1955 was a seminal year for the Corvette because Zora Arkus-Duntov a Belgian-born American convinced the heads at GM to fit the small-block V8. This transformed the car and it became a launching point for Chevrolet performance.

See 1955 Chevrolet Corvette Image Gallery

1955 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster – sold for $104,500 – This 1955 Corvette was sold new by Burwell Chevrolet in Jacksonville, Florida. It has remained in Jacksonville since new and at one time was drag raced on an amateur level. It was purchased by Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance founder Bill Warner 10 years ago after a friend performed a modest restoration. Another body-on restoration was performed by a Corvette specialist in Tarpon Springs, but Warner was not satisfied with the results. In 2009, he sent the car to Corvette expert Werner Meier at Master Works, in Madison Heights, Michigan, for a full body-off restoration. The car was first shown at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and then at the 2010 AACA Hershey meet where it was awarded its National First Junior. It is a stunning restoration beautifully presented in Pennant Blue over beige. Ready for its First Senior, it is certainly a worthy candidate for Top Flight NCRS judging. Auction Source: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions

1955 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster 265 CI, 3-Speed – Fifty-five years after the motoring public and press thought the Corvette was down for the count, this astounding Gypsy Red 1955 roadster is rarer and more desirable than ever. Repainted in the 1960s in its original color, the car remains otherwise original and unrestored, one of a mere 19 Corvettes built with the standard 3-speed manual behind its new-for’55 265 CI V-8, and is also equipped with heater, windshield washer and directional signals. While the factory carburetor has been rebuilt and the tires and exhaust are correct replacements, the car still retains all the original chrome, top, side windows, hubcaps, motor, transmission, washer bag and heater valve. Early Corvettes are almost impossible to find in such an original state, making this a collector’s dream. Auction Source: 2010 Mecum at Monterey

 

1955 Chevrolet Corvette Bubbletop – sold for $140,250 This example is powered by a 195 hp, 265 cu. in. V8 with a three-speed manual transmission and continues to benefit from a ground-up restoration. It includes virtually flawless paint, a correct cloth soft top, great chrome, a correct and as-new beige interior with perfect stitching noted on the seats and an AM radio. Underhood, the engine bay remains as new, with proper hoses, clamps and wiring throughout. Auction Source: RM Auctions 2010 Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale