Chevrolet International Oldtimer kaufen

Geschichte

Introduced in 1929, the Chevrolet Series AC International marked a turning point for Chevrolet by ushering in a new six-cylinder era. It was produced to succeed the Series AB National and quickly garnered attention as the first Chevy since 1915 to feature a six-cylinder engine. With the slogan 'A Six for the price of a Four', Chevrolet aimed to make six-cylinder performance accessible at just $10 more than its four-cylinder predecessor. Production spanned approximately 13 months, culminating in over 1.3 million vehicles across ten body variants. While most vehicles were assembled in the United States, European versions were shipped as kits and completed in cities like Antwerp and Berlin. This mix of American engineering and international production highlights the International's foundational role in globalizing Chevrolet's presence.

Modellgeschichte

The International AC replaced the 1928 Series AB, continuing Chevrolet's steady evolution in the late 1920s. Its key technical leap was the adoption of a six-cylinder inline engine, setting the template for mass-market six-cylinder cars. The chassis and engine remained consistent throughout the production run, with only limited changes across body variants. After about 13 months, the International AC gave way to newer models, but its influence—in terms of mechanical specifications and market strategy—set the stage for subsequent Chevrolet series. Today, the International AC is extremely rare in Europe, with only a handful of untouched examples known to exist.

Besonderheiten

A defining feature of the Chevrolet International AC is its six-cylinder engine, a rarity in its price range for the era. Buyers could select from ten distinct body styles—from four-door torpedo cabriolets to classic phaetons—without any change to the robust mechanical layout. Original examples often feature six-volt electrics, period-correct Dunlop tyres, and interiors in Havana beige. Documentation such as factory manuals, classic data reports, and original tool kits frequently accompany surviving vehicles, making provenance a highlight of this model. In terms of availability and demand, the International AC accounts for 100% of the Chevrolet International supply and viewing statistics, indicating an exclusive presence within its model series in the current classic car market.

Technische Daten

Sondermodelle

While there were no official limited editions, the scarcity of unrestored, original examples—especially those with a full suite of documentation and provenance—renders such vehicles particularly noteworthy among collectors. European-assembled variants, delivered with original tools and often complete paperwork, provide additional appeal for enthusiasts seeking well-documented history.

Schwachstellen

No specific factory weak spots are substantively documented for the International AC, but with nearly a century of age, unrestored examples demand scrutiny. Look out for wear in the drivetrain and body mountings due to the vehicle's age. Electrical systems, based on the original 6-volt setup, require careful inspection for authenticity and function. The value of unrestored cars with patina lies in their originality, but expect to address routine mechanical adjustments and verify the condition of legacy wiring and carburetion.

Fahrverhalten, Motor, Kraftübertragung

Chevrolet's six-cylinder engine in the International AC provided smooth operation and improved torque over its predecessor, supporting a broad range of body configurations without sacrificing reliability. The manual transmission was standard and tailored for relaxed, period-appropriate driving, suiting both town cruising and longer touring. Handling remained faithful to 1920s engineering standards, delivering a stable and predictable ride within the confines of its technological era. Popular configurations included the four-door torpedo cabriolet, with a long-wheelbase chassis providing greater comfort for passengers, and the basic roadster and phaeton for their lighter weight and open-air experience. All shared the same mechanical underpinnings.

Ausstattung, Innenraum, Exterieur und Design

The Chevrolet International AC exudes vintage appeal through details such as its cream exterior paint and Havana beige interior, both common choices for the period. The car's silhouette is accentuated by classic 'torpedo' lines in the cabriolet variant, complemented by original-style Dunlop tyres. Accessories included factory tool kits, owner's manuals, and promotional brochures—features highly valued today when present in unrestored vehicles. The interior layout is functional, with durable materials matching the American automotive standards of the late 1920s. Design flourishes remained restrained but purposeful, reflecting the model's reputation for accessible luxury rather than ostentation.

Weiteres

The Chevrolet International AC was not just sold to private owners; it was also offered for rent for city tours—a testament to its versatility in early motoring culture. Many of the cars that survive today have comprehensive documentation, such as ASI registration, Classic Data appraisals, and ADAC plaques, which significantly enhance their historical traceability and appeal for collectors. The European market benefitted from complete knock-down imports assembled locally, highlighting Chevrolet's early global strategy.

Zusammenfassung

The Chevrolet Series AC International stands as a benchmark in Chevrolet's history, introducing six-cylinder performance to a mass audience. Its rarity in Europe, variety of body styles, uniform mechanical setup, and period-specific details make it a significant vehicle for classic car enthusiasts. Original, well-documented examples are especially prized today for their authentic insight into automotive manufacturing and culture of the late 1920s.