1955 Chevrolet Corvette: A Detailed Look at the Classic

1955 Corvette Browse the article 1955 Corvette

1955 Corvette

The 1955 Corvette looked to be just a repeat of the 1953-54 Corvette, but it was much improved in many respects. The biggest improvement was Ed Cole's superb small-block V-8, which, for an extra $135, was fitted to all but six of the '55 models sold that year; it was identified externally only by exaggerated gold "V's" overlaid on the existing "Chevrolet" name on the lower front fenders. Chevy's ads heralded it as "The V-8 that goes like a V-2," comparing the eight-cylinder Corvette to a "guided missile."

The 1955 Corvette got a V-8 option that was a boon to
performance but had little sales impact.

One of the many interesting innovations that made the 265 such a pivotal development was the lack of a common rocker shaft. Each rocker arm was entirely independent of the others, so that the deflection of one had no effect on the rest. Each was assembled over a valve stem and pushrod, retained by a fulcrum ball and lock nut. Regardless of whether mechanical or hydraulic lifters were used, the valves were lashed by turning the lock nut. In addition, the arrangement reduced reciprocating weight, which allowed higher rpm and cut down on raw materials.

Other features included an intake manifold that provided a common water outlet to both heads, which were die cast with integral valve guides and were completely interchangeable. A short stroke meant short connecting rods were used, which was another way to achieve higher rpm. Pressed-in piston pins eliminated the need for split rods and the required locking bolts. Five main bearings of equal diameter carried maximum loads in their lower halves.

Engine weight was saved by circulating the oil through hollow pushrods, providing splash lubrication to the rocker arms and valve stems, thus eliminating the need for separate and costly oil feeder lines. Pistons were modern slipper-type "autothermic" aluminum units with three rings; a circumferential expander for the single oil ring provided axial and radial force to control oil burning. Instead of iron, the crankshaft was forged of pressed steel because of its higher specific gravity and modulus of elasticity.

The V-8 certainly did wonders for the Corvette's performance in 1955. Though it was essentially the same engine that became newly optional in that year's passenger Chevys, the Corvette version ran a special camshaft that raised horsepower 33 above standard tune -- to a total 195 bhp at 5,000 rpm. Replacing the finicky multiple carbs was a single Rochester four-barrel version. Final-drive gearing remained at 3.55:1, but the V-8's higher rev limit prompted a revised tachometer redline of 6,500 rpm. Because the engine was lighter, fore/aft weight distribution improved, though the benefit was slight (now set at 52/48 percent).

With 265 cubic inches and 195 bhp, the 1955 Corvette's V-8 trimmed
the 0-60 sprint to well under nine seconds.

There was no doubting the V-8's performance improvement -- it was nothing short of stunning. The benchmark 0-60-mph sprint now took just 8.5 seconds; the standing quarter-mile only 16.5 seconds. Top speed was up to nearly 120 mph. Despite this, gas mileage was actually better too. Road & Track, for example, recorded 18-22.5 mpg with Powerglide, some 2-3 mpg better than the standard six-cylinder engine.

Other changes made to accommodate the V-8 included an automatic choke for the first time since the Motorama show Corvette and a modern 12-volt electrical system, though the older six-volt setup was retained for the few six-cylinder Corvettes built that year. The previous vacuum-operated wiper motor gave way to an electric unit, and a foot-operated windshield washer returned. Tires changed from tube-type to the tubeless variety in both white- and blackwall versions.

For a time, Powerglide remained the only transmission. But later in the model run, about 75 cars were built with Corvette's first manual gearbox. This was a new close-ratio three-speed manual, which shifted via a stubby chrome stalk rising from the side of the transmission tunnel, capped by a small white ball and surrounded by a boot that was clamped to the floor by a bright metal ring showing the shift pattern. Final drive was shortened to 3.7:1, which combined with the lighter gearbox and that potent V-8 to make this the fastest Corvette yet.

The 1955 Corvette offered a color option of Gypsy Red,
which replaced the Sportsman's Red of previous models.

As in 1953-54, the Corvette received several running changes during 1955 production. Soon after start-up, the Pennant Blue color option was replaced by Harvest Gold, with contrasting green trim and a dark green top, which became a popular combination. Metallic Copper also became available, and Sportsman Red was replaced by Gypsy Red. The latter came with white vinyl interior, red saddle stitching, and tan carpeting and top. What's more, the '55s had smoother bodies constructed of slightly thinner sections than the 1953-54 models. Fit and-finish was tidier and tighter. Early '55s retained holes in the frame rails for mounting the six-cylinder engine, but these were soon plugged once it was realized they'd probably never be used again. In addition, the X-brace on the underside of the hood was replaced by a lateral brace to clear the V-8's air cleaner.

On balance, 1955 marked a great leap forward for Corvette engineering, but not even genuine high performance, improved workmanship, and fine-tuned details could turn around the car's failing fortunes, at least not immediately. Sales actually declined to only 700 units for the model year. Chevy was still wrestling with problems that kept productions form being either efficient or significant, and the market was still dubious and elusive. Despite 1955's vast improvements, the overall package still wasn't completely "right."

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1953 Corvette

1954 Corvette

1955 Corvette

1956 Corvette

1957 Corvette

1958 Corvette

1959 Corvette

1960 Corvette

1961 Corvette

1962 Corvette

Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:

• Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
• Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
• Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
• Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
• Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
  
• Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.

1955 Corvette Specifications

Nearly all the 1955 Corvettes packed Chevy's brilliant new small-block V-8, signaled by an exaggerated "V" in the bodyside namescript. A newly optional three-speed manual transmission also helped make that year's Corvette a much more exciting performer. Here are the specifications for the 1955 Corvette:

Only 700 Corvettes were built for 1955.

Vehicle Specifications
Convertible
Wheelbase, inches 102.0
Length, inches
167.0 Width, inches
72.2
Track, inches
front: 57.0 rear: 59.0
Height, inches
51.3
Curb Weight, pounds
2,910

Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible)

Suspension
front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
rear: Live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers

Wheels/Tires
6.70x15

Brakes
front: 11-inch drum
rear: 11-inch drum

Transmission
3-speed manual (std)
2-speed Powerglide (opt)

Standard axle ratio
3.55:1

Engine Specifications

Typeohv I-6ohv V-8Displacement, liters/cu inch3.85/235.5
4.34/265.0Bore x stroke, inches3.56 x 3.953.75 x 3.00Fuel Management3 Carter sidedraft
Carter 4-bbl.
Horsepower @ rpm150 @ 4200195 @ 5000 Torque @ rpm, pound-foot223 @ 2400260 @ 3000

Published Performance Numbers

Acceleration
195 hp, Powerglide
0-60 mph, sec
8.7
0-100 mph, sec
24.7
1/4-mile, sec
16.5

(Source: Road & Track)

Vehicle Production and Base Prices

Car Type
Production
Price
2-door convertible, six-cylinder
700*
$2,774.00
2-door convertible, V-8

2,909.00

*700 combined production

Options and Production

Option
Production
Price
Directional Signal
700
$16.75
Heater 700
91.40
AM Radio, signal seeking 700
145.15
Whitewall Tires, 6.70 x 15 700
26.90
Powerglide Automatic Transmission 625
178.35
Parking Brake Alarm 700
5.65
Courtesy Lights 700
4.05
Windshield Washer700
11.85

Color Choices and Production

Color Choice
Production Color Choice
Production
Polo White
325
Pennant Blue
45
Corvette Copper
15
Gypsy Red
180
Harvest Gold
120

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1953 Corvette

1954 Corvette

1955 Corvette

1956 Corvette

1957 Corvette

1958 Corvette

1959 Corvette

1960 Corvette

1961 Corvette

1962 Corvette

Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:

• Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
• Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
• Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
• Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
• Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
  
• Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.