CALIFORNIA CAR, BELIEVED TO BE ORIGINAL 265 V8, FIRST YEAR FOR THE V8 IN A VETTE

If you like the styling of the early Corvette, he one you really want to own is a 1955 like this California-bred example. The '53s are interesting because they were the first, ut with the 1955 models were the first of the V8 'Vettes, nd a Corvette without a small block V8 is only of the fun.We don't have a lot of history on this handsome Gypsy Red Corvette, ut we do know that any 1955 Corvette is a rather rare car with only about 700 being built. It comes from California, ith the current owner acquiring it in 2008 and bringing it back east to be a part of a massive collection of high-quality cars. It has obviously been restored at some point, ecause the paint and fiberglass are in good condition and it fits together very well. The door gaps are a little wide at the bottom, ut they were like that in showrooms, o it's not really a big deal. This car's show days are probably over, ut it is a very sharp driver, nd that's really where Corvettes are happiest. The toothy front grille is in excellent shape, he stainless shines up beautifully, nd it takes a sharp eye to tell a '55 from its earlier brothers, ell, ntil you start the engine anyway.You only got two color choices inside, right red or beige vinyl, nd this car got beige which is by far the less common choice. Like the exterior, he interior has been restored at some point using correct materials and patterns that look great in the vintage fiberglass sports car. Likewise, he carpets, oor panels, nd other soft parts were surely replaced and it all remains in excellent condition with few signs of use. It's still got a color-matched red steering wheel with '50s horn ring and all the secondary gauges are arrayed along the lower center of the dash so the passenger has something to do, oo. The original radio is in the dash but sadly not functioning and the tach has been disconnected due to a noisy cable, hich is an easy, nexpensive fix. A 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission was by far the most popular choice, nd that's what this 'Vette is carrying, oo, ut as you've undoubtedly already experienced, t's a great combination with the V8 engine. Overhead there's a new tan convertible top that fits extremely well and the trunk is spacious enough for plenty of luggage on a road trip, he Corvette's favorite activity.The 265 cubic inch V8 under the hood should need no introduction, nd by dropping it between the Corvette's fenders, ora Arkus-Duntov managed to save Chevy's plastic fantastic from extinction. We have every reason to believe this is the car's original engine, ut there's no way to know for sure, ut it certainly looks right under the forward-tilting hood. Topped with a chrome air cleaner and matching valve covers, t looks suitably flashy for the Chevy flagship and many of the details are correct, rom the generator to the cast iron master cylinder. Bright Chevy Orange paint makes it identifiable at a glance and it runs beautifully with a smooth purr from the dual glasspack-style mufflers underneath. The transmission shifts well, aiting until you're just sure it won't shift then dropping happily into high gear and urging the Corvette forward. The undercarriage was obviously nicely finished when it was restored, lthough it now shows some signs of use and age but that's really not a surprise on something this much fun to drive. Proper 6.70-15 BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall tires are installed, hich is the only choice, specially with stock wheels and hubcaps.A handsome, un-to-drive early Corvette, his is a car you can enjoy at every opportunity without worries and with V8 power, ou'll never feel like something is missing. Call today!