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Corvette was doing so hot in 1955, so by mid year Chevrolet added more power and better handling...a wise decision. |
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1955 Chevrolet Corvette
Keeping with the same 1953-54 styling, Chevrolet marked the Corvette with a gold “V” in the Corvette body-side name script to identify the new V-8, equipped to most all of the 700 cars built for 1955 model year. As sales fell to just 700 units GM began a push to end the Corvette. However, Zora Arkus-Duntov, a former European road racer and engineer on the Corvette team since 1953, was determined to save the Corvette and make it a contender. By offering the two things the Corvette was lacking the most, more power and better handling. By mid-1955, additional horse power was added with the addition of the Turbo-Fire 265 V8 rated at 195 hp as well as the option of a 3-speed manual transmission. Meanwhile, Duntov drove a prototype V8 powered Corvette to a new record in the Daytona "Measured Mile" at just over 150 mph which helped gain some much needed recognition for the Corvette.
1955 Chevrolet Corvette Production Numbers
Model Number |
Body/Style Number |
Body Type & Seating |
Factory Price |
Shipping Weight |
Total Production |
Corvette - Six-Cyl |
E |
2934 |
2 Dr Roadster |
$2,774 |
2,705 lbs |
Note 1 |
Corvette - V-8 |
E |
2934 |
2 Dr Roadster |
$2,909 |
2,870 lbs |
Note 1 |
NOTES:
- Total production of both models was 700.
Chassis Data
Model |
Wheelbase |
Overall Lenght |
Width |
Front Tread |
Rear Tread |
Tires |
Corvette |
102 in |
167 in |
70.5 in |
57 in |
58.8 in |
6.70 x 15 |
VIN Numbers |
Serial Numbers were stamped on a plate on the left front door hinge pillar (center pillar on Corvair and on the driver-side door post on Corvette). The Fisher Body number plate on the right-hand side of the cowl gives additional information such as the body style number, the production sequence number, the trim (upholstery) number code and the paint number code. |
|
First Symbol - Engine Type |
V - V-8 |
Six Cylinder Vehicles Did Not Have A Letter |
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Second Symbol - Model |
A - 150 |
D - Sedan Delivery |
B - 210 |
E - Corvette |
C - Bel Air |
|
|
Third & Fourth Symbol - Model Year |
53 - 1953 |
54 - 1954 |
55 - 1955 |
56 - 1956 |
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Fifth Symbol - Assembly Plant |
(A) Atlanta, Georgia |
(L) Los Angeles, California |
(B) Baltimore, Maryland |
(N) Norwood, Ohio |
(F) Flint, Michigan |
(O) Oakland, California |
(J) Janesville, Wisconsin |
(S) St. Louis, Missouri |
(K) Kansas City, Missouri |
(T) Tarrytown, New York |
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Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence |
Started at 1001 |
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1955 Chevrolet Corvette Options
Code |
Description |
Price |
100 |
Directional Signals |
$16.75 |
101A |
Heater |
$91.40 |
102A |
Signal Seeking AM Radio |
$145.15 |
290B |
6.70 x 15 White Sidewall Tires |
$26.90 |
313M |
Powerglide Transmission |
$178.35 |
420A |
Parking Brake Alarm |
$5.65 |
421A |
Courtesy Lights |
$4.05 |
422A |
Windshield Washer |
$11.85 |
1955 Chevrolet Corvette Engine Options
Location Of Engine Code: Stamped on the block in front of the right hand cylinder head.
Letter Code |
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
Transmission |
Carburetor |
F255GR |
8-265 |
195 |
260 |
3-Speed Manual |
4 BC |
F55FG |
8-265 |
195 |
260 |
Powerglide |
4 BC |
F55YG |
6-235.5 |
155 |
223 |
Powerglide |
3 - 1 BC |
1955 Chevrolet Corvette Exterior Paint Codes
Color Name / Code |
Color Image |
Color Name / Code |
Color Image |
567 - Polo White
Lucite® Code - 1783H |
Not Available |
632 - Harvest Gold
Lucite® Code - 2004H |
Not Available |
570 - Blue
Lucite® Code - 1927 |
Not Available |
573 - Bronze
Lucite® Code - 2187H |
Not Available |
596 - Gypsy Red
Lucite® Code - 1973H |
Not Available |
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NOTES: Color Combination Numbers are on a plate on the right side of the dash panel, under the hood, immediately below the heater water control valve (Ranco Valve). |
1955 Chevrolet Corvette Interior Paint Codes
Color Name / Code |
Color Image |
Color Name / Code |
Color Image |
Not Available
Lucite® Code - Not Available |
Not Available |
Not Available
Lucite® Code - Not Available |
Not Available |
Axle Codes
Location Of Axle Codes: The axles for Chevrolet will be built by Chevrolet Buffalo, Chevrolet Gear and Axle, Buick, Oldsmobile, and McKinnon. Divisional Manufacturer code letters will be metal stamped on the axle tube adjacent to the carrier for identification. Metal stamp on left rear axle tube on the rear side, letters and numerals 3/16 in. high, 3 in. outboard of carrier.
Codes - Non-Locking |
Codes - Locking |
Ratio |
Inspection Cover |
AD |
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3.27 |
12 Bolt |
AE |
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3.36 |
12 Bolt |
AH |
AN |
3.70 |
12 Bolt |
AJ |
AP |
4.11 |
12 Bolt |
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AQ |
4.56 |
12 Bolt |