How much horsepower did a 1929 Chevy have?
In short, horsepower in 1929 varied by engine: four-cylinder Chevrolets typically produced about 40 horsepower, while six-cylinder versions generally delivered around 60–70 horsepower, with exact figures varying by model and the era’s testing standards.
During the late 1920s Chevrolet offered two main engine families: a four-cylinder entry and a six-cylinder option. The different ratings reflect both model choices and the testing conventions of the period, meaning numbers aren't directly comparable to modern net horsepower figures.
Engine options and horsepower ranges
The following breakdown captures typical power output by engine type in the 1929 Chevrolet lineup. The values reflect commonly cited estimates from contemporary sources and dealer literature.
- Four-cylinder engines: about 40 horsepower (roughly 38–45 hp depending on model and test method)
- Six-cylinder engines: about 60–70 horsepower (roughly 55–75 hp depending on version and testing standard)
Keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and that the actual power delivered to the wheels could vary with gearing, load, and wear.
Four- and six-cylinder models in context
Four-cylinder models
Chevrolet’s four-cylinder offerings in 1929 were the entry-level options, commonly used for everyday touring and business duties. They were designed for reliability and economy, delivering roughly 40 hp as built and tested in typical road conditions of the era.
Six-cylinder models
The six-cylinder lineup provided more torque and higher overall performance. In 1929, these engines typically produced around 60–70 hp, again with variation by model and measurement method. Body styles ranged from sedans to roadsters and coupes.
What the numbers meant then and now
Horsepower figures published in 1929 were often gross ratings and did not include modern accessories. They are not directly equivalent to contemporary net horsepower, but they give a sense of how the cars performed relative to their era and to contemporaries such as the Ford Model A.
For enthusiasts and restorers, identifying the exact engine family (four- or six-cylinder) and consulting period literature or factory records for that model provides the most reliable gauge, while recognizing the era’s testing standards.
Summary: A 1929 Chevrolet’s horsepower depended on the engine type—about 40 hp for four-cylinders and roughly 60–70 hp for six-cylinders—with precise figures varying by model, body style, and how horsepower was measured at the time.
