1955 Chevrolet Corvette V8 with the rare 3-speed manual, no reserve

Why we picked it

1955 was the first year the Corvette got a V8, and only 700 cars were built. Most had the 2-speed Powerglide. This one, VIN VE55S001244, is one of the few with the 3-speed manual, and the listing says the GR suffix on the 265 V8's engine stamp backs that up. It is finished in Gypsy Red with a red and white interior, and has a clean California title. It is offered with no reserve.

The current bid is $42,500 with 12 bids in and about six days left, so the price will almost certainly rise. Still, recent Powerglide V8 cars have sold for $77,600 to $90,500, and a documented manual car should be worth at least that much. The listing gives little written history or restoration detail and leaves condition to the photos, so careful bidders will want more information before they bid.

The value check

When we found it, the bid was $50,500. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $77,600–$90,500, so the middle of the market is about $84,050. That put this car 40% under.

Recent 1955 Corvette V8 sales with the far more common Powerglide automatic went for $77,605 (BaT, Mar 2026), $82,500 (Barrett-Jackson, Jan 2026) and $90,500 (BaT, Sep 2026). The current no-reserve bid of $42,500 is about 49% under the midpoint, though bidding has several days left.

Where the numbers come from:

• CLASSIC.COM: 1955 Corvette V8 sold $90,500, BaT Sep 2026
• CLASSIC.COM: 1955 Corvette sold $77,605, BaT Mar 2026
• CLASSIC.COM: 1955 Corvette sold $82,500, Barrett-Jackson Jan 2026
• CLASSIC.COM C1 1953-1955 market

What to check

• Verify the 3-speed claim: engine stamp suffix (GR), correct transmission and shifter, and any NCRS or factory paperwork
• The listing has no written restoration or ownership history; ask for records and an inspection
• Odometer reads 2,300 but true mileage is unknown, which likely means a restoration at some point; find out when and by whom
• Check the steel frame for rust around the kick-ups and rear rails, and the fiberglass for cracks at the hood and door hinges
• Early hand-laid bodies vary; check panel fit and look for signs of past body repairs

Making it drive like new

This is a collector car. Leave the drivetrain and body original. Any upgrades should be reversible and light, such as a discreet electronic ignition, modern radial tires that look like bias-plies, and a careful brake rebuild with a dual master cylinder that can be undone later.

6 builders make a complete chassis for the 1953–62 C1 Corvette. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.

How it ended

It sold for $75,435 on Oct 8, 2026, against a market value of about $84,050 when we found it.