AutoHunter Spotlight: 1955 Chevrolet Corvette

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this frame-off restored 1955 Chevrolet Corvette, car number 375 of the 700 Corvettes produced for the 1955 model year. Power is supplied by a 265cid V8 backed by a Powerglide two-speed automatic. Finished in Gypsy Red with a tan roadster top over a Light Beige vinyl interior, this C1 Corvette comes from the selling dealer with removable side curtains and pouch, photo album documenting the restoration, and a clear title.

Though the inaugural-year ‘53 is considered the most desirable, especially due to its rarity, the 1955 is the one with most enthusiast appeal because this was the year Chevrolet introduced the small-block V8. Finally, the Corvette was capable of performance befitting its beat-Europe-at-its-own-game position. Horsepower was 195 with a four-barrel, 15 more than the top engine for Chevrolet passenger cars. Chevrolet also introduced a manual transmission for V8-equipped Corvettes, though only 75 were installed by the factory. Interestingly, the 155-horse Blue-Flame Six with three side-draft carburetors was still available, but only seven were built. Thanks to the influence of engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, 1955 truly was the year that the Corvette fulfilled its promise, and there was no looking back.

This Corvette was restored by Russ Corvette Restoration in Mount Holly, New Jersey, under previous ownership. During the restoration process, the body was sanded by hand, treated with a polyester primer and a black “guide” coat, sprayed with a high-build primer, and applied in the original Gypsy Red with a clear coat. Of the 700 Corvettes built, 180 were painted this hue. Additionally, body gaps were perfected, and a new tan roadster top with plastic rear window was installed.

The 15-inch red steel wheels have polished wheelcovers with body-color accents and simulated two-blade center caps. They are wrapped in a set of whitewall tires.

The cabin was refurbished with Light Beige vinyl bucket seats with complementary components and tan carpeting. Like all 1955 Corvettes, this one features manual steering, half-moon horn ring, floor-mounted transmission shifter (in this case, Powerglide), dash-mounted rear-view mirror, Wonder Bar AM radio, and passenger-side speaker.

Vehicle information is displayed on a 140-mph speedometer, 6,000-rpm tachometer, and readouts for the fuel level, coolant temperature, battery, and oil pressure. The five-digit analog odometer shows 66,918 miles.

Under the front-hinged hood is the all-new Turbo-Fire 265 small-block producing 195 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a Powerglide two-speed automatic

This Corvette rides on an independent front suspension and rear leaf springs. As part of the restoration, the frame was sandblasted and covered with epoxy primer. The selling dealer notes that the frame, bell housing, and transmission have the correct factory markings. Stopping is performed by manual drum brakes.