The 1955 Chevrolet Corvette marked a significant shift by combining classic C1 styling with robust muscle for the first time. Featuring a new 265-cubic-inch small-block V-8 with a four-barrel Carter carburetor, it delivered a substantial 195 horsepower, propelling the Corvette into the realm of genuine performance models.
This V-8 engine became a pivotal moment in Corvette history, transforming it from a sporty roadster into a high-performance vehicle. Demand for the V-8-powered Corvette far exceeded its 1954 predecessor, which, in hindsight, was surprisingly challenging for Chevy to sell.
The 1955 Corvettes were constructed of slightly thinner sections of fiberglass. As the process evolved, the fit and finish of these individual parts became tighter and tidier than on either of the earlier models. What’s more, the 1955 Corvettes had smoother bodies than either the 1953 or 1954 models.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s
