1942 Chevrolet Fleetline

Throughout much of Chevrolet's automobile production during the 1910s and 1920s, its vehicles were powered by an overhead-valve, 171 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine offering 26 horsepower, backed by a three-speed manual transmission, and resting on a wheelbase size of either 102- or 110-horsepower. The National Model of 1928, powered by a 171 CID with 35 horsepower and 107-inch wheelbase, was replaced in 1929 by the International with a 194 CID, six-cylinder engine with 46 horsepower and continued to use the 107-inch platform. The Universal followed in 1930 with a 194 CID engine developing 50 horsepower.

Chevrolet vehicles during much of the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s remained in the high-$400s to $700 range, above the Ford counterpart, but offering more standard features, more power, and a three-speed gearbox (compared to the 2-speed Planetary on the Ford). By the late-1930s, Chevrolet prices ranged from the low-$600s to $800s. The overhead-valve inline-six displaced 216.5 cubic inches, had four-main bearings and solid valve lifters and delivered 85 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The wheelbase measured 112.25 inches, and a wide range of two- and four-door vehicles in both open and closed configurations were available to customers.

For 1941, Chevrolet models included the Master Deluxe and Special deluxe (Series AH) priced from $712 to $995 and available in a plethora of body styles, from coupes, cabriolets, and sedans, to station wagons. The Fleetline model, introduced in 1941 and built through 1952, was initially a sub-series of the Fleetmaster, and from 1949 to 1951 it was a sub-series of both the Special and the Deluxe.

In 1942, the Fleetline body styles were a fastback two-door 'Aerosedan' priced at $880 and a four-door, Sport Master priced at $920. The Aerosedan was very popular with 61,855 examples built, and the Sport Master provided 14,530 sales. Both body styles had stainless steel trim strips on the fender caps and the sides of the fenders. Along with the Special Deluxe models, the Fleetline gained more standard features, more trim, and better interior upholstery. Among the list of optional equipment included bumper wing guards, spotlight, fog lamps, external sunshade, seat covers, wheel trim, rings, radio antenna, heater, and cigar lighter.

The styling was consistent with other Chevrolet models, with smooth curves and accented by chrome and stainless trim. The rear bumper had an optional center bumper guard that could be removed to allow a trunk cover to be installed. The interiors included a simple mono vacuum tube type radio with an integrated speaker, an ashtray on the right side of the dash, a clock, a cloth bench seat, and a metal dash (some had a simulated Burle woodgrain).

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2021