Description

The Chevrolet Phaeton was a popular open-top touring car produced in the 1920s and early 1930s, offered as one of the body style options across several Chevrolet models, including the Superior series and later the International and Universal series. It was designed to provide an affordable yet stylish option for families and travelers who enjoyed open-air motoring.

The phaeton body style featured no side windows, only removable side curtains for weather protection. This made it lighter than fully enclosed sedans and gave it a sporty, breezy feel that was especially appreciated in warmer climates. Most Chevrolet Phaetons seated four or five passengers, with dual rows of seating and a folding fabric roof.

Chevrolet’s Phaetons were built on the same mechanical platforms as their sedan counterparts, typically with an inline-four or, later, an inline-six engine. The 1929 Chevrolet AC International Phaeton, for example, came equipped with the new overhead-valve six-cylinder “Stovebolt Six” engine, offering better performance and smoother operation compared to earlier models.

These cars rode on wooden-spoked or later steel-disc wheels and used mechanical brakes on all four wheels. The suspension system was made up of semi-elliptic leaf springs, standard for the time, providing a relatively comfortable ride over rougher roads.

Although the phaeton style declined in popularity during the 1930s as fully enclosed cars became more affordable and practical, it remains a beloved example of early automotive design. Chevrolet Phaetons are now sought-after collector vehicles, admired for their elegant lines, open-air experience, and historical significance in the evolution of touring cars.