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SPECIFICATIONS
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Make:
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Chevrolet |
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Model:
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Corvette |
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Year:
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1955 |
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Color:
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Red |
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Engine:
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Chevrolet
V8 |
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CC:
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4343 |
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Power:
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195
bhp |
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Transmission:
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Automatic |
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Brakes:
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Drum |
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Length:
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167" |
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Width:
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70" |
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Height:
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52" |
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Weight:
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2900
lbs |
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Chassis
no:
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VE55S001545 |
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The
prototype Corvette had it's first public outing in January 1953 and
the car was in mass production by June of that year. A Corvette model
has been available every year (except 1983-sold as an early release
1984 model) since then, but in 55 years of production there has only
been six different body styles. This car is an example of the original
body shape. Sales figures for the '55 model were so dramatically low
that the future of the whole Corvette project was put in jeopardy
and a total of only 700 units were built. That is the second lowest
ever annual production total for the Corvette model name.
Most, but not
all 1955 corvettes have the Chevrolet V8 engine. Chassis numbers
that start with the letter "V" are original V8 cars. Also
the letter "V" in the script word "Chevrolet"
on the front fenders is enlarged designating the car as a V8 car.
The Corvette in the Mathews Collection is a V8 car. Only five colors
were available in 1955; Polo White, Pennant Blue, Corvette Copper,
Harvest Gold and as seen on the Mathews car, Gypsy Red.
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