Chevrolet 150

The Chevrolet One-Fifty (or 150) was the economy/fleet model of the Chevrolet car from 1953 to 1957.[1] It took its name by shortening the production series number (1500) by one digit in order to capitalize on the numerical auto name trend of the 1950s. The numerical designation "150" was also sporadically used in company literature. It replaced the Styleline Special model available in previous years. This model was dropped following the 1957 model year and replaced by the Delray.

Chevrolet 150
1955 Chevrolet One-Fifty 4-Door Sedan
Overview
ManufacturerChevrolet (General Motors)
Production1953–1957
AssemblyOakland Assembly, Oakland, California
North Tarrytown Assembly, Tarrytown, New York
Flint Assembly, Flint, Michigan
Norwood Assembly, Norwood, Ohio
St. Louis Assembly, St. Louis, Missouri
Arlington Assembly, Arlington, Texas
Oshawa Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario Canada
Body and chassis
LayoutFR
PlatformA-body
RelatedPontiac Chieftain
Chronology
PredecessorChevrolet Special
SuccessorChevrolet Delray

History

The One-Fifty was mainly conceived as a fleet model and little effort was spent marketing it to the average car buyer of the day, although sales weren't limited to fleets. It was most popular with police, state governments, small businesses, economy-minded consumers and hot rodders. Chevrolet sold substantially fewer One-Fifties than Two-Tens or the Chevrolet Bel Air in every year of its life.

True to Chevrolet's vision, the 150 was no-frills basic transportation. It had limited options, stark trim, solid colors, plain heavy duty upholstery and rubberized flooring.[2] Small things like ashtrays, cigarette lighters and even mirrors were extra cost options. Compared to the mid-level Two-Ten or premium Bel Air models, the One-Fifty was stark and bland.

The Chevrolet Sedan Delivery, was part of the One-Fifty line, and was also designated the 1508 in the truck line.

Body style choices were also limited to sedans, Handyman wagons (four-door in 1953–1954, two-door in 1955–1957) and (until 1955) the club coupe. The only body styles specific to the One-Fifty were decidedly fleet oriented — the sedan delivery (a 2-door wagon without rear windows and the rear seat removed) and the business sedan — a 2-door sedan with immobile rear windows and back seat removed. Powertrain choices were limited to manual transmissions and low output engines until 1954. In 1957, a full race-ready version was also available, commonly known as the "Black Widow" for its black-and-white paint color. It was equipped with 4-wheel heavy-duty brakes, 6-lug wheels and dual shock absorbers.

Collector value

In general, One-Fifties are less valuable than the sibling Two-Ten and Bel Air models on the collectors' market, but the rare surviving sedan delivery or Utility Sedan can command premium prices, particularly the 1957 model when equipped with a fuel-injected engine. V8 One-Fifties are popular with hot rod enthusiasts, due to lower curb weight and lower prices. As many One-Fifty models saw use in law enforcement, this model often serves as the basis for latter-day modification into a 1950s-era police car.

First generation (1953–1954)
First generation
A 1953 Chevrolet 150
Overview
Production1953–1954
Body and chassis
Body style2-door sedan
4-door sedan
2-door coupe
4-door wagon
Powertrain
Engine216 cu in (3.5 L) I6
235 cu in (3.9 L) I6
Transmission3-speed manual
2-speed Powerglide automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase115 in (2,921 mm) [3]
Length195.5 in (4,966 mm) (cars)
197.8 in (5,024 mm) (wagons)

1953–1954 models

This was the first year for both the One-Fifty and Two-Ten. The two model years were essentially the same, except that the business coupe was renamed the Utility Sedan for 1954. The 150 came only with the base engine in 1953.[3] The 150 came with a horn button, rather than the 210 and upscale Bel Air's horn ring.[4]

Powertrains

Three engines were used in the 1953–1954 model years, although not all were available at the same time. All One-Fifties in 1953 used a 3-speed Synchromesh manual transmission. Starting in 1954, Powerglide automatic transmission was available on this series.

  • 235 in3 "Thrift-master" I6 rated at 93 hp (69 kW)(1953 sedan delivery only)
  • 235 in3 "Thrift-King" I6 rated at 108 hp (81 kW).[3] (1953 standard equipment)
  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 115 hp (86 kW). (1954 standard equipment)
  • 235.5 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 7.5:1 CR 125 hp (93 kW) (1954 optional equipment)

Second generation (1955–1957)
Second generation
1957 Chevrolet 150 2-Door Sedan
Overview
Production1955–1957
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
2-door coupe
2-door hardtop
4-door hardtop (1956–57)
2-door wagon
4-door wagon
Powertrain
Engine235 cu in (3.9 L) I6
265 cu in (4.3 L) V8
283 cu in (4.6 L) V8
Transmission3-speed manual
2-speed automatic

1955

The 1955 model year marked the introduction of a new chassis, all new streamlined single bow bodywork, and the debut of Chevrolet's Small Block V8. The One-Fifty buyer was free to choose any powertrain option available. The business sedan was renamed the utility sedan this year. Unlike the 210 and the Bel Air, the 150 did not have any of the stainless steel trim.[3]

Engines
  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 123 hp (92 kW) (manual transmission)
  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame I6 rated at 136 hp (101 kW) (automatic transmission)
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 162 hp (121 kW) or 180 hp (134 kW) (optional)

Transmissions
  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual
  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual with overdrive unit
  • 2-speed Powerglide automatic.

1956

Engine choices remained the same, except for higher power ratings. The 265 in3 V8 was available in three different versions. The I6 had a new unified build regardless of transmission type.

Engines
  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 140 hp (104 kW).
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 170 hp (127 kW).
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with quad barrel carburetor rated at 210 hp (157 kW)
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with dual-quad barrel carburetors rated at 225 hp (168 kW)

Transmissions
  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual
  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual with overdrive unit
  • 2-speed Powerglide automatic

1957

New for 1957 was the 283 in3 small-block V8. The fuel-injected version was theoretically also available to the 150 buyer. The 1957 150 had side trim similar to the 1955's Bel Air trim. 56,266 '57 Chevy 150 four-door sedans were made, compared to the approximately 75,000 2-door versions.

Engines
  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 140 hp (104 kW).
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 162 hp (121 kW).
  • 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 185 hp (138 kW).
  • 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with 4-barrel carburetor rated at 220 hp (164 kW)
  • 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors rated at 270 hp (201 kW)
  • 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with Rochester Ram-Jet fuel injection rated at 283 hp (211 kW)

Transmissions

See also

References
  1. the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide (2007-07-17). "HowStuffWorks "1953 Chevrolet 150 Special and 210 Deluxe"". Auto.howstuffworks.com. Retrieved 2012-05-31.
  2. Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008). American Cars, 1946-1959 Every Model Every Year. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.
  3. Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008). American Cars, 1946–1959 Every Model Every Year. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.
  4. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1953_Chevrolet/1953_Chevrolet_Brochure/1953%20Chevrolet-19.html
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