How many 1940 Chevy coupes were made?
The exact number of 1940 Chevrolet two‑door coupes produced is not published as a single, universally accepted figure. In practice, production data are broken out by model and body style, and several variants are counted differently by different sources, making a precise "coupe" total elusive.
Framing the question: what counts as a coupe in Chevrolet’s 1940 lineup
In 1940 Chevrolet offered several two‑door body styles, and some catalogs classify Fleetline variants as coupes while others treat Fleetline as a separate model family. The official tallies from that era are usually published by model line and body style, not as a standalone “coupe” total. This variation in counting methods means a single definitive number for “coupes” can be hard to pin down.
Because classifications varied across dealer catalogs and automotive reference works, your best estimate depends on which bodies you include as coupes. The Fleetline family, introduced in 1940, further complicates the tally because some sources count Fleetline variants as coupes and others as distinct models.
- Two‑door traditional coupes (e.g., the standard two‑door coupe bodies offered in the Master and Special DeLuxe lines)
- Fleetline two‑door variants (such as Fleetline Sport Coupe and Fleetline Club Coupe), which are sometimes counted separately depending on the source
- Variations in trim level (Business Coupe, Sport Coupe, etc.) that are all two‑door configurations
These definitional differences mean that a single, universal coupe total may not exist in the historical record. If you need a precise figure, you’ll need to specify which bodies you’re counting and consult multiple primary and reference sources to reconcile them.
Where production numbers are published and how to read them
Chevrolet’s production tallies from 1940 were published by model line and body style in period sales literature and in later reference compilations. Different sources sometimes interpret or categorize the body styles differently, especially with the Fleetline line that crossed over traditional coupe classifications.
- The Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1940-1975 (and related editions) — offers year-by-year production totals by model line and sometimes by body style, depending on the edition and editor notes.
- Hemmings Motor News and Hemmings publications — provide historical production data and context, often cross‑referencing factory literature and period catalogs.
- GM Heritage Center and General Motors archival materials — primary sources for factory production records, body style codes, and model designations for 1940 Chevrolets.
- Automotive reference books and yearly price catalogs from the era — used by researchers to reconstruct counts by body style, with varying levels of detail.
In practice, researchers cross‑check these sources to assemble a working estimate for a given body style category. Because Fleetline was introduced in 1940 and because body‑style naming varied by trim and market, the resulting numbers can differ between sources.
Interpreting the data for collectors and historians
The lack of a standardized, universal “coupe” tally means that restorers, collectors, and historians should define their scope before citing a number. If you’re restoring a 1940 two‑door Chevrolet and need a rough benchmark, consult multiple sources and be explicit about which two‑door bodies you include (e.g., traditional two‑door coupes vs. Fleetline two‑doors). Primary sources such as factory records will yield the most definitive counts, while reference books provide helpful context and cross‑checks.
Bottom line: there is no single, widely accepted figure for the exact number of 1940 Chevy coupes produced; counts depend on how you define and group the body styles within Chevrolet’s 1940 lineup.
Summary
For readers seeking a precise figure, the answer remains nuanced rather than definitive. Production tallies from 1940 Chevrolet models are reported by model line and body style in period sources, and Fleetline variants introduce further complexity. To arrive at a defensible number for “coupes,” you should specify which two‑door bodies you’re counting and consult a mix of primary records (GM archives) and respected reference works (The Standard Catalog of American Cars, Hemmings, and similar publications). In short, a universal single total for 1940 Chevrolet coupes does not exist in the public record, but careful cross‑checking can yield a credible estimate tailored to your definition.
