1955 Chevrolet Corvette

The Corvette was rescued in 1955 by the arrival of Chevrolet's first V8 since 1919, a 265 cubic inch small block rated at 195 horsepower, which was offered in the Corvette. Early V8 cars still had the Powerglide automatic, and a few six cylinder cars were also built. Only 700 Corvettes were made in 1955, the second smallest total after 1953. The V in the Corvette emblem was enlarged and made gold to signal the V8 and its 12 volt electrical system, while the few six cylinder cars kept the 6 volt system of 1953 and 1954.