1950 Chevrolet Car Facts

The 1950 Chevrolet car was the most popular vehicle in America, with more than 1 million cars and trucks sold. The model year was record-setting for sales as the automotive industry was in full swing after civilian production had gone on hiatus during World War II. It took nearly five years for full production to resume before new steel manufacturing restrictions for civilian purposes were put in place during the Korean War in 1950.

Types
Chevrolet produced several different models for 1950 in four body styles: the fastback Fleetline--which began losing popularity due to its perceived dated looks--the notchback Styleline, the convertible and the station wagon. These models were offered in Special or DeLuxe trim levels. Model names were the Fleetline DeLuxe and Special, the Styleline DeLuxe and Special, the Bel Air, the Sport Coupe and the Business Coupe.

Features
The DeLuxe models featured stainless steel side trim with "DeLuxe" scripted on the front fenders. The models also were equipped with chrome gravel guards on the rear fenders and stainless steel moldings around the windshield and rear window. The lower trim level Special had stainless steel molding only around the windows. Optional equipment for all models included wheel trim rings, locking gas filler cap, rear fender skirts, glove compartment lamp, fog lamps, back-up lights, tail pipe extension and other amenitie.

Engine and Specifications
Customers had a choice of two six-cylinder engines: the 90-horsepower 216.5-cubic-inch six or the 105-horsepower 235-cubic-inch six. A three-speed manual transmission was standard equipment. A two-speed Powerglide automatic was available for an extra $159 on the Bel Air, convertible and DeLuxe models. The sedans and coupes sat on a 115-inch wheelbase and measured 197.5 inches long.

Safety
In an era when there were no government-mandated safety features or crash testing, automakers, including Chevrolet, did little to provide safety equipment. However, some minor safety features were offered. All Chevys featured a "Safety-Sight" curve instrument panel in which the gauges were grouped in a pair of circular non-glare lighted clusters. "Jumbo-Drum" brakes were marketed as requiring 25 percent less brake pedal pressure to stop due to the larger-size drums. Seat belts were not offered.

Production
The 1950 four-door Fleetline DeLuxe cost $1,529 and 124,287 were produced. Nearly 190,000 two-door sedans were manufactured. Only 32,810 convertibles were sold. Sales of business coupes, which were used primarily by traveling salesmen who converted the rear seat for extra storage, numbered 21,000. Nearly 167,000 $2,000 DeLuxe station wagons were produced. The Sports Coupe, which sold for $1,408, had 28,328 units produced. More than 76,000 Bel Airs were sold. And 248,567 Stylelines were sold.