Before being used to test ideas for a 1955 redesign this C1 was a yellow hardtop prototype built for the 1954 Motoroma show car auto cars
thanks to the much-needed arrival of Chevy’s small-block V8 engine. But given how comprehensively that engine would change the character and desirability of the Corvette, and the fact that Ford began fielding its own two-seater, the Thunderbird, in 1955, it seems odd that Chevy didn’t make any styling changes until 1956.
In reality, behind the scenes GM designers did consider refreshing the still-new, but slow-selling C1,of a canned 1955 facelift is the proof. The stunning one-of-one Vette is heading for auction, where it’s fascinating backstory is sure to get bidders furiously waving their wallets. Styling tweaks that differentiate it from other 1954 and 1955 Corvettes include the four rectangular vents on each front fender, a simpler chrome molding strip below those vents, a different grille with a mesh insert, a hood bulge and simulated vent, an extended trunk panel and exhausts that exit through the bumpers, rather than the bodywork.bosses opted not to go ahead with the proposal, preferring to save their efforts for a more major facelift that would debut for the 1956 model year.
Somehow, the car survived the crusher after the project was axed and ended up in private hands, eventually being picked up in 1975 by a George F. Campbell, in a mess and minus most of its prototype features. Campbell spent four decades collecting parts for a restoration program but died before that could start. Fortunately, its next owner did get the job done, and in some style, netting the C1 a Founders Award at The Amelia Concours d’Elegance in March 2023.
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