Rick DeBruhl: History of The Chevy 6-Cylinder

In this video, Rick DeBruhl provides some fascinating insight into the 1929 Chevrolet AC International and the Chevy 6-cylinder powerplant that powered the brand for three decades and caused Ford to build their venerable V8 in 1932.

Chevy 6-cylinder

1929 Chevy AC International Phaeton

The Chevy 6-Cylinder Makes Its Debut

Chevrolet developed the 6-cylinder in 1929, and at 194 cubic inches and 46 horsepower, you could gain a significant power increase over the 4-cylinder for just $10 more than the 1928 model with the 4-cylinder cost.  Perhaps more importantly, the 1929 Chevy 6-cylinder also produced more power than Ford’s v8 of that era.

1929 Chevy 6-cylinder engine

The Chevy 6-cylinder came with 46 horsepower in 1929.

It’s hard to believe, but the first generation of the 6-cylinder lasted until 1936 before they made any significant changes. That iteration lasted all the way until 1962.

The second generation 6-cylinder came in 1936 (left). The 6-cylinder that came out in 1929 lasted until 1962 (right).

When Chevy debuted the 6-cylinder, it was pretty modern for the time.  It had a single carburetor and a mechanical fuel pump.  And, at a respectable 19 miles per gallon, it made for an economical choice in automotive.

Other Modern Touches of the 1929 Chevy

In addition to the game-changing engine, the 1929 Chevy also featured some other updates that added value and some “modern” touches.  The ’29 came standard with bumpers and tail lights. It also sealed the floor around the pedals in the driver compartment to keep the weather, dirt, and mud out. The dash came with all the gauges you needed in ease of view, and for the first time, Chevrolet introduced an anti-theft ignition lock.

Notice the ignition lock on the right side of the dash.

The First Lowrider

Another significant advancement of the 1929 Chevy was the ride height.  In 1928, the Chevy rode on 30-inch wheels.  In 1929, Chevy introduced a 20-inch steel stamped wheel, which meant the car not only looked lower but rode lower.  As roads were improved vehicles did not need to sit as high, plus this lower look was visually appealing to new car buyers at the time.

The steel-stamped wheels of the 1929 Chevy

Legacy of the Chevy 6-cylinder

It’s hard to believe this engine, which debuted in 1929, lasted until the early sixties.  While it was long known as the Stovebolt Six a variation of the engine known as the “Blue Flame Six” was even in the first generation Corvette, albeit with a little more horsepower.

The Blue Flame Six found in the C1 Corvette was the same basic engine that debuted in 1929.

In 1929, you could purchase the Chevy AC International with the 6-cylinder starting at $525 for the Phaeton and $725 for the top-of-the-line Convertible Landau. It’s not a bad deal for a car and an engine that changed history.

About the author

Jason Baffrey

Growing up in his dad’s paint and body shop, working on classics, hot rods, and race cars, Baffrey went on to work in racing as an announcer, TV host, and track operations.
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