Chevrolet Series L "Light Six"
Overview
ManufacturerChevrolet
Production1914-1915
AssemblyFlint Assembly, Flint, Michigan
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size
Body style5 pass., 4-door touring
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine271 in3 35 hp, L head I6
Transmissionrear-mounted selective sliding 3-speed, with a cone clutch
Dimensions
Wheelbase112.0 in (2,845 mm)
Chronology
PredecessorChevrolet Series C Classic Six
SuccessorChevrolet Series D

The Chevrolet Series L "Light Six" was an American car produced by Chevrolet in 1914 and 1915. The famous Chevrolet 'Bow Tie' emblem made its grand debut in 1914, and has been used on all Chevrolet cars and trucks since then. When the Classic Six ceased production at the end of the 1914 model year the Light Six replaced it in 1915 as Chevrolet's top-of-the-line car.

Features

1914 Chevrolet Light Six Engine Compartment

The L Series used a Sterling six-cylinder L-head engine rated at 35 bhp and was offered with an Auto-lite electric starter. A cone style clutch was mounted to the engine with a drive shaft that was connected to a rear end mounted selective sliding 3 speed transmission. The car used a 3/4 floating type rear suspension with 34 x 4 inch tires.[1]

Unlike the lower priced H Series which was available in two body styles (Royal Mail Roadster $750) and the (Baby Grand Touring $875) the L Series was only available as a 5-passenger four-door Touring car and cost US$1,475 ($43,094 in 2022 dollars [2]). It was competitive with the Buick Six in both size and price.[1]

Available body colors were Chevrolet (bow tie) Blue or Gunmetal Grey. The hood, radiator and fenders were all painted black. The Chassis and wheels were bow tie blue. Also included was Light grey pin striping on the wheel spokes and hood vents.[3][4]

Production Notes

Series L production ran from 1914 through 1915. Chevrolet Motor Company records indicate a grand total of approx. 1000 were made for both years.

Surviving Example

The one and only known surviving Light Six (shown here) is a 1914 model owned by a long time member of the VCCA (Vintage Chevrolet Club of America) in which he is known as "Mr. Chevrolet". He spent many years looking for one of these cars and found this one in Massachusetts in 1984, then painstakingly restored it back to its former glory. UPDATE - The car has now been sold to GM and is displayed in their Heritage collection museum. It was sold to GM prior to his passing. [5]

References

  1. ^ a b Kimes, Beverly R. (1996). Clark, Henry A. (ed.). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1945. Kraus Publications. pp. 283–302. ISBN 0873414780.
  2. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  3. ^ Vaughan, Daniel (August 2010). "1914 Chevrolet Series L". conceptcarz. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  4. ^ Gunnell, John (2011). Standard Catalog of Chevrolet, 1912-2003: 90 Years of History, Photos, Technical Data, and Pricing. Krause Publications. ISBN 978-1440230516.
  5. ^ Holladay, Cheryl (September 27, 2012). "Randall's 'Light Six' continues his love of all things Chevy". The Houghton Lake Resorter. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
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