The 1954 model year marked the end of the Stovebolt era at Chevrolet, as 1955 would change everything.
As we’ve often noted here at Mac’s Motor City Garage, 1955 was a revolutionary year for the Chevrolet division at General Motors, with the introduction of an entirely new car with an exciting overhead-valve V8. For ’55 the focus shifted to glamour and performance, where in previous years the Chevrolet brand had always represented thrift and value.
Stovebolts, Chevrolets were affectionately called, after the multitude of panhead machine screws that traditionally held them together. While the Stovebolt nickname would carry on essentially to this day, 1954 marked the end of the original Stovebolt era. Noted automotive historian Michael Lamm called it “the Stovebolt’s last stand.”
While the venerable Stovebolt inline six would remain in production for years to come, ’54 was the last year it was the sole engine offered in a Chevrolet. With a manual transmission the 235 cubic-inch six was rated at 115 hp, while Powerglide-equipped cars got the Blue Flame 125 six with a sportier hydraulic camshaft and 125 hp for better stop-light performance.
The oft-maligned Powerglide had received a much-needed improvement in 1953 with an automated first-to-second gear shift. Previously, the transmission normally operated in high gear only. While the original cast-iron Powerglide, which introduced the automatic transmission to the low-priced field, certainly had its merits, neck-snapping acceleration wasn’t one of them. (See our Powerglide feature here.)
One-Fifty Utility Sedan
Model alignments from 1953 carried on for ’54: base model One-Fifty Special, mid-range Two-Ten DeLuxe, and flagship Bel Air. However, the Club Coupe body style, a short-roof, long-deck salesman’s special, was discontinued. The One-Fifty Utlity with no rear seat (above) was now built on the conventional two-door sedan shell. On the Two-Ten two-door, the colorful all-vinyl Delray interior was available for an extra $65. For the conservative Chevrolet division, the Delray was a little out of character and a sign of things to come.
Two-door and four-door sedans and a four-door station wagon were offered in all three trim levels. Meanwhile, the Bel-Air line also offered a convertible and the Sport Coupe, a stylish pillarless hardtop that shared its greenhouse with the Pontiac Catalina. Available options included power steering and power brakes, and new for ’54, a power seat and power front windows. While it couldn’t match the ’55 Chevy in excitement, the ’54 offered a full range of modern features in a low-priced car.
With prices ranging from $1,539 to $2,239 for 1954, Chevrolet continued to offer solid value. But meanwhile, archrival Ford was offering a new overhead-valve V8 that year. And in annual model-year production, Ford actually toppled Chevrolet from the top spot by 22,000 cars. By other measures Chevy comes out on top, so we could call it a draw. In 1955, everything changed at Chevrolet.
Two-Ten Four-Door Sedan
I’m so glad I already knew about the all-vinyl Delray option when reading this – thanks to your recent article. Great stuff – keep em coming.
Chevy actually had an overhead valve v-8 back in 1915-1916. G. Chevrolet sold his company to GM in 17. They discontinued the v-8 and replaced it with a flathead 4.
Yes indeed. You can see our feature on the Model D Chevrolet V8 here. https://www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/chevys-first-v8-inside-the-1917-19-model-d/
The 1913-28 Chevrolet inline four cylinder was an overhead valve configuration. Not a flathead.
The first car I remember my dad owning was a 54 Chevy. He was a sergeant in the Royal Canadian Air Force with four kids so he owned various used cars until he bought his first new car in 1967, an AMC Rebel 770 four door. He described the Chevy as a used doctors car, high mileage but a good bargain.
I had a Great Aunt with a 54 Chevy BelAir 4 door. Little six was smooth, quiet, but with the powerglide, turtle slow. It suited her fine though. She bought it used and literally drove the wheels off it when the suspension A arm rusted in two!
In 1954 I paid 2230.00 for a 1954 chev convertible with a continental kit . The car was red same as the picture. Bought it right out of the dealers show room.