Chevrolet hit back at Ford’s Model A in 1929 with its first six-cylinder engine. Advertised as “A Six for the Price of a Four” it offered 46hp at 2600 rpm from the 194 cubic-inch OHV unit, which was double the horsepower of only two years previously.

Chevrolet kept the cost down by eschewing pressure lubrication and not drilling the crankshaft. Pistons were cast iron again and oil supply was by gravity feed to the main and cam bearings, while the connection rods splashed through the sump. Full-pressure lubrication wouldn’t be offered until 1953 – 29 years after Chrysler.

The new 1929 Chevrolet International AC Series was a huge success with 1,328,605 Chevrolets sold for the year. Unfortunately, Henry Ford’s Model A hit its stride and 1,967,741 were sold. Chevrolet would regain the top spot in 1931.

The Chevrolet International Series featured a more rectangular radiator with the bow-tie logo in the center. Belt lines were reduced from two to one, and fenders redesigned as one-piece stampings. Headlights were redesigned. Bumpers were still accessories, as were side-mount spares, a trunk and trunk rack. Wheels could be steel, wood spoked or optional wires. The chassis remained 107 inches but wheel size was reduced to 20 inches – the only year for that size. A mechanical fuel pump was introduced and the rear axle was now a banjo type.

Ten models were offered, the largest number so far. Two-doors included a 2-passenger Roadster, and Coupe, 2/4 passenger models were a rumble seat Sport Coupe, Cabriolet, and a Sports Roadster introduced mid-year. The 5-passenger 2-door Coach remained in the lineup. Four-door models were a 5-passenger Phaeton, Sedan, Imperial Sedan and Landau Convertible.

Prices ranged from $525 for the Roadster and Phaeton to $725 for the Landau Convertible which boasted a genuine retractable convertible roof over the rear passengers. Chevrolet management felt the model was too pretentious for its market and only 300 were built. It was replaced by the Imperial Sedan which proved much more popular.

Best-selling model remained the ubiquitous 2-door Coach and 367,360 found buyers. It was followed by 196,084 Standard Sedans, while 41,983 buyers chose the more luxurious Imperial Sedans. The rumble seat Cabriolet with its windup windows attracted 45,956 customers against only 1210 buyers who favored the companion Sports Roadster.

Woody Station Wagons were becoming a steady part of the Chevrolet market and 7-passenger bodies were built by Hercules and Springfield on bare chassis. They were still basically boxy depot hacks with side-curtains for weather protection.

Trucks were built on the 107-inch AC Series chassis and the 124-inch 1½-ton LQ heavy duty frame. Trucks now used steel disc wheels. Commercial bodies ranged from Sedan Deliveries through Panel Deliveries and every sort of special purpose, from Stake Beds, Dump Trucks, Hearses, Ambulances, Fire Engines, and up to 14 passenger Coaches and School Buses. Chevrolet trucks also proved to have durable worldwide appeal, also being sold in the UK, Australia, South America and Africa.