1955 Chevrolet Corvette. FIRST 3-SPEED MANUAL CORVETTE EVER BUILT. See VIDEO.

1955 Chevrolet Corvette FIRST 3-SPEED MANUAL PROTOTYPE. SEE VIDEO

1955 Chevrolet Corvette. FIRST 3-SPEED MANUAL CORVETTE EVER BUILT. See VIDEO. 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. FIRST 3-SPEED MANUAL CORVETTE EVER BUILT. See VIDEO.

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Description 1955 Chevrolet Corvette
VIN # VE55S001353
Listed on behalf of Monte Shelton Motors
Located in PORTLAND, OREGON.
Produced June 18, 1955. This was the first prototype Corvette ever made with a 3-speed manual transmission. Chevrolet executives had wanted to make the Corvette a true 2-seat “sports car” to compete with the Ford Thunderbird, which was being offered with a manual transmission. Previous to this time, all Corvettes were equipped with a 6 cylinder engine and Powerglide automatic transmission.
Car #1353 (this car) was pulled from the assembly line and a 3-speed manual transmission was fitted for examination by GM management. The driveshaft tunnel was cut open and the transmission attached to the 265 V8 engine. After initial testing, two other cars (# 1442 and #1551) were similarly equipped and further refinements were made to the linkage and clutch return spring bracket. The first production 3-speed equipped car is # 1578.
Car #1353 was later sold (likely to a Chevrolet employee) who is now unknown. In August of 1965 the car was sold to a gentleman in Cupertino, California who owned it until 1988 when it was sold to a well known national award-winning Chevrolet restorer near Portland, Oregon.
He knew the significance of this car and set out on a full frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration to concours show level. Upon completion, he sold the car to a friend and fellow collector in Oregon, who showed it at the 2002 National Corvette Restorer’s Society (NCRS) Northwest Regional Meet where it received the “Top Flight” Award for excellence in restoration.
The car was kept in his home showroom until he died in 2013 and the car was acquired in 2018 from his estate by Monte Shelton of Portland. Shelton mechanically refreshed the car as well as having an extensive cosmetic reconditioning done to again bring the car to top show level. With Shelton’s unexpected passing in June, 2019, this Corvette is now being offered for sale.
The car now shows less than 60 miles since restoration and is spectacular. We invite you to bring your experts to examine this car before the auction closing. Besides being one of the finest restored 1955 Corvettes in the world today, its provenance as the first 3-speed equipped prototype make it one of the most significant C-1 Corvettes in existence and a car that cannot be duplicated at any price. It would be a centerpiece of any Corvette collection.
A reserve has been placed on this car in keeping with its rarity and quality. It is unique. Please bid accordingly.
WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BIDDERS WORLDWIDE AND CAN ASSIST WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.
Thanks for looking and GOOD LUCK.
TO VIEW VIDEO TOUR, GO TO: https://youtu.be/_W55WWVGvuQ
Click on photos below to enlarge details. Payment We gladly sell to buyers WORLDWIDE. Winning bidder please contact us within 24 hours of auction close. A deposit of $2000 is due via PayPal at that time. Vehicle deposits are non-refundable, per PayPal and eBay policy. Balance due in certified U.S. funds via bank wire transfer within 7 days of auction close. We do not accept overseas bank drafts or cashier's checks. Vehicle has a clear title and is being sold by the owner, with our assistance. Please call David at 503-309-7729 between 9am and 9pm Pacific Time with any questions. Thank you. Shipping Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer and not included in the auction price. Vehicle must be picked up within 14 days of payment, unless other arrangements have been made. Note that vehicle will be shipping from the Portland, Oregon area (Northwest coast of the U.S. between Seattle and San Francisco) with easy access to interstate highways (I-5: north-south, and I-84 east). We will gladly assist your carrier with loading. Terms of Sale Please ask all questions before bidding. Your personal inspection is invited before the close of the auction. Only you know if the vehicle is right for you. All descriptions are based upon information provided by the seller and our own personal inspection of the vehicle. Obviously, with any collector vehicle there are internal areas that cannot be inspected, but the description is based upon the seller's representations and our observation of the vehicle. For that reason, the vehicle in this listing is being sold "as-is" with no warranties of any kind expressed or implied. Mileage listed is that showing on the odometer and unless otherwise noted, cannot be verified due to the age of the vehicle. Mileage of vehicles over 10 years old is considered "exempt" by the State of Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles. By participating in this auction, the bidder agrees to these terms. About Us

Charvet Classic Cars assists sellers (all of whom are my personal friends) to find new appreciative homes for their special vehicles. I personally inspect each vehicle. I take the photographs and videos personally. It allows me to represent the vehicle accurately and answer any questions you may have about it. I have been an eBay seller with 100% positive feedback since 1998, and involved with classic cars for many years. I like these cars as much as you do! If you e-mail or call with questions, you will receive my personal attention and knowledge to help you make an informed decision. State of Oregon Dealer #DA4114. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Thank you - David Charvet

Contact Us You may e-mail by asking a question through the eBay site, or call David Charvet at 503-309-7729 between 9am and 9pm Pacific Time.

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• Make: Chevrolet
• Model: Corvette
• SubModel: FIRST 3-SPEED MANUAL PROTOTYPE. SEE VIDEO
• Type: Convertible
• Trim: FIRST 3-SPEED MANUAL PROTOTYPE. SEE VIDEO
• Year: 1955
• Mileage: 56
• VIN: VE55S001353
• Color: Red
• Engine size: 265 V8
• Number of cylinders: 8
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: White
• Drive side: Left-hand drive
• Options: Convertible
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!