In 1955 Corvette production was expected to be 10,000, the final numbers are much smaller, only 700 1955 Corvettes were manufactured. Many people believed this would be the last year for Corvette. Thanks at least in part to the success of the two-seat Ford Thunderbird, Chevy saw the market for the Corvette. he biggest change for the '55 was the addition of the optional 195 horsepower V8, although records show seven six-cylinder models were built. By the end of the year a three-speed manual transmission was available as well as the standard Powerglide. The electrical systems were 12 volt in the V8's, in the six cylinder models they used the 6 volt system common to the previous two years.The V8 models are identified by a larger gold "v" attached over the top of the small "v" on the badging on the front fenders, the VIN on these models also starts with a "V". Six cylinder VINs do not start with a "V". The windshield washer button is activated by a foot switch on the floor. An auxiliary hard top was not available from the factory or as Chevrolet sponsored dealer accessories. Third parties did manufacture a hard top that some dealers sold though.

("V" is omitted on Six Cylinder Models)