1955 Chevrolet Corvette

General Motors began producing quality vehicles in 1908 with the merger of Buick and Oldsmobile. After a brief time working independently, Louis Chevrolet joined GM in 1918, and the Chevrolet brand was retained as part of the company’s expanding lineup.

In 1927, Harley Earl was hired as GM’s design engineer, ushering in a new era of innovation. Under Earl’s direction, production design saw major changes, and numerous concept cars were introduced. Within his first year, Earl launched the Cadillac LaSalle, a car designed to fill a gap in the GM lineup. The LaSalle’s success led to further concept cars, and by the 1950s, Earl had gained a reputation as a visionary designer. He turned his attention to the small, two-passenger roadsters being produced by European brands like Porsche and Jaguar. In 1951, Earl’s secretive “Opel project” aimed to create a roadster to compete with these European models.

Three concept cars emerged from the Opel project, but only one went into production: the Chevrolet Corvette, introduced in 1953. Initially, only 300 units were sold, each featuring a hand-laid fiberglass body, a steel frame, a six-cylinder engine with three side-draft carburetors, and a two-speed automatic transmission. The 1953 Corvette was produced with a six-volt electrical system and was available in only one color: white with a red interior. Corvette number 003 was subjected to rigorous testing at Harrison Radiator in Lockport, New York, before being approved.

The 1953 Corvette was initially produced in Flint, Michigan, but production was moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in December 1953. The car quickly gained public interest due to its fiberglass body, and in 1954, production increased to 3,460 units, offering four color options: Polo White, Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, and Black. Enhancements to the engine and other mechanical components improved performance and reliability.

However, the Corvette was still not considered a performance vehicle, prompting General Motors to make changes in that direction. In 1955, GM hired Belgian race car driver Zora Arkus-Duntov, who quickly worked on redesigning the car to make it more performance-oriented. Duntov introduced the 265ci V8 engine, boosting the Corvette’s horsepower from 155 to 195 at 5,000 rpm. Despite only 700 units being produced in 1955, Duntov convinced GM executives that the Corvette had strong potential as a two-passenger performance car, a segment that had not yet been explored in the American market.

Duntov’s contributions over the years were instrumental in transforming the Corvette into a world-renowned sports car, including advancements like fuel injection, upgraded suspensions, multi-carburetion setups, and four-wheel disc brakes. His work earned him the title of “Father of the Corvette.”

This 1955 Corvette is in correct original condition. Of the 700 units produced that year, fewer than 100 are believed to remain in roadworthy condition. While the car has been cosmetically restored, both the engine and transmission are the original, matching-numbers units. The 265 V8 engine has been mechanically rebuilt and performs as expected, retaining its stamped VIN, chrome distributor cover, wires, and chrome air cleaner. The paint and chrome are in excellent restored condition, and while minor repairs to the body’s underside are visible—common due to the flush-mounted bumpers—all aspects of the car are in exceptional shape.

The factory wire grid antenna, integrated into the underside of the trunk lid, remains intact and functional. The side window curtains and storage bag, a last-year accessory for the 1955 model, are in near-new condition, as is the foldaway convertible top. The interior is also correct, with all gauges working as they should and the speedometer reading 59,661 miles. The tube radio and mechanical tachometer are operational, and despite a slightly dated appearance, the interior remains in excellent condition.

This 1955 Corvette was lovingly cared for and driven by its senior adult owner for more than 25 years.  It represents the last year of the Harley Earl body design and the first year of the 12-volt electrical system and Duntov-inspired V8 engine. A complete documented history of ownership will be included in the sale of this remarkable automobile.