An important piece of Chevrolet Corvette history is up for sale on the Bring a Trailer auction website.
The 1955 car is one of the first prototypes built to evaluate a three-speed manual transmission.
Along with a unique backstory, the classic Corvette is presented in stunning condition – and will be a strong draw for Chevrolet fans.
A Corvette origin story
When the first-generation Chevrolet Corvette hit the market in 1953, buyers were restricted to just one powertrain. Under the shapely hood was the Blue Flame 235 cubic-inch straight-six engine.
Without a suitable manual transmission, the Corvette entered production using the two-speed Powerglide automatic.
The performance offered by the engine and transmission combo left buyers feeling underwhelmed, however. To stem the flow of negative customer reactions, Chevrolet needed to act.
The original red rocket
Under the supervision of Zora Arkus-Duntov, Chevrolet fitted the Corvette with its new 265-cubic inch V-8 for 1955. The eight-cylinder option delivered a much more respectable 195 horsepower.
The final piece of the puzzle would be the addition of the three-speed manual gearbox. Testing how the new transmission would work in the Corvette required a prototype to be made, which is how the car up for auction came into existence.
Powered by the V-8 engine, this car was later sold to a Californian buyer in the 1960s. Having moved to Oregon in the late 1980s, it has seen various refurbishments since.
Little Red Corvette
Today, the special Corvette is finished in repainted Gypsy Red, with chrome bumpers and V-8 badging. The 15-inch body-colored wheels have faux knock-off hubs, and are fitted with Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall bias-ply tires.
Inside, the cabin is finished in light beige, complemented by a red carpet and red dash pad. An AM radio was added during a 2019 rebuild, with the interior also benefiting from a heater and dash-mounted mirror.
Recent maintenance includes an electrical system overhaul, along with new brake shoes and a rebuild of the brake master cylinder.
Record-breaking potential
Combining a special piece of Chevrolet history with the impressive condition of this example makes for a unique proposition.
To set a new Bring a Trailer record for C1 Corvettes, the prototype model will need to surpass $153,000 before the auction closes on Wednesday 15 September.
Bidding on Bring a Trailer has already escalated rapidly, with a final price into six figures on the cards. We’ll have to wait and see whether a new buyer will be brave enough to drive this rare ‘Vette.
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I am the buyer of this car and it will not be a garage queen. I plan to drive and show it.
DinoBaby
Bravo, Michael – this is music to our ears! Have huge fun with it… maybe we’ll see it at a show one day.