1955 Six Cylinder Corvettes - NCRS Discussion Boards

1955 Six Cylinder Corvettes

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  • Rick G.
    Very Frequent User
    • March 1, 1983
    • 273

    1955 Six Cylinder Corvettes

    I have never understood the reasoning why six or seven 1955 corvettes were equipped with six cylinders. Looking at the VIN numbers there is no evidence that they were carry overs from 1954. Anyone have a theory they can share?

    Thanks in advance.

    Rick Gower
  • Dan D.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • November 5, 2008
    • 1323

    #2
    Re: 1955 Six Cylinder Corvettes

    That must have been a nightmare to control - 6 vs 12V electrical, and the difference in welded in motor mounts. The only reason I can think of to offer this is GM was desperate to sell cars. With a production run of only 700 units, that was a disaster, as we all know, and almost spelled the end of the Corvette. Also, seeing how all GM was 12V in 55, there probably was large quantities of 6V material left over that they wanted to use up. -Dan-

    Comment

    • Loren L.
      Extremely Frequent Poster
      • April 30, 1976
      • 4104

      #3
      Re: 1955 Six Cylinder Corvettes

      Resistance to change....."I'm perfectly happy with what I KNOW will work"..... See drum brakes in 1965....
      Perhaps more illuminating is that someone in Chevrolet KNEW that they'd better have the 6 available, plus, as stated, they had the parts on hand.......and the SBC had not yet warped the minds of those who liked to go fast, on pavement or on dirt.

      Comment

      • Willard M.
        Very Frequent User
        • August 31, 1979
        • 422

        #4
        Re: 1955 Six Cylinder Corvettes

        I hate to admit that I remember those days. Many folks had known the stovebolt six for many years and were comfortable with what they knew. The new V8 was exciting to some, but others were somewhat resistent to change. Maybe that's why I don't use Facebook, Twitter, or text messages. Even my torque wrench has a dial indicator.

        Comment

        • John S.
          Expired
          • July 29, 2009
          • 640

          #5
          Re: 1955 Six Cylinder Corvettes

          a person in another thread mentioned that a father had purchased a 1955 six cylinder for his daughter. with advertising at the time stating that the 55 V8 moved like a V2 rocket, i could see how a concerned parent might opt for the six.

          Comment

          • Joseph T.
            Expired
            • April 30, 1976
            • 2074

            #6
            Re: 1955 Six Cylinder Corvettes

            Originally posted by Loren Lundberg (912)
            Resistance to change....."I'm perfectly happy with what I KNOW will work"..... See drum brakes in 1965....
            Perhaps more illuminating is that someone in Chevrolet KNEW that they'd better have the 6 available, plus, as stated, they had the parts on hand.......and the SBC had not yet warped the minds of those who liked to go fast, on pavement or on dirt.
            Does anyone know with any certainty..if the small number of 6 cylinder 1955 Corvettes used the same 911 block and same 241 head as did the 1954 Corvette?

            Joe

            Comment

            • Loren L.
              Extremely Frequent Poster
              • April 30, 1976
              • 4104

              #7
              Re: 1955 Six Cylinder Corvettes

              April 1, 1956 Pts Bk groups '55 6 cyl with 53/4, but does NOT show a casting #.

              Comment

              • Troy P.
                Extremely Frequent Poster
                • February 1, 1989
                • 1284

                #8
                Re: 1955 Six Cylinder Corvettes

                There were other 6V 55 Chevy's. The first series 55 pickup was 6V. Changed to 12V with the second series.

                Comment

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