What did a 1949 Chevy cost new?
In 1949, a new Chevrolet typically cost between about $1,450 and $2,100, depending on model and trim.
To understand what that meant in context, this article examines Chevrolet’s lineup for the year, how prices varied by body style and equipment, and what buyers would have paid at the showroom floor.
Pricing landscape of Chevrolet in 1949
The following breakdown shows typical sticker price ranges by common body styles and trim levels within the 1949 Chevrolet lineup. Note that actual prices varied by body style, equipment, and dealer promotions.
- Base and common sedans (Styleline/Fleetline 2- and 4-door models): roughly $1,450–$1,650 new.
- Deluxe lines (Special/Bel Air mid-range): roughly $1,900–$2,100 new.
- Top-end and specialty bodies (convertibles, hardtops, and wagons): roughly $2,000–$2,300 new.
Prices reflected factory sticker prices and could be higher in some regions or with optional features like radios, heaters, and upgraded upholstery. Dealer discounts and taxes also affected the final out-the-door price.
Context and factors affecting price
Postwar price levels, inflation, and the expanding Chevrolet lineup all influenced how much buyers paid in 1949. The Bel Air, introduced in the following year, helped set the range for higher-end offerings, while options and regional pricing could push the sticker price by several hundred dollars.
Summary
A new Chevrolet in 1949 typically carried a sticker price in the roughly $1,450–$2,100 range, with base models at the lower end and the best-equipped trims and specialty bodies at the high end. The exact price depended on body style, trim level, optional equipment, and local dealer conditions.
How much is a 1949 Chevy truck worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,900 for a 1949 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1949 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $143,000.
How much did a 1950 Chevy cost new?
Chevrolet and Ford
| Model | 1950 | 1955 |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Styleline/Special 150 2D sedan | $1,403 | $1,685 |
| Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe/Deluxe 210 2D sedan | $1,482 | $1,775 |
| Ford Deluxe Six/Mainline Six 2D sedan | $1,425 | $1,707 |
| Ford Custom Deluxe Six/Customline Six 2D sedan | $1,511 | $1,801 |
What was the most popular Car in 1949?
The most popular car in 1949 was likely the Ford Custom Tudor Sedan, which saw high demand and large sales numbers, especially after the company introduced a new design that was a major success. While specific sales figures for individual models are hard to find, the overall Ford brand, including Mercury and Lincoln, sold over a million vehicles, and the 1949 Ford models, particularly the Custom Tudor, were in such high demand that dealerships often couldn't keep them in stock.
- High demand: The 1949 Ford was a massive commercial success, with dealerships struggling to keep the popular models in stock due to fast sales.
- Breakthrough design: The 1949 models represented a significant design shift for Ford, marking the first time the company moved away from its traditional leaf spring suspension.
- Successful rebrand: The new styling and features were so well-received that they saved the company financially and established a modern aesthetic for future models.
How much did a 1954 Chevy cost new?
1953, 1954 Chevrolet Price Guide
| 4 | 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2d Bus Cpe | $3,400 | $17,000 |
| 2d Club Cpe | $3,450 | $17,300 |
| 2d Sedan | $3,250 | $16,200 |
| 4d Sedan | $3,200 | $16,100 |
