1955 Corvette Fact Sheet

The Corvette
Gets a V-8!
The big news at Chevrolet was that there would now be an optional V-8 engine with 195 HP!
General Year Information
Although not a part of the original Corvette project, Zora Arkus-Duntov was responsible for the addition of the V8 engine and three-speed manual transmission. Duntov improved the car’s marketing and image and helped the car compete with the new V8 engined Ford Thunderbird, Studebaker Speedster and the larger Chrysler C-300, and turned the Corvette away from its lackluster performance and into a credible performer.
The overwhelming majority of 1955 Corvettes were V-8 powered (694). A V-8 powered 1955 Corvette could go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds and from 0 to 100 mph in 24.7 seconds.
Models Offered
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The 1955 Corvette’s fiberglass body, chrome-framed grille with 13 heavy vertical chrome bars, rounded front fenders with recessed headlights, no side windows or outside door handles, a wraparound windshield and protruding, fender-integrated taillights were retained. The big change was the 195 HP V-8. The “V” in “Corvette” on the front fender side emblem was enlarged and gold colored, touting the V8 engine under the hood.
1955 V-8 and I-6 Corvettes continued with the mandatory-option Powerglide automatic transmission, however a new three-speed manual transmission was released later in the year for V8 models only. Exterior color choices were expanded to at least five, combined with at least four interior colors. Soft-tops now came in three colors and different materials. and 12 volt electrical systems, while 6-cylinder models retained the 6-volt systems used in 1953-54. Only Pennant Blue and Polo White returned as Corvette colors. New was Corvette Copper, Gypsy Red (red/orange) and Harvest Gold. Convertible tops now came in white, dark green, or beige. red, yellow, light beige and dark beige. “Elascofab” interiors were available.
The interior retained its floor mounted shifter for the Powerglide automatic and the new 3-speed manual transmission.
Engines
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lnline Six Cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 235.5 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.56 x 3.93 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 155 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 225 @ 2800 RPM Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 243 degrees; Exhaust: 244 degrees; Lift: 0.4051″. Carburetor: Three (3) Carter Type YH one-barrels (#3706989) Model 2055S.
V-Eight Cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.00:1. Horsepower: 195 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 260 @ 3000 RPM. Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 266 degrees; Exhaust 268 degrees. Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Rochester Four-barrel Model 7008005 or Carter Four-barrel Model WCFB 2218S.
Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 102.00″
- Overall length: 167.00″
- Front tread: 57.00″
- Rear tread: 59.00″
- Tires: 6.70 x 15
Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1955 Corvette
Corvette Copper | |
Gypsy Red | |
Harvest Gold | |
Pennant Blue | |
Polo White |
Significant Options
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- Parking brake alarm ($5.65).
- Signal-seeking AM radio ($145.15).
- Windshield washer ($11.85).
- Heater ($91.40).
- White sidewall tires
Power Train Options
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- Automatic transmission with floor shift was standard.
- Mid-year, the Chevrolet 3-speed manual transmission was an added option for the V-8.
Related Document
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1955 Corvette Roadster
Except for the “V” in the script Chevrolet on the front fender, 1955 Corvettes looked no different than 1954s. Only 6 Corvettes were delivered with the six-cylinder, making them quite rare even if they were under-performers.
1955 Corvette V-8 in Cutaway
The talk of the town was the addition of the 195 HP small block Chevrolet V-8 being added to the Corvette option list. Even with this addition, sales were so poor, at 700 total. that GM almost dropped the car.