What was the first V8-powered corvette?

The first Chevrolet Corvette powered by a V8 engine was the 1955 model year.

The original Corvette, which debuted in 1953, was powered by a six-cylinder engine,

but for the 1955 model year, Chevrolet introduced a new V8 option for the sports car.

This small-block V8 engine was a significant improvement over the six-cylinder, offering more power and

a higher top speed, and it quickly became the engine of choice for Corvette buyers.

The 1955 Corvette was also the first year for the availability of a manual transmission option,

which, combined with the new V8 engine, made the Corvette a true performance machine.