Corvette styling remained the same as the 1954 model
This year, however, a V-8 engine was available
Corvettes with the V-8 also had a distinctive gold emblem on the front fenders with a large "V" in the word "CheVrolet"
V-8 models used a 12-volt electrical system while the 6-cylinder cars used a 6-volt electrical system
New added colors were Copper witha Beige interior and Harvest Gold (yellow) with a Green and Yellow interior
Gypsy Red cars now featured a light beige interior
The interior material was called Elascofab.
Soft convertible tops were offered in canvas and vinyl
New top colors inclued White and Dark Green
I.D. NUMBERS
Corvette used the standard 10 symbol Chevrolet Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) coding
system. The I.D. tag was located on the left-hand front door hinge pillar.
VE = V-8 Corvette model, E = 6-cyl Corvette model
55 = 1955
S = St. Louis, MO assembly plant
the last six numbers were the sequential production number
They numbered from VE55S001001 to VE55S001700.
The engine number was found on the right-hand side of the crankcase behind the distributor.
The engine numbers for 1955 used the suffix:
"YG" = 6-cyl
"FG" = V-8 with automatic transmission
"GR" = V-8 with manual transmission
Since the Corvette bodies were virtually
handmade, they did not carry standard Fisher Body Style Numbers as did other GM cars.
The Corvette model number consisted of the four digits 2934, which also served as the body style
number for the early production years.
IDENTIFICATION
Series No.
Body/Style No.
Engine
Body Type
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Production Total
2934
2934
6-cyl
2-dr. Roadster - 2 passenger
$2774
2705 lb
700
2934
2934
V-8
$2909
2870 lb
ENGINES
Feature
6-cylinder
8-cylinder
Type
Inline 6
V-8
Valve
Overhead valve
Overhead valve
Block
Cast Iron
Cast Iron
Displacement
235.5 cu.in.
265 cu. in.
Bore & Stroke
3.56 x 3.93
3.75 x 3.00
Compression ratio
8.0:1
8.0:1
Brake HP
155 @ 4200 rpm
195 @ 5000
Main Bearings
Four
Five
Valve Lifters
Solid
Solid
Fuel supply
Three Carter one-barrel carburetors model 3706989
Rochester four-barrel carburetor Model 7008005
TRANSMISSION
Manual
The three-speed manual transmission became standard late in the model year. A single dry-plate clutch was used with it.
Automatic
The two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission was optional
CHASSIS
Wheelbase
102 inches
2.591 m
Overall length
167 inches
4.242 m
Front tread
57 inches
1.448 m
Rear tread
59 inches
1.499 m
Wheels
steel disk
Tires
6.70x15
Front suspension
coil springs with tukbular shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Rear suspension
Leaf springs, tube shocks and solid rear axle
Brakes
Drum on all four wheels
Axle ratio
3.55:1
OPTIONS
RPO 100Q Polo White directional signals ($16.75)
RPO 100R Pennant Blue directional signals ($16.75)
