Description
The Chevrolet Mercury Series CC was introduced in 1933 as part of Chevrolet’s continued evolution during the early 1930s. This model marked an important step in the brand’s design and engineering refinement during the Great Depression, offering more style, comfort, and performance at a price point that remained accessible to the average buyer.
The Series CC was sometimes marketed under the name “Mercury” to highlight its fresh styling and enhanced features. It succeeded the 1932 BA Confederate and laid the foundation for Chevrolet’s mid-1930s models. While not connected to the later Ford Mercury brand (which would appear in 1938), the name “Mercury” at this time was used by Chevrolet to suggest speed, modernity, and a touch of luxury.
Under the hood, the Series CC carried the 194 cubic inch (3.2-liter) inline-six engine, a continuation of the reliable Stovebolt Six lineage. For 1933, it was improved to deliver around 65 horsepower, making the car more capable and responsive than its predecessors. The engine was mated to a three-speed manual transmission, and the car retained rear-wheel drive. Mechanical brakes operated on all four wheels.
Design-wise, the Mercury Series CC featured a more streamlined body than earlier models. The roofline was lower, and the hood was longer, giving it a sleeker silhouette. One of the key visual differences was the introduction of an arched, vee-shaped grille, a styling cue that would carry on in Chevrolet models for the rest of the decade. The front and rear fenders were more flowing, and the body had more sculpted lines, moving away from the boxier look of the early 1930s.
Body styles included two- and four-door sedans, coupés, phaetons, and roadsters. The interiors were improved as well, with better upholstery materials, more soundproofing, and optional features such as a clock, rear window shade, and dual windshield wipers.
Although 1933 remained a difficult year economically, Chevrolet managed to outsell Ford for the third year in a row, thanks in part to the success of the Series CC. Its blend of affordability, solid engineering, and more modern aesthetics helped it stand out in a competitive market.
Today, the Chevrolet Mercury Series CC is remembered as a transitional model that signaled Chevrolet’s move toward more stylish, refined, and better-performing vehicles. It remains a desirable classic for enthusiasts interested in early 1930s American automotive design.