1926 Chevrolet Superior Series V

Chevrolet became a serious contender to the Ford Motor T with the introduction of its Series 490, earning its name from its $490 price. It was produced for seven years, ending after 1922 with nearly 800,000 examples built. The 490 rested on a 102-inch wheelbase and was powered by a four-cylinder, 171 cubic-inch engine delivering 26 horsepower.

The Series 490 and the slightly larger and more expensive Series FB ended production in 1922, replaced in 1923 by the Copper Cooled Series C and the Superior Model B. The Superior remained in production for four years and was known as the Series B for 1923, the Series F for 1924, the Series K for 1925, and the Series V for 1926. In 1927 it was replaced by the Series AA Capitol.

The Chevy Superior was powered by a four-cylinder engine with 171 cubic inches and delivering 26 horsepower at 2,000 RPM, the same as the previous Series 490. Its wheelbase was one inch larger at 103 inches and offered in two- and four-door body styles. The closed body styles had Fisher Body vertical ventilating windshields.

The 1926 Superior Series V was introduced mid-way through 1926 and remained in production during the first part of the 1927 sales year. Body styles included a four-door tourer and two-door roadster priced at $510, a Coupe and two-door Coach priced at $645, a four-door sedan at $735, and a Landau Sedan at $765. Since 1924, the Superior was the only model offered by Chevrolet. It had a 103-inch wheelbase, a three-speed selective sliding transmission with a single plate dry disc clutch and floor-mounted gear-shift controls, wood spoke wheels, and external contracting rear wheel brakes. The overhead-valve, four-cylinder engine had a 171 cubic-inch displacement, three main bearings, solid valve lifters, and a one-barrel carburetor. Optional equipment included tire covers, whitewall tires, spare tire, special paint, Moto-meter, step plates, and outside rearview mirror. Standard features included Klaxon horns, a nickel-plated radiator shell, and a steering wheel with a walnut-like rim.

Chevrolet produced 732,147 vehicles in 1926. Joining the Superior was the Series X, a one-ton truck with a stake body. It used a passenger car hood, fenders, lights, and running gear, and had a price listed by Chevrolet as 'upon application.'

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021