This 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe VIN Verification was done by our team member in Grand Terrace, Ca. on
9-3-2025
This 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe VIN Verification was done by our team member in Grand Terrace, Ca. on
9-3-2025
The 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe was Chevrolet’s top‑of‑the‑line passenger model introduced in 1940. It sat above the Master Deluxe in the Chevy lineup, offering more luxury, trim, and premium features. It appealed to buyers who wanted more style and amenities—especially during a time when automotive design was becoming more refined.
Launched for the 1940 model year, as Series KA, the Special Deluxe replaced or outranked the Master Deluxe to become Chevrolet’s highest trim in the lineup.
Chevrolet made design changes including a longer wheelbase and new sheet metal to modernize the look. All 1940 Chevrolet models—including the Special Deluxe—had a 113‑inch wheelbase.
It was produced in large numbers: total Chevrolet output in 1940 was around 895,734 cars; of those, about 431,199 were Special Deluxe units.
Engine: Overhead‑valve (OHV) inline six‑cylinder engine, displacement ~ 216.5 cubic inches (3.548 L).
Power output: ~ 85 HP at ~ 3,400 RPM. Compression ratio about 6.25:1.
Transmission: 3‑speed manual transmission, synchromesh, with column gear shift control.
Rear drive (RWD), semi‑floating rear axle. Front suspension: coil springs. Braking: four‑wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
Styling in 1940 was refreshed: a new body, sheet metal, more modern curves, longer center section, with “Royal Clipper” style elements.
Exterior trim: stainless steel beltline moldings, hood trim, deluxe steering wheel with horn ring; dual horns, dual wipers, dashboard clock (30‑hour), front door armrests.
Body styles available: coupe, sport coupe, two‑door town sedan, four‑door sedan, convertible, station wagon (8‑passenger for some variants).
Trim: The “Special Deluxe” was the top trim level over Master Deluxe. In 1940 it was Series KA.
Variants / body styles: multiple including 2‑door coupes (business coupe, sport coupe), 2‑ and 4‑door sedans, convertible, station wagon. Some styles had more luxurious interior and exterior trim.
For the time, it included four‑wheel hydraulic drum brakes, which was a safety improvement over older mechanical brakes.
Safety glass in windows, standard lighting (headlamps, etc.), windshield wipers, horn, etc. Basic safety tech by modern standards but consistent with premium cars of that era.
Fuel efficiency for a car of that era and size was modest. Typical usage implies somewhere around 15‑20 miles per gallon (mpg), depending on load and driving conditions. (Note: exact factory fuel economy ratings weren’t as precisely measured then as now.) COMPARISON
Compared to its sibling trims like the Master Deluxe and lower models, the Special Deluxe offered more features, trim, and luxury, at a higher cost.
Competed with other manufacturers’ upscale midsize cars of the late 1930s / early 1940s. The styling and features placed it near the top of what Americans expected from a comfortable, well‑appointed car in that price range.
Buyers attracted by its combination of luxury, comfort, reliability, and value.
In 1940, base prices: For example, a coupe model of the Special Deluxe started at around US$720, while the station wagon (eight‑passenger) could go up to about US$934.
In modern collector markets, prices vary widely depending on condition, originality, rarity, etc. Listings have ranged from low US$20,000s up to US$70,000+ for well‑restored or rare variants.
While not “awards” in the modern sense, its accolades include being Chevrolet’s best‑selling model in 1940 due to popularity. The introduction of more deluxe trim items (such as stainless steel exterior trim, upgraded interior) made it stand out among peers of its era. Enthusiast and collector circles often regard well‑preserved examples (especially convertibles or rarer body styles) as premium.
Its styling refresh (“Royal Clipper” elements, recessed headlights, etc.) are often praised among classic car historians as a high point in pre‑war American automotive design.