How much horsepower did a 1941 Chevy have?
In 1941, Chevrolet's mainstream cars used a durable inline-six engine known as the Stovebolt Six, delivering horsepower that reflected the era's automotive pace. The most commonly cited figure is about 85 horsepower on the gross rating, with net horsepower lower depending on the measuring standard.
Engine and Power Output
The 1941 Chevrolet lineup shared the same core powerplant: a 216.5-cubic-inch inline-six, the Stovebolt Six, designed for reliability and mid-range torque rather than top-end speed.
Key facts about the engine and its output are summarized below.
- Displacement and engine family: 216.5 cu in (3.55 L) inline-six, known as the Stovebolt Six
- Official horsepower: approximately 85 horsepower (gross SAE) for 1941 models
- Net horsepower (SAE net, where cited): typically lower, roughly in the mid-60s to low-70s range depending on exact testing standards
- Common model applications: Master Deluxe, Fleetline, Styleline and other Chevrolet passenger cars of that year
In practical terms, these numbers reflect the era's emphasis on reliability and fuel economy rather than high performance.
Measurement Standards and Variation
Horsepower figures in the early 1940s were reported using different rating systems. SAE gross horsepower measured engine output with minimal accessories and rigid testing conditions, while SAE net horsepower (which would become standard later) accounts for more pulleys, belts, and accessories in everyday use.
Gross vs. Net: what changed the numbers
Because the year 1941 relied primarily on gross horsepower, the widely cited figure for the Chevrolet inline-six is about 85 hp. When sources reference net horsepower, the number is lower, typically dropping into the mid-to-high 60s or low 70s. This distinction matters when comparing to modern ratings.
For collectors and restorers, the engine’s practical performance depended as much on gearing, weight, and tire choices as on the horsepower figure itself.
Bottom Line and Context
Overall, a 1941 Chevrolet commonly delivered around 85 horsepower on the SAE gross standard, with lower net figures in published references that used later rating conventions.
Summary
1941 Chevrolets relied on the Stovebolt Six engine, a 216.5 cu in inline-six that produced about 85 horsepower in the era’s gross rating. Net horsepower was lower, and real-world performance depended on gearing and overall vehicle weight. The horsepower figure reflects the automotive priorities of the early 1940s—a balance of reliability, economy, and usable mid-range torque rather than outright speed.
How much horsepower does a 1941 Cadillac Series 62 have?
150 hp
The Series 62 offered the only 4-door convertible built by Cadillac in 1941 and it would be the last time this bodystyle was ever made by the marque. All Cadillacs shared the same 346 cu in (5.7 L) 135 hp (101 kW) L-head V8 that year, with power rising to 150 hp (112 kW).
How much horsepower does a 1940 Chevy have?
85 horsepower
The standard engine was the 216.5-CID in-line 6, which provided 85 horsepower.
How much is a 1941 Chevy worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $19,900 for a 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe in good condition with average spec.
What is the rarest Chevy from the 1940s?
The 1945 Chevy Fleetline is one of the rarest and most historically significant Chevrolets ever built. Produced in extremely limited numbers due to the final year of World War II, civilian car manufacturing was mostly halted from 1942 to late 1945 as U.S. factories shifted to wartime production.
