Stepping back into the automotive landscape of 1952, we find an era of practical advancements and burgeoning post-war style. Chevrolet, a titan in the American car industry, was a major player, offering a lineup that balanced everyday utility with touches of emerging design, appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers across the country.
For those keen on exploring this specific year, our comprehensive list reveals the 1952 Chevrolet Models in detail. You’ll find a total of 15 distinct offerings, showcasing the brand’s breadth, from the workhorse Advance-Design 3100 pickup to the popular Styleline Special passenger car. Each entry is carefully organized with information on its Body Style, Engine (type), and Production (units), all compiled for you below.
What was the most popular 1952 Chevrolet model?
While “popularity” can be subjective, production numbers offer a clear indication. In 1952, the Styleline Special and Styleline Deluxe passenger car series, particularly the 2-door and 4-door sedans, consistently led Chevrolet’s sales, appealing to mainstream family buyers. Concurrently, the robust Advance-Design series of trucks, including models like the 3100, were also produced in very high volumes, making them ubiquitous work vehicles and a significant part of Chevrolet’s success.
What engine typically powered the 1952 Chevrolet models?
Most 1952 Chevrolet models were powered by the dependable “Thriftmaster” or “Loadmaster” inline-six engines, continuing a long-standing tradition of robust six-cylinder powerplants. Passenger cars typically utilized a 216.5 cubic inch (3.5L) version, while heavier trucks often featured a larger 235 cubic inch variant. Both were renowned more for their reliability, torque, and ease of maintenance than for high horsepower figures, perfectly suiting the needs of the era.
1952 Chevrolet Models
| Model | Body Style | Engine (type) | Production (units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Styleline Deluxe Bel Air | 2-Door Hardtop | Inline-6 gasoline | 76,929 |
| Styleline Deluxe | 4-Door Sedan | Inline-6 gasoline | 317,458 |
| Styleline Deluxe | 2-Door Sedan | Inline-6 gasoline | 185,552 |
| Styleline Deluxe | Sport Coupe | Inline-6 gasoline | 69,146 |
| Styleline Deluxe | Convertible | Inline-6 gasoline | 23,197 |
| Fleetline Deluxe | 2-Door Fastback Sedan | Inline-6 gasoline | 37,164 |
| Fleetline Deluxe | 4-Door Fastback Sedan | Inline-6 gasoline | 55,448 |
| Styleline Special | Business Coupe | Inline-6 gasoline | 22,080 |
| Styleline Special | 2-Door Sedan | Inline-6 gasoline | 74,534 |
| Chevrolet Deluxe | 4-Door Station Wagon | Inline-6 gasoline | 45,868 |
| Chevrolet | Sedan Delivery | Inline-6 gasoline | 13,594 |
| Advance-Design 3100 | Pickup Truck (Half-Ton) | Inline-6 gasoline | 219,795 |
| Advance-Design 3600 | Pickup Truck (3/4-Ton) | Inline-6 gasoline | 68,131 |
| Advance-Design 3800 | Pickup Truck (1-Ton) | Inline-6 gasoline | 30,198 |
| Advance-Design Suburban | Carryall Wagon | Inline-6 gasoline | 15,648 |
Images and Descriptions
Styleline Deluxe Bel Air
The top-of-the-line model for 1952, the Bel Air introduced a premium, pillarless hardtop design that mimicked a convertible’s profile. It set a new standard for style and luxury in the low-priced field, paving the way for its future success.
Styleline Deluxe
The best-selling Chevrolet model of 1952. This was the quintessential American family car, offering practicality, reliability, and modern styling with its notchback design and generous chrome trim. It represented mainstream automotive value and comfort for postwar families.
Styleline Deluxe
A popular and more affordable two-door version of the Deluxe series. It appealed to young couples and small families who wanted the upgraded trim and features of the Deluxe line in a sportier, more personal configuration than the four-door.
Styleline Deluxe
This model featured a formal, closed-quarter roofline that distinguished it from the standard 2-door sedan. It offered a unique, stylish profile for buyers seeking a blend of sportiness and elegance in their everyday transportation.
Styleline Deluxe
The open-air flagship of the Styleline series, the convertible combined stylish fun with Deluxe trim. It was a status symbol, featuring a power-operated top and appealing to buyers who valued flair and the freedom of top-down driving.
Fleetline Deluxe
Known for its distinctive and aerodynamic “fastback” roofline, this was the final year for the Fleetline. Its streamlined look was stylish but falling out of favor, making it a unique and now classic design from the early 1950s.
Fleetline Deluxe
Offering the same sleek fastback styling as its two-door sibling but with the practicality of four doors. The Fleetline series was phased out after 1952 as consumer tastes shifted toward more conventional notchback and hardtop designs.
Styleline Special
The most basic, no-frills Chevrolet car available. Designed for traveling salesmen and businesses, it featured a two-person cabin and a massive trunk for samples and goods, prioritizing utility over passenger comfort and luxury.
Styleline Special
Chevrolet’s entry-level family car, offering reliable transportation with minimal chrome and fewer amenities than the Deluxe series. It was the affordable choice for budget-conscious buyers who still needed the dependability of a new car.
Chevrolet Deluxe
This practical, all-steel station wagon was a versatile family and cargo hauler. Moving away from the “woodie” wagons of the past, it offered durability and space for up to eight passengers, making it perfect for growing suburban families.
Chevrolet
Based on the passenger car chassis, the Sedan Delivery was a light-duty commercial vehicle. It combined car-like driving dynamics with a windowless cargo area, making it ideal for small businesses like florists, pharmacies, and local merchants.
Advance-Design 3100
The iconic half-ton pickup and the most popular truck in America. Its “Advance-Design” styling was both handsome and functional, making it the dependable workhorse for countless farms, tradesmen, and businesses across the country.
Advance-Design 3600
A heavier-duty version of the 3100, the 3/4-ton 3600 series offered a longer wheelbase and beefier suspension. It was built for those who needed to haul more weight, providing extra capability without moving up to a much larger truck.
Advance-Design 3800
The most robust model in the light-duty truck lineup. The one-ton 3800 was designed for serious commercial use, featuring a heavy-duty chassis and often equipped with dual rear wheels to handle the heaviest loads with confidence.
Advance-Design Suburban
A precursor to the modern SUV, the Suburban was a truck-based station wagon. It featured a rugged chassis with two side doors and could be configured to carry either eight passengers or a large amount of cargo, offering unmatched versatility.
