Description
The Chevrolet Special De Luxe Six was introduced in 1940 as the top-tier trim level of Chevrolet’s passenger car lineup. It represented the height of pre-war comfort and style within the brand, offering a more refined alternative to the Master De Luxe and targeting customers who desired greater elegance and more upscale appointments without stepping into the luxury car price range.
Powered by Chevrolet’s trusted 216.5 cubic inch inline-six engine, known as the Stovebolt Six, the Special De Luxe Six produced around 85 horsepower. The engine was paired with a three-speed manual transmission and featured a smooth, dependable operation that had become a hallmark of Chevrolet engineering. It offered solid performance for the era, with an emphasis on reliability and fuel efficiency.
The design of the Special De Luxe Six reflected the streamlined aesthetic popular at the time. It featured flowing fenders, an integrated grille, and a rounded, aerodynamic body shape. Chrome detailing around the windows, grille, and bumpers added a touch of luxury, while two-tone paint options and stylish hubcaps gave the car a more distinctive appearance on the road.
Inside, the Special De Luxe Six offered a level of refinement uncommon in Chevrolet’s earlier models. Interiors were trimmed in mohair or broadcloth, depending on the body style and year, and included features such as a deluxe steering wheel, armrests, ashtrays, a clock, and woodgrain-patterned dashboard trim. Some models were also available with a factory-installed radio and heater, which were considered premium options at the time.
Body styles included sedans, coupés, convertibles, and station wagons, all sharing the same smooth lines and upscale design touches. The suspension setup, with independent front suspension and rear leaf springs, provided a comfortable ride, while hydraulic brakes on all four wheels ensured solid stopping power.
Production of the Special De Luxe Six continued through the early 1940s until civilian automobile manufacturing was halted in 1942 due to World War II. After the war, Chevrolet resumed production and carried forward many of the styling and engineering cues seen in the Special De Luxe into its postwar models.
Today, the Chevrolet Special De Luxe Six is a prized collector’s car for those interested in the transitional period between the Great Depression and World War II. It stands as a symbol of how American automakers began offering more stylish and comfortable vehicles to a growing middle class, setting the stage for the boom years of the 1950s.