The 1955 Corvette was considered to be a brilliant new addition to America’s most popular production sports car, due to it representing the first year that V-8 engines were offered. This example is fitted with the proper 265-cid, 195-hp unit, coupled to a quite uncommon three-speed floor-shift manual transmission. The Corvette Black Book states: “Most 1955 models had automatic transmissions. Estimates place the number of manual transmissions at 75. Though not necessarily accurate, available records do support a total in the range of 70 to 80 units.”

At the time, Chevrolet advertising proclaimed the engine to be a “cyclone of power.” The Corvette for this model year blends a sports car suspension with outstanding smoothness and predictability. The sleek rear deck of the car conceals a generous luggage compartment – far more spacious than most sports cars of the day. The engine on this car appears correct with chrome valve covers and air cleaner. The fact that the car has a V-8 engine is denoted in the fender side script which has a larger gold “V” in the bright Corvette badge.

Additional options include AM radio and heater along with turn signals, wide whitewall tires, parking brake alarm, courtesy lighting and windshield washers. In the cockpit you will find individual bucket seats, the floor covered in carpet, large pockets in the doors that also serve as armrests and wide doors with internal release mechanisms. The instrument panel is beautifully balanced and includes a key-turn starter, electric clock, tachometer and hooded radio speaker. This car is finished in Gypsy Red with off-white upholstered seats. The Corvette is reported to be a “number three” car that has an older top and less than stellar panel fits.

According to incomplete factory records, it is thought that approximately 180 Corvettes were finished in this color during the model year. A total of 700 similar cars were built in the 1955 model year; this is car number 434. This car is further set apart by its less than 58,000 miles on the odometer.