Lot 270

The John Staluppi Collection

1955 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster

{{lr.item.text}}

$140,250 USD | Sold

United States | North Palm Beach, Florida

{{internetCurrentBid}}

{{internetTimeLeft}}


language
Chassis No.
VE55S001118

A multiple award-winning, Bloomington certified, fully restored example

195 bhp, 265 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102 in.

During the early-1950s, two key events shaped the Chevrolet Corvette’s ongoing development and fostered its rise to unrivalled status as America’s pre-eminent sports car. The first was the appointment in 1952 of Ed Cole, a driving force behind the development of Cadillac’s famed overhead-valve V-8 engine, to the post of Chief Engineer at GM’s Chevrolet Division. Starting with a clean sheet of paper, Cole’s new V-8 design revolutionized the American auto industry with its compact dimensions, durability, light weight, and thermal efficiency. With free-breathing cylinder heads and strong internal parts, the new “small-block” was especially responsive to high-performance modifications and quickly redefined both the engine design and Chevrolet’s staid image when it debuted for 1955. The second key development was the hiring of Zora Arkus-Duntov. Both Cole and Arkus-Duntov worked their magic on the Corvette, adding the new small block V-8 for 1955 and a succession of performance and handling enhancements that transformed the Corvette into a true sports car.

This outstanding example is finished in red and has had a full restoration completed within the last several years. As a testament to the quality and correctness of the restoration, when it was shown under its previous owner’s care, the Corvette received all of the top accolades, including an NCRS Duntov Award. It is also fully certified with a Bloomington Gold certificate, which only further authenticates the car’s highly correct restoration.

Today, the red paint has very good contours and surface finish and is accented by the parchment vinyl interior and beige canvas top with matching carpeting. The nicely refinished trunk with its black mat also includes a white vinyl bag with the correct-style side curtains, as well as a complete set of jacking equipment. The engine bay is correctly finished and includes the correct shielding to avoid interference with the AM radio. The underside is extremely clean and properly restored, down to the same stenciling that would have been found when the car was new. Accessory-wise, it is complete with a Wonderbar AM radio, seat belts, wide whitewall tires, and the Power Pack option, to name a few.

This is truly an excellent example that can continue to be shown anywhere with confidence and enjoyed on the open road.