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2007 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction
Lot
18

1926 Chevrolet Tourer

$13,400

melbourne

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line 4-cylinder, 171-cid
Gearbox 3-speed manual
Body Work Tourer
Colour Green
Interior Black
Trim Vinyl

Description

This lot is no longer available

With the introduction of the Superior model in 1925, Chevrolet at last began to make serious inroads into Ford's market dominance. In appearance, the 1926 Chevrolets were very similar to the previous year, but were distinguished by a tie-bar between the headlamps. Various body styles were offered, including a Two-Seat Roadster, Five-Passenger Tourer, Two-Seat Coupe, Five-Passenger Sedan, Two-Door Coach and the luxurious Five-Passenger Landau Sedan. All were built on the standard 103-inch wheelbase and the 1926 model retained the sturdy little 171-cid four-cylinder unit developing 26 horsepower at 2000 rpm. With a three-speed gearbox, external contracting rear wheel brakes (improved for 1926) and a choice of either disc or wood spoke wheels, the Chevrolet was a solid and reliable performer ideally suited to the rugged driving conditions of the era. Improvements for the 1926 model year included a belt-driven generator and a cam-operated oil pump. The total production figure for 1926 was 732,147 with just under 40,000 of these made in Canada, of which a number were exported to markets like Australia. General Motors also began assembling cars in Australia from 1924, with locally-manufactured coachwork from the likes of Holden, Smith & Waddington and the Melbourne Motor Body Works. "Quality at Low Cost" was the slogan used in Chevrolet's Australian advertising during 1926 and these tough vintage cars are still popular today for much the same reasons.