Vehicle Description
If you like the styling of the early Corvette, the one you really
want to own is a 1955 like this California-bred example. The '53s
are interesting because they were the first, but with the 1955
models were the first of the V8 'Vettes, and a Corvette without a
small block V8 is only � of the fun.
We don't have a lot of history on this handsome Gypsy Red Corvette,
but we do know that any 1955 Corvette is a rather rare car with
only about 700 being built. It comes from California, with the
current owner acquiring it in 2008 and bringing it back east to be
a part of a massive collection of high-quality cars. It has
obviously been restored at some point, because the paint and
fiberglass are in good condition and it fits together very well.
The door gaps are a little wide at the bottom, but they were like
that in showrooms, so it's not really a big deal. This car's show
days are probably over, but it is a very sharp driver, and that's
really where Corvettes are happiest. The toothy front grille is in
excellent shape, the stainless shines up beautifully, and it takes
a sharp eye to tell a '55 from its earlier brothers, well, until
you start the engine anyway.
You only got two color choices inside, bright red or beige vinyl,
and this car got beige which is by far the less common choice. Like
the exterior, the interior has been restored at some point using
correct materials and patterns that look great in the vintage
fiberglass sports car. Likewise, the carpets, door panels, and
other soft parts were surely replaced and it all remains in
excellent condition with few signs of use. It's still got a
color-matched red steering wheel with '50s horn ring and all the
secondary gauges are arrayed along the lower center of the dash so
the passenger has something to do, too. The original radio is in
the dash but sadly not functioning and the tach has been
disconnected due to a noisy cable, which is an easy, inexpensive
fix. A 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission was by far the
most popular choice, and that's what this 'Vette is carrying, too,
but as you've undoubtedly already experienced, it's a great
combination with the V8 engine. Overhead there's a new tan
convertible top that fits extremely well and the trunk is spacious
enough for plenty of luggage on a road trip, the Corvette's
favorite activity.
The 265 cubic inch V8 under the hood should need no introduction,
and by dropping it between the Corvette's fenders, Zora
Arkus-Duntov managed to save Chevy's plastic fantastic from
extinction. We have every reason to believe this is the car's
original engine, but there's no way to know for sure, but it
certainly looks right under the forward-tilting hood. Topped with a
chrome air cleaner and matching valve covers, it looks suitably
flashy for the Chevy flagship and many of the details are correct,
from the generator to the cast iron master cylinder. Bright Chevy
Orange paint makes it identifiable at a glance and it runs
beautifully with a smooth purr from the dual glasspack-style
mufflers underneath. The transmission shifts well, waiting until
you're just sure it won't shift then dropping happily into high
gear and urging the Corvette forward. The undercarriage was
obviously nicely finished when it was restored, although it now
shows some signs of use and age but that's really not a surprise on
something this much fun to drive. Proper 6.70-15 BFGoodrich
Silvertown wide whitewall tires are installed, which is the only
choice, especially with stock wheels and hubcaps.
A handsome, fun-to-drive early Corvette, this is a car you can
enjoy at every opportunity without worries and with V8 power,
you'll never feel like something is missing. Call today!
