Corvette are in excellent restored condition though the underside of the body shows minor repairs on its four corners common to these cars due to the flush mounted bumpers. The factory wire grid antenna which is integrated into the underside of the trunk lid is intact and operational. Also in near new condition are the side window curtains and storage bag a last year accessory on the 1955 model. A review of the foldaway convertible top finds it to be in near new condition as well. The interior is correct, all gauges work as they should and the speedometer shows 59,661 miles. The tube radio and mechanical tachometer are also in correct working condition, and appearing only slightly dated, the overall appearance of the interior is exceptional.

For more than 25 years, this 1955 Corvette was loved and driven by its senior adult owner. It represents the last year of the Harley Earl body design and the first year of the 12 volt electrical system as well as the Duntov inspired V8. A complete documented history of ownership has been retained and will be included in the resale of this fine automobile. Stop and see this stunning example of rare Corvette history, you may never see another in such well kept condition

This 1955 Corvette represents a pristine example of the iconic model, meticulously maintained in its original condition. With its documented history of ownership and rare combination of features, it stands as a testament to the legacy of Harley Earl’s design and Zora Arkus Duntov’s engineering prowess.