1955 Chevrolet Corvette

During the late 1950s, twenty-year-old Bob McNulty transformed this Corvette from a badly damaged wreck into a sleek show car called "The Shark." He used fiberglass to modify the body, sculpting exaggerated tailfins onto the rear fenders and a low aerodynamic nose resembling that of a Ferrari. The specially fabricated aluminum hood was vented with 220 louvers and the grille was adapted from a 1954 Kaiser. McNulty retained the standard Corvette drivetrain. Special interior features included full instrumentation and a record player placed conveniently in the center of the dashboard. This custom was originally painted pearlescent white with purple accents. McNulty later reworked the trunk area into a pickup bed and rechristened the car "Sharkamino." Although the car no longer wears its original paint finish, it fortunately retains all of the modifications that have made it a prize-winning standout on the show circuit and a tribute to the imagination of its creator.

This 1955 Chevrolet Corvette by Bob "The Shark" McNulty has a V-8 engine, a manual transmission and is equipped with two wheel drive. The steering wheel is black with red and the seats are black leather. There is a cigarette lighter and ashtray. The car has AM/FM radio. The tires are in good shape.

The top roof of the car is included with the purchase but is in poor condition (see pictures for reference). Please be aware that the car does not have airbags, air conditioning, or a glovebox. There is minimal trunk space that is closed with a leather snap cover. The sides of the center console are missing. The shifter's leather casing is loose. The car has overall paint loss/cracking and some rust. This car does not run. It has 237,780 miles on it. We are the second owners of this vehicle.

This Corvette was shown at the 9th annual Grand National Roadster Show where it competed and won best in its class for Customized Sports Roadsters. This car was also nominated for one of 28 Top Customs of the Year in the 1958 July edition of Motor Life magazine.

NRS 1958 Pamphlet Description: A sports car built from a wrecked Corvette, front end extended 8”, a special grille made from Corvette components, 2 air scoops on front end, front end has large scoop similar to Ferrari, vents in sides of front fenders, fins on rear fenders which house special tail light lenses, 220 louvers on hood, special nerfing bars, car was built for less than $1,100 including purchase price and used no new parts except windshield and radiator. Car built by owner.

The vehicle was donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum several years ago and is now surplus to our requirements. We have tried to state the condition of the car as honestly as possible to alert potential buyers of any known problems in the car. There is no warranty and no guarantee on the condition of this vehicle. It is being sold as is. Buyer is responsible for picking up or shipping this vehicle from Los Angeles, where it is located. All shipping costs are paid by the buyer.