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
| Type | ohv I-6 | ohv V-8 |
| Displacement, liters/cu inch | 3.85/235.5 | 4.34/265.0 |
| Bore x stroke, inches | 3.56 x 3.95 | 3.75 x 3.00 |
| Fuel Management | 3 Carter sidedraft | Carter 4-bbl. |
| Horsepower @ rpm | 150 @ 4200 | 195 @ 5000 |
| Torque @ rpm, pound-foot | 223 @ 2400 | 260 @ 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 Washer | 700 | 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:
| 1955 Corvette | ||
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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.
