C1 - 1953-1962
C2 - 1963-1967
C3 - 1968-19821955 Corvette
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The outward appearance of the 1955 Corvette changed very little but the big news for 1955 was the introduction of the 265 ci V8 Chevrolet engine. Corvettes with a V8 engine have an enlarged gold "V" attached over the small "v" in the Chevrolet script on the fenders.
The electrical system was updated to 12-volt systems for 1955 with the V8 engine; the 6-cylinder engine continued to use a 6-volt system. Most 1955 models had the Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. Estimates place the number of manual transmission models at 75. The Powerglide became an option somewhere after midpoint production when the manual transmission was introduced.
Silver does not appear in any literature as a factory offered color
yet several have been found.
Ignition shielding for 1955 consisted of chrome distributor and coil
covers with bails, braided and grounded plug wires, and wire carriers
behind the exhaust manifolds. Rocker arm covers for V8 engines were
chrome plated with the Chevrolet script. Note the tachometer cable exiting
the back of the generator.
1956 V8 engines were not dated from the engine plant at Flint but rather
have the model year and application ID.
When the optional radio was not ordered, a radio hole cover was used
to cover the hole in the dash.
Note the large gold "V" in the Chevrolet script indicating
the V8 engine. All but seven 1955 Corvettes were optioned with the 265cid
V8 engine.
1955 total Corvettes built - 700
A 235-cid, 155-hp engine, manual 3-speed transmission, vinyl interior trim, and a soft top were included in the base price of $2,934.00 - however, the Powerglide automatic transmission was a required option for the majority of the model year. Towards the end of the model year a 3-speed manual transmission was available and about 75 1955 Corvettes had the manual transmission.
| Serial Numbers | |
| VE55S001001 - VE553001700 | |
| Only Corvettes with V8 engine have the letter "V" in the VIN |
Engine Identification
| Position | Character(s) | Description |
| 1-6 | Production sequence | 001001-001700 |
| 7 | F | Engine assembly plant |
| 8-9 | 55 | Model year |
| 10 | Size/HP/Fuel Delivery System/Transmission | FG - 265-cid 195-hp, automatic transmission GR - 265-cid 195-hp, manual transmission |
Engine Specifications - 235
| Bore | 3.5625 |
| Stroke | 3.9375 |
| Cubic inch displacement | 235.5 cid |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 |
| Horsepower | 150 hp @ 4200 RPM - early 155 hp @ 4200 RPM - late |
| Torque | 223 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM |
| Carburetion | 3 x 1 bbl Carter 2066SA #3706989 |
Engine Specifications - 265
| Bore | 3.750 |
| Stroke | 3.000 |
| Cubic inch displacement | 265 cid |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 |
| Block material | Cast iron |
| Horsepower | 195 hp @ 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM |
| Carburetion | 4-bbl Carter WCFB 2218S #3717687 - first design 2351S #3724158 - second design |
Regular Production Options
| RPO | Description | Cost | Qty | Percentage |
| 2394-6 | 6-cylinder roadster | $2,774.00 | 7 | 1.0 |
| 2394-8 | 8-cylinder roadster | $2,909.00 | 693 | 99.0 |
| 100 | Directional Signals | $16.75 | 700 | 100.0 |
| 101 | Heater | $91.40 | 700 | 100.0 |
| 102 | AM Radio, signal seeking | $145.15 | 700 | 100.0 |
| 290B | 6.70x15 whitewall tires * | $26.90 | 700 | 100.0 |
| 313M | Powerglide Automatic Transmission | $178.35 | 625 | 89.3 |
| 420A | Park Brake Alarm | $5.65 | 700 | 100.0 |
| 421A | Courtesy Lamps | $4.05 | 700 | 100.0 |
| 422A | Windshield Washer | $11.85 | 700 | 100.0 |
* Images may be representation of the option
1955 Exterior/Interior Colors
| RPO | Color | Soft Top Color | Interior Color | Total | |
| Production | Percentage | ||||
| 567 | Polo White | White - Beige | Red | 325 | 46.4% |
| 570 | Pennant Blue | Beige | Dark Beige | 45 | 6.4% |
| 573 | Corvette Copper | White | Dark Beige | 15 | 2.1% |
| 596 | Gypsy Red | White - Beige | Light Beige | 180 | 25.7% |
| 632 | Harvest Gold | Dark Green | Yellow | 120 | 17.1% |
| Silver | Red | unk | unk | ||
1955 OEM Supplier Paint Colors
| Color | Valspar Code | PPG Code | DuPont Code |
| 567 - Polo White | W1528 | 8011 | 57758 |
| 570 - Pennant Blue * | MW5401 | 11238 | 57797 |
| 573 - Corvette Copper ** | MW5501 | n/a | 59297 |
| 596 - Gypsy Red ** | R1037L | 70575 | 57953 |
| 632 - Harvest Gold | Y602 | 80739 | 58546 |
* Discontinued mid-year
** Mid-year
Colors quantities are not from Chevrolet records. These are estimates based on surveys, theories, and other data. Interiors and exteriors were not coded to individual cars. Only 700 1955 Corvettes were produced but no Chevrolet records have been found to document color usage. The exterior colors are subject to question and conjecture. Pennant Blue was replaced by Harvest Gold
Mechanical Specifications
| Wheelbase | 102.0 inches |
| Track Front/Rear (inches) | 57.0 / 58.8 |
| Overall Length | 167.0 inches |
| Width | 72.24 inches |
| Height | 51.25 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 6.0 inches |
| Curb Weight | 2,850 pounds |
| Coolant Capacity | 17.75 quarts |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.25 gallons |
| Oil Capacity | 5.0 quarts |
GM Heritage PDF file of specifications/options/etc.
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