Classic Cars and Trucks / Photos Specs Model History, Production Numbers

Classic Chevy Trucks / 1954 Chevy Advance Design

On of the first things to note about classic Chevy trucks during the 1950’s was that there was a series built beginning in late 1955 which differed in several ways from the 1954 model Chevy truck shown in this article. While major changes were planned for the late 1955 model year trucks, Chevrolet did make some significant changes to it’s 1954 model as opposed to it’s 1953 design. This is notable because beginning in 1955 there were major changes all around.

russian river 335 — 1954 Chevy 3100 Pick-Up Truck

The Chevy Pick-Up truck line from the years 1947 to early 1955 were named “Advance Design” trucks. The 1945 to 1947 models built had a lot in common with the pre war designs. There were a lot of changes made in the Advance Design compared to the pre World War Two models. For one thing, the Advance Design models were considered much roomier.

The Advance Design cabs were eight inches wider and seven inches longer. The cabs were also entirely welded together as opposed to some welding and bolting. The larger cab also had the effect of making the entire truck look larger. They were also considered sleeker and stronger and the cab doors were widened helping to make entry and exit easier. Three different models of the Advance Design classic Chevy truck was offered.. Three-quarter ton, half ton and one ton. Theses new post war designed trucks which represented a major design change were a big success for Chevrolet since they were the largest selling pick-up truck from 1947 through 1954.

russian river 326 — 1954 Advance Design Chevy

Among the significant changes in the 1954 Chevy truck and the first noticed from the outside was the single curved windshield and a larger rear window. This was marketed as providing more safety while turning and backing up. Better viewing all around compared to the 1953 model. Another change was a lower loading height for the pick-up’s bed. The 1954 model year changes also included a new hood ornament and hubcaps showing Chevy “Bow Ties” as well as round tail lights in place of rectangular. The 1954 Chevy truck engine also had a tighter compression ratio and 112 HP. The dashboard was also redesigned for the 1954 model. a new hood ornament, and hubcaps sporting Chevy “bow ties.” There were a lot of significant changes in Chevy Pick-Up trucks starting with the 1955 model year. The 1954 Chevy truck shown here had a V-6 engine. Ford Motor Company had come out with a V-8 in 1954 beating Chevy by one year. The 1955 Chevy Pick-Up that was introduced in late 1955 came with a 265 cubic inch OHV V-8 which became very popular.

See our AutomuseumOnline article on the 1937 GMC COE Truck

In fact, while Chevy was a year late with the OHV V-8’s in their pick-up trucks, when they did come out, Chevy took the lead away from Ford. The engine change was just one difference from 1954 to 1955 although a very big one. Other changes included a wrap around windshield, power brakes and power steering. The old Chevy trucks built from late 1955 to 1959 were named the “Task Force” series. The first 1955 model was called the “1st Series” and the late 1955 model was the “2nd Series“.

For the automobile and truck restorer, the Advance Design Chevy trucks are considered good vehicles to fix up. Parts are readily available and prices on fully restored Advance Design Chevy Trucks are pretty good. As always, prices will fluctuate widely depending on the quality of the restoration and exact model year and tonnage. A fully restored 1953 or 1954 might get from $20,000 to $30,000. Levels of restoration can vary and a truck’s precise condition will greatly influence price. If you search for a Advanced Design Chevy Truck which has not been restored, you might pay in the area of $1,500 or so. If you can get a hold of one of these trucks at a reasonable price, classic Chevy trucks have been known to make ideal auto restoration projects.

(Photos from author’s private collection)

Lotus Cars / 2006 Lotus Elise

Lotus is a British car automaker. They were not one of the pioneer automakers that began in the early 1900’s but had their founding in 1952 and is manufacturing cars at an old World War Two airfield. The company, Lotus Cars, is world renown for being a designer and builder of sports and racing cars. In 1952 the company was named Lotus Engineering Ltd by it’s founder who was an engineering grad from University College in London England. Following bankruptcy in 1994, Lotus was taken over by Proton, a Malaysian automaker.

Lotus automobiles are known for their great handling and other engineering technology.In fact, today, Lotus Engineering which is a division of Lotus cars often acts as a consulting engineer for other automakers.

The 2006 Lotus Elise pictured on this page is a two seat, rear wheel drive sports car. This Lotus Elise has an ultra lightweight chassis and supercar performance. The power plant is a 1.8L four cylinder engine which is advertised at 19 MPG city and 27 MPG on the highway. The Lotus Elise model was designed in 1994 and was produced in 1996. The Elise has a fiberglass body and an aluminum chassis. The Lotus Elise is said to be able to reach a speed of 150 MPH. The first Elise put on the market in 1996 had a 0-60 MPH time of 5.8 seconds. The Lotus 340R which came on the market on 2000 was a convertible. Only 340 of those models were built.

The same year, Lotus Cars released the hard top Exige model that had the same engine as the 340R. The 2006 model like the one shown here had just a few changes from the 2005 car. The 2006 Lotus Elise models came with LED tail lights, more comfortable seats and better mileage. The 2007 model had again just some minor changes from 2006. The rear decals were were replaced with raised lettering and the front bumper construction was altered to comply with U.S. federal safety standards.

You may well know of the Lotus name as it applies to Formula One Racing and Indy Car Racing. Lotus has always been an advocate of people racing their cars. Famous Formula One drivers who have raced Lotus cars have been Stirling Moss and Jim Clark. Clark unfortunately was killed in 1968 when he crashed his Lotus due to a blown rear tire on a curve at a Formula One race in England.

Lotus Engineering is currently involved with electric and hybrid automobiles. Lotus Engineering is well suited to integrate their electrical knowledge into the entire automobile. This means their expertise can be utilized not only regarding the power plant but for the car’s control and safety systems as well.

2006 lotus elise engine — Rear engine, 2006 Lotus Elise

Another interesting and unique segment of Lotus is their driving school. The Lotus Performance Driving School. The school utilizes a 1 1/2 mile specially built track located on the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, about 45 miles outside of Las Vegas Nevada, using radio equipped cars. The radio is meant to help instruct the driver while actually on the course going through various turns and maneuvers. The radio provides instant feedback which should be a big aid to the learning process. The Lotus car in essence serves as your moving classroom. There is also a debriefing with instructors after each training session. Certainly one of the most technologically unique methods of race training.

In regards to pricing, used Lotus cars can be found at a wide range depending on availability, condition and of course mileage. To give you an idea of new car pricing, research shows that the MSRP on the 2011 Evora is about $64,000. A 2012 Lotus Evora about $66,000. A 2011 Lotus Elise has a MSRP of about $55,000 and a 2011 Exige model has a price about $66,000. Research on used prices show a 2006 Lotus Elise model listed for about $30,000. A 2005 Lotus Elise with about 14,000 miles is priced at about $28,000. Other prices on the 2006 Elise model range from about $23,000 to $30,000. Another asking price on a 2006 Lotus Elise with 25,000 miles at about $29,000. Again , much has to do with condition, mileage and added options. I have seen prices at this writing for the 2006 Lotus Elise in the range of $23,000.

Lotus Cars and their Lotus Engineering offshoot bring a lot of expertise to the table when it comes to race car design and performance. They’re great looking sports cars and make an excellent addition to any performance car collection.

(Photos from author’s private collection)

Chevy 1931 Coupe Hot Rod

Nothing like a restored vintage automobile and this restored 1931 Chevy Coupe hot rod is a great example. Restoring an old vintage car is not an inexpensive job. By the time you find parts and the paint you desire, the costs can be significant. At the same time, if you do a good job you can end up with a beauty. Some auto enthusiasts restore cars to add value and then resell the auto. Others restore and customize and keep it in their car collection. Either way it can be fun and rewarding.

The hot rod Chevy 1931 Coupe in this picture is on display at the Santa Rosa New Mexico Auto Museum located on old Route 66. A fine location for an automobile General Motors advertised the Chevy Coupe as the perfect car for women since the car seats five and it got excellent gas mileage.

Advertising also points out that the 4-wheel brakes are weather-proof and trouble-proof. The 1931 Chevy Coupe came with a six cylinder engine as standard equipment. This was the third year that Chevrolet was offering the six cylinder engine and they picked up momentum against Ford. This came to a stop however in 1932 when Ford came out with their flat-head eight cylinder offering. In fact, the popular story is that Chevy had some knowledge that Ford was going to introduce their eight cylinder engine with some of their 1932 models and consequently Chevrolet came across with smoother lines with their 1932 models in an effort to offset gains by Ford. In 1931, Chevrolet offered three new styles. The Cabriolet, the Landau Phaeton and the Five Passenger Coupe.

The Coupe was the lowest priced model at about $595 by most sources. The early 1930’s were certainly a challenging time for all automakers as the nation entered the Great Depression. Price competition was enormous and any edge Chevy could get over Ford and vise versa was important.

The restored car shown on this page has a Buick 401 Nailhead Engine. This was Buick’s large car and later muscle car eight cylinder engine. General Motors first eight cylinder engine after World War Two was the Oldsmobile Rocket V8. The first Nailhead was introduced for the 1953 model year as a replacement for the straight-eight engine. The first engine displaced 321 CI. The 8 cylinder Nailhead was first used in larger models and then later in midsized cars. The new Nailhead engine became popular with hot rodders in the mid 1950’s. In 1957 Buick came out with a 365 CI displacement engine . A 325 HP 401 CI Nailhead came out in 1959 in the higher end Invicta and Electra models. In 1963 even a larger Nailhead was introduced with 340 HP and 425 CI.

Chevy’s 1932 models were thought to have a more expensive look to them. The frills and windows had new designs and the car itself sat lower to the ground with their new 18 inch wheels. A lot of the 1932 model year styling had the influence of Cadillac and Oldsmobile. There were engine changes from 1931 to 1932 with the use of a downdraft carburetor as opposed to the 1931’s updraft. Also, improved compression ratios and rubber mounts to the frame.

restored 1931 chevrolet hot rod — 1931 Chevy Coupe with Buick engine

The Chevrolet name and brand has an interesting story. The Chevrolet brand was formed by William Durant and Louis Chevrolet. Durant was an ex-board member of GM. In 1915, Durant sold his shares in the company to Chevrolet.

The name Chevrolet was known in early auto racing. Louis Chevrolet was an engineer and Swiss race car driver. Prior to organizing the Chevrolet Motor Car Company., Chevrolet worked for Fiat as a race driver and later drove race cars for Buick. In addition to driving race cars, Chevrolet also helped to design them. One of Chevrolet’s designs was the Cornelian which came in at 20th place in the 1915 Indianapolis 500. In 1916, Chevrolet and two partners began the Frontenac Motor Corporation designing, building and racing their new line of race cars. Louis Chevrolet drove a total of four times in the Indianapolis 500.