The Chevrolet One-Fifty, or 150 was the economy/fleet model of the Chevrolet car from 1953 to 1957. It took its name by shortening the production series number (1500) by one digit in order to capitalize on the numerical auto name trend of the 1950s. The numerical designation "150" was also sporadically used in company literature. It replaced the Styleline Special model available in previous years. This model was dropped following the 1957 model year and replaced by the Delray.
History[]
The One-Fifty was mainly conceived as a fleet model and little effort was spent marketing it to the average car buyer of the day, although sales weren't limited to fleets. It was most popular with police, state governments, small businesses, economy-minded consumers and hot rodders. Chevrolet sold substantially fewer One-Fifties than Two-Tens or Bel Airs in every year of its life.
True to Chevrolet's vision, the 150 was no-frills basic transportation. It had limited options, stark trim, solid colors, plain heavy duty upholstery and rubberized flooring. Small things like ashtrays, cigarette lighters and even mirrors were extra cost options. Compared to the mid-level Two-Ten or premium Bel Air models, the One-Fifty was stark and bland. However, the model became a little more stylish in the last years of existence with previous year's Bel Air stainless steel side trim and an improved interior, due to more standard equipment being included in all Chevrolets.
Body style choices were also limited to sedans, Handyman wagons (four-door in 1953–1954, two-door in 1955–1957) and (until 1955) the club coupe. The only body styles specific to the One-Fifty were decidedly fleet oriented — the sedan delivery (a 2-door wagon without rear windows and the rear seat removed) and the business sedan — a 2-door sedan with immobile rear windows and back seat removed. Powertrain choices were limited to manual transmissions and low output engines until 1954. In 1957, a full race-ready version was also available, commonly known as the "Black Widow" for its black-and-white paint color. It was equipped with 4-wheel heavy-duty brakes, 6-lug wheels and dual shock absorbers.
Collector value[]
In general, One-Fifties are less valuable than the sibling Two-Ten and Bel Air models on the collectors' market, but the rare surviving sedan delivery or Utility Sedan can command premium prices, particularly the 1957 model when equipped with a fuel-injected engine, although these all are latter-day modifications. V8 One-Fifties are popular with hot rod enthusiasts, due to lower curb weight and lower prices.
1953–1954 models[]
This was the first year for the One-Fifty as well as the Two-Ten. These model years were essentially the same, except that the business coupe was renamed the Utility Sedan for 1954. The 150 came only with the base engine in 1953.
Powertrains[]
Three engines were used in the 1953–1954 model years, although not all were available at the same time. All One-Fifties in 1953 used a 3-speed Synchromesh manual transmission. Starting in 1954, Powerglide automatic transmission was available on this series.
- 235 in3 "Thrift-master" I6 rated at 93 hp (1953 sedan delivery only)
- 235 in3 "Thrift-King" I6 rated at 108 hp. (1953 standard equipment)
- 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 115 hp. (1954 standard equipment)
- 235.5 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 7.5:1 CR 125 hp. (1954 optional equipment)
1955[]
The 1955 model year marked the introduction of a new chassis and the debut of Chevrolet's Small Block V8. The One-Fifty buyer was free to choose any powertrain option available. The business sedan was renamed the utility sedan this year. Unlike the 210 and the Bel Air, the 150 did not have any of the stainless steel trim.
Engines[]
- 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 123 hp (manual transmission)
- 235 in3 "Blue Flame I6 rated at 136 hp (automatic transmission)
- 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 162 hp or 180 hp (optional)
Transmissions[]
- 3-speed Synchromesh manual
- 3-speed Synchromesh manual with overdrive unit
- 2-speed Powerglide automatic.
1956[]
Engine choices remained the same, except for higher power ratings. The 265 in3 V8 was available in three different versions. The I6 had a new unified build regardless of transmission type.
Engines[]
- 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 140 hp.
- 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 170 hp.
- 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with quad barrel carburetor rated at 210 hp
- 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with dual-quad barrel carburetors rated at 225 hp
Transmissions[]
- 3-speed Synchromesh manual
- 3-speed Synchromesh manual with overdrive unit
- 2-speed Powerglide automatic
1957[]
New for 1957 was the 283 in3 small-block V8. The fuel-injected version was theoretically also available to the 150 buyer. The 1957 150 had side trim similar to the 1955's Bel Air trim. 56,266 '57 Chevy 150 four-door sport sedans were made, compared to the approximately 75,000 2-door versions.
Engines[]
- 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 140 hp.
- 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 162 hp.
- 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 185 hp.
- 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with 4-barrel carburetor rated at 220 hp
- 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors rated at 270 hp
- 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with Rochester Ram-Jet fuel injection rated at 283 hp
Transmissions[]
- 3-speed Synchromesh manual
- 3-speed Synchromesh manual with overdrive unit
- 2-speed Powerglide automatic
- Turboglide variable speed automatic