1955 Harvest Gold Corvette Convertible ??s

[clocklar]

We have a Harvest Gold 1955 Corvette Convertible V-8, Stick Shift that is in the process of restoration. We have questions that I hope some of you can answer.

1) There is a space for a radio, but no antenna. Where did the antenna go?

2) The exterior is Harvest Gold. What color green is the interior paint, and vinyl trim panel on the dash?

Please post in this forum or email me at jlock@aol.com.

Thanks,
Crys Locklar

 

[ChuckG]

Having a senior moment, and can't remember the precise name of the green for the top. The radio antenna is within the trunk. It's glassed on the inside. You'll find a connector on the passengers side front. That's the antenna connector. No external antenna.

If you have an original, real 55 three speed, you've got a rare bird. I can honestly say I've never seen a real factory 3 speed in a 55. I've seen lots added later, but never an original. Chuck

 

[ChuckG]

It's called "Woodland" green. It's a medium dark green, sort of like Hunter green. Chuck

 

[clocklar]

Thank you for your help. Yes, the 'Vette is rare. All the numbers match. It was originally built for racing. We still have pictures from its early days. (Black and white, of course.) It belonged to my husband's grandfather who bought it from the original owner in 1955, so it is a family heirloom. We can't wait to see it returned to its glory days.

Thanks again!

Crys

 

[impala]

clocklar,

My brother-in-law also has a Harvest Gold 1955 Corvette. He bought his in the early 60's. He still has the original 265 automatic powertrain but is currently running a ZZ4 with a 4 speed.

If you have any questions I can take a look at his car and perhaps send pictures as there are sutle differences between the 53/54 and the 55.

They are incredible cars - good luck getting yours on the road.

Eugene

 

[clocklar]

If you have a digital camera and could take pictures of the interior, that would be awesome. Right now ours is off the frame, and the engine is in pieces, so the pictures I have would probably not interest you. From what I understand, there are very few '55s in Harvest Gold that are 3 speeds like ours in existence, so we are being very picky about the restoration. If you do take the pictures, feel free to email them to me at jlock@aol.com. I would certainly appreciate it, and as the restoration progresses, I'm sure I'll have questions.

Thanks,
Crys

 

[impala]

Hello Crys,

I see my brother-in-law all the time and have a digital camera. Will try to get some interior shots off to you this weekend.

He's not running his original engine which is on a pallet rack in his shop. But when we were in Nashville for the 50th he had me take some pictures of a 1955 265ci at Chevrolet's Corvette Engine Evolution Exhibit. Took these with a regular camera and will need to get them digitized. The tent was building/tent was very dark so I'm not sure if the pictures turned out. If they did they'll be sent to you.

The Corvette Black Book estimates only 75 of the 1955 Corvettes had manual transmissions. Considering how many probably were raced and or wrecked I'd say yours is a very rare survivor.

Eugene

 

[clocklar]

Eugene,

That would be awesome! I'll be looking forward to seeing the pictures!

Thanks,
Crys

 

[Tom Bryant]

What's even rarer is that only 20 '55s were painted Harvest Gold. Speaking of Harvest Gold racers, how about this one?

I looked this car over and there is plenty of original green interior parts there so it must be an original Harvest Gold.

Here's the one in the Corvette Classics Museum in Fort Wayne IN. This ones an auto. I also have a friend that owned one that was Harvest Gold. When he got the car it had a blown up 409-4speed and was white pearl with purple flames. Stripping the car showed it's original colors though.

Tom

 

[clocklar]

Thanks, Tom. It was great to see the colors together. It will be interesting to see the contrast in the interior with the Harvest Gold and Woodland Green.

Crys

 

[impala]

Hello Tom,

Thanks for the picture of the Harvest Gold 55. As it turns out I was visiting customers in Fort Wayne this week and made time to see the Museum. Very impressive collection of Vettes.

We were the only people there so received a really information tour.

Loved the row of 57's - one of each color offered that year.

Eugene

 

[Tom Bryant]

Hello Tom,

Loved the row of 57's - one of each color offered that year.

Eugene

And all fuelies.

You should have told me you were going to be in town. I can always use another trip to the museum.

BTW The museum may be moving to a new and much larger building in the near future. What you saw was only part of the collection that these two gentlemen own.