Chevrolet Superior

See also: Chevrolet Series M Copper-Cooled
Chevrolet Superior
1926 Chevrolet Superior Series V Touring
Overview
Manufacturer Chevrolet (General Motors)
Model years 1923-1926
Assembly
Body and chassis
Body style
  • 2-door roadster
  • 2-door coupe
  • 2-door truck
  • 4-door sedan
  • 4-door tourer
Layout front engine rear wheel drive
Platform GM A platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine 171 cu in (2.8 L) OHV I4
Transmission 3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 103 in (2,616.2 mm)
Length 146.06 in (3,709.9 mm)
Width 44.16 in (1,121.7 mm)
Curb weight 1,690–2,070 lb (767–939 kg) (Series K)
Chronology
Predecessor Chevrolet Series 490
Chevrolet Series FB
Successor Chevrolet Series AA Capitol

The Chevrolet Superior Series F was launched in 1923, manufactured by Chevrolet for four years with a different series per year. The 1923 model was known as the Series B, the 1924 model was the Series F, for 1925 it was known as the Series K and the 1926 Superior was known as the Series V. It was replaced in 1927 by the Series AA Capitol. It was the first Chevrolet that didn't have a larger companion model and was the only car sold by Chevrolet in several body style configurations all supplied by Fisher Body. Each year new mechanical changes, appearance updates or optional features that became standard in subsequent years became expected of all GM products including Chevrolet. Body styles were separated into open and closed which meant closed included retractable glass in the doors and glass surrounding rear seat passengers. Standard items included tools, a jack for tire removal, speedometer, outside lockable door handles, ammeter, oil pressure gauge, dashboard light, choke pull knob, electric horn, ignition theft lock, and a two piece vertical ventilating windshield that allowed fresh air to enter the passenger compartment. Wheels were 30" and came standard with hickory wood spokes or optional pressed steel discs. For 1925, bumpers were offered optionally along with outside side view mirrors, heater for passenger compartment and a clock.

1924 Chevrolet truck

All Superior models were powered by a 171 cu in (2.8 L) four-cylinder engine with 26 hp at 2000 rpm, and shared the 103 in (2,616.2 mm) wheelbase. The cheapest complete model, which was the Superior Roadster, cost $510 in 1926 ($8,430 in 2022 dollars ), while the range-topping model, the Superior Sedan, sold for US$825 ($13,637 in 2022 dollars ). It was also possible to buy a chassis; the Commercial chassis cost $425, while the Express Truck chassis cost $525. Duco automotive lacquer paint, introduced by DuPont was the first quick drying multi-color line of nitrocellulose lacquers made especially for the automotive industry.

Production Figures
Year Units
1923 415,814
1924 262,100
1925 444,671
1926 547,724

GM Platform sharing

This chassis was shared with other GM products at the time, including Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Oakland and GMC products, introducing the "A-body", "B-body" and "C-body". This policy of sharing mechanicals across multiple brand led to the General Motors Companion Make Program in the 1920s. Starting with leadership under Alfred P. Sloan, GM instituted visual styling changes for each yearly series under the business philosophy of planned obsolescence.

See also