Last updated on September 20, 2023
Today’s car is a 1955 Corvette and it is owned by Anthony. I saw this car at the El Segundo Main Street Car Show. The thing that will catch your attention is the unique original Plexiglass Bubble Top. The car is finished in Pennant Blue with a Light Beige interior. There is an estimate of 45 car painted Pennant Blue Corvettes in 1955. It is powered by Chevrolets first production of the 265 cu in, 4.3 Liter, 195 hp V8, with a single 4-barrel Carter. Transferring that power to the rear wheels through a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission with a final rear end gear ratio of 3.55:1. Slowing this baby down are 11 inch drum brakes. The front suspension is fully independent with coil springs and a ride stabilizer bar and in the are rear are longitudinal semi-elliptical leaf springs with double acting shock absorbers all around. Only the V8’s came with 12V volt electrical systems.
The Bubble Top is the rarest aftermarket accessory for the first generation Corvette (C1). This Plexiglass Bubble Top provided a little extra headroom. It was produced by the Model Builders of Chicago and they only produced 25 tops. The tops sold for $500.00 dollars each, but most of them went to GM executives, a few to Motorama cars, and a some of them made it out to the public. The tops were not available for 1955 Corvettes as a factory option or as a Chevrolet sponsored dealer accessory, But some of the dealers sold them.
Only 700 of the 1955 Corvettes were produced. The MSRP was $3389.10 without the Bubble Top. The published top speed was 120 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. This is a great car that represents the early American sports car market, The Nash-Healey being the first American sports car. I have only I have only seen photos of the Bubble Top. This is a very nicely restored car, but with the rare Bubble Top is sure to draw car enthusiast with the unique look of the top at any car event. Thanks for riding along. Frank
