Where do I start? If you’re looking to invest or own a real 55 Corvette that has never had any body damage, work done, cracking or repro body parts installed then read on.
Exterior = has all original bumpers, exhaust tips, front NOS original emblem, original NOS grill shell and teeth, NOS headlights, and original tail lights, hub caps, welded steel wheels, original spare tire still having the hairs on the thread, jack, trunk mat beige # matching, spar tire board and instructions, license plastic cover and on and on (all original).
Under hood = NOS air cleaner (still have the original box) to the original shielding, not a repro (I know because I'm the only one that repro’d them for over 25 years) to the radiator cap #549, fuel pump #4150 and Dist vacuum advance #116085, generator, starter, Carburetor, clips and screws. Hood weather-stripping has the "s" (all original), can’t think any not original.
Interior = even the Radio works, original steering wheel and NOS horn button, all gauges, seat frames, shiftier NOS nob, under dash area (all original).
What is not original = heater hoses, spark plugs, battery, water, oil, 4 tires, air, interior material, rugs, windshield, shocks, weather-stripping.
The interior is done in German Leather, soft top is done in German black canvas, some items are dealer accessories like 55 engine heater, 55 R/S mirror, 55 tissue box, 55 Radiator filter, 55 locking gas cap, also aftermarket rear view mirror add on item, PG Oil eye, spot light, tool kit, rear air shocks. Why? It's to make the 55 more comfortable to drive (but those items can be removed or replaced in a matter of a day).
Years ago, Hagerty had it insured at agreed value of 150K, now lately I had National Corvette Museum insurance it at agreed value of 200K. Noland Adam, well know Corvette expert, did the appraisal. It has been in many Magazines like Vette, Vette-Values, Corvette Enthusiast, Corvette and many Calendars, Won NCRS top flight at the 2005 NCRS National's honoring the 50th year for the 1955 Corvette. It also won ladies’ choice.
Also, best of class at Ironstone Concours d'Elegance 2002.
It's one of 15 Original copper color Corvettes sold which (because when I had it painted it's second ever paint job) I left the area behind the trunk card board original and un-touched to prove it was a copper Corvette. It also has the original green tinted bubble top, one of 5 ever designed and made for GM in 1953 just for the Autorama shows of the 50's. I use the rare GM accessory 1953 to 1955 MOTOR wire wheels on it only because I like the look and many "Dealers" did show and sell many 53 to 55 Corvettes wearing the wire wheels, but I also have the original perfect hub caps & wheels. Also have the aftermarket rare Platicon hard top made in Ca. That goes with the car.
You see some Corvettes are selling saying it's the best restored 55 in the world! I don't use the word restored because I dint want a trailer queen. I use the word reconditioned because I planned to drive it! By chroming or rebuilding every original part or using NOS original parts when needed, with correct dates (June car) and logos markings, so I could say I'm driving a real original 55 Corvette. If you live in NY, you can fly out and feel good about driving it back to NY. We've driven her to NY, Fl, Canada and many others states. You will not find any rust under the Corvette even any part that was ever rusted.
If you’re looking at buying a clean shiny restored trailer queen done 5 days ago, and only pull it out of the trailer or garage once a year to show it off then skip this 1955 Corvette. Contact me, I'll spend all the time you want on the phone then come see it, bring a NCRS 500-point master judge with you, find anything I said is not true and I'll pay for your trip here and back home.
