Chevrolet Superior

Body and chassisBody styleLayoutfront engine rear wheel drivePlatformGM A platformRelatedPowertrainEngine171 cu in (2.8 L) OHV I4Transmission3-speed manualDimensionsWheelbase103 in (2,616.2 mm)Length146.06 in (3,709.9 mm)^[1]Width44.16 in (1,121.7 mm)Curb weight1,690–2,070 lb (767–939 kg) (Series K)ChronologyPredecessorChevrolet Series 490
Chevrolet Series FBSuccessorChevrolet 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.^[2]

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 ($8,777 in 2023 dollars ^[3]), while the range-topping model, the Superior Sedan, sold for US$825 ($14,199 in 2023 dollars ^[3]). 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.^[2]

Production Figures^[2]

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.^[2]

• 
  1921 Cadillac Type 51 Suburban
• 
  1923 Buick Master Six
• 
  1923 Oldsmobile Model 30
• 
  1923 Oakland Model 6-44 Touring Sedan
• 
  1919 GMC truck

See also

• List of Chevrolet vehicles
• Star (automobile)
• Flint (automobile)
• Vauxhall Motors
• Durant Motors
• William C. Durant
• Alfred P. Sloan

References

Source: Slauson, H. W.; Greene, Howard (1926). "Leading American Motor Cars". Everyman's Guide to Motor Efficiency. New York: Leslie-Judge Company.