Beschreibung:

1955 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ROADSTER Chassis No. E555S001460 Engine No. 03T430f55FG Gypsy red with beige interior Engine: overhead valve V8, 265ci., 195bhp at 5,000rpm; Gearbox: Powerglide automatic; Suspension: front, unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar, tube-type shock absorbers; rear, rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, tube-type shock absorbers; Brakes: front and rear drums. Left hand drive. Dream cars were big in Detroit in the 1950s, but only General Motors built examples you could actually buy. In 1953, at the first Motorama in January at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Chevrolet unveiled its new Corvette. The car was sleek and sporty with a rounded body, mesh stone guards over inset headlamps, a trendy wrapped windshield and thrusting jet-pod tail lamps. A soft top folded out of sight beneath a solid lift-up panel, while European style side curtains replaced roll-up windows. The Corvette, with its fiberglass body, small size and two seat configuration, revolutionized the sports car market in America. Not only did it provide an alternative to the European sports car, it went beyond and provided a car that was better in many respects: more comfortable, reliable, safe and attractive while at the same time possessing favorable handling characteristics. The Corvette proved to be the most exciting car GM had ever offered. The 1953 through 1955 cars are significant in that they were the first American true post-war sports cars. The 265ci. V8 engine was first introduced on the 1955 cars, though a few six cylinder cars are reported to have been built early on in the year. Following the poor sales of 1954, Corvette executives opted to reduce total production to around 700, the lowest production year in the Corvette's history with the exception of the 1953 production run of 300. As a result the 1955 Corvette has swiftly become one of the most sought after models ever produced. The 1955 Corvette Roadster on offer here was purchased by the vendor in 1991 in cosmetically restored condition. Finished in Gypsy Red with beige interior, which is believed to be its original color scheme, the Roadster is reported to be correct to original specifications. Attesting to its originality, the car is complete with its original sill plates, instruments, Wonderbar radio, jack and side curtains. Though not a frame-off restoration, the car is very presentable underneath and appears to have received a thorough underbody refurbishment. The car is reported to be in excellent running and driving condition and has received regular mechanical maintenance. Complete to the last detail, the vendor reports that the only item currently installed on the car that is not correct is the fuel pump, however; an original fuel pump is offered. As a further testament to the overall condition, the Corvette was invited for display at the Chevy Vette Fest in 1993 where it was chosen to be show-cased as well. At the prestigious Meadowbrook Concours it won its class during the same year. It is important to note that this car is believed to be a rare, original delivery Gypsy Red/beige car and has yet to grace the Bloomington Gold events where it should make a suitable car for show competition.