What engines were available in the 1959 Chevy?
The 1959 Chevrolet lineup offered three engine families: a 235 cubic inch inline-six, a 283 cubic inch small-block V8, and a new 348 cubic inch big-block V8.
In 1959, Chevrolet extended its powertrain options across its full range of cars, from base Bel Air models to higher-end Bel Air/Impala variants and performance-oriented equipment. The inline-six remained the economical workhorse, the 283 V8 powered most mid-range to performance-oriented models, and the newly introduced 348 big-block provided higher performance for larger cars and top-tier configurations. Fuel injection was not a common option in 1959, with carbureted engines being the norm for Chevys that year.
Engine options
Below is a concise list of the engine families that Chevrolet offered in the 1959 model year.
- Inline-six: 235.5 cubic inches (the Blue Flame Six)
- Small-block V8: 283 cubic inches (Turbo-Fire V8)
- Big-block V8: 348 cubic inches (Turbo-Fire big-block)
The following sections provide more detail about each engine family, including typical configurations and where they appeared in the lineup.
Inline-six: 235.5 cubic inches (Blue Flame Six)
The 235.5 cubic inch inline-six, known as the Blue Flame Six, was Chevrolet’s long-running six-cylinder option. By 1959 it served as the economical baseline powerplant for many Chevrolet models, delivering smooth, durable performance for daily driving. It was typically paired with either a manual transmission or Powerglide automatic, and was commonly found in base models such as the entry Bel Air and Biscayne lineups. While not a high-performance engine, it emphasized reliability and economy for customers who prioritized practicality and value.
In 1959, the inline-six remained a staple for buyers seeking lower operating costs, good torque for everyday trips, and easy maintenance, reinforcing Chevrolet’s breadth of choices across its model range.
Small-block V8: 283 cubic inches (Turbo-Fire V8)
Chevrolet’s venerable 283 cubic inch small-block V8 was the workhorse of the lineup and the centerpiece of the 1959 powertrain options. It was available in multiple carburetion configurations, including standard two-barrel and an upgraded four-barrel setup, with higher-performance variants offered through various option packages. In the late 1950s, some 283s could also be equipped with a performance-leaning Tri-Power setup (three two-barrel carburetors) on select configurations, although by 1959 most high-performance applications relied on carbureted V8s rather than fuel injection, which had been offered briefly in earlier years. This engine powered many mid-range to performance-oriented Chevrolets and was widely used across the model line, including popular trims and body styles.
Overall, the 283 was versatile, delivering a balance of power and refinement suitable for everyday driving, highway cruising, and spirited acceleration in the era’s performance packages.
Big-block V8: 348 cubic inches (Turbo-Fire big-block)
Introduced for the 1959 model year, the 348 cubic inch big-block represented Chevrolet’s new high-displacement option for larger cars and featured in several full-size models. The 348 was available in multiple carburetion configurations, including two- and four-barrel carburetors, to provide higher performance than the small-block. This engine was part of Chevrolet’s early big-block family and helped establish the brand’s performance credentials in its larger cars, offering notably more torque and top-end capability for buyers seeking extra power from their Chevrolet.
As Chevrolet’s first big-block member in this era, the 348 expanded the range of choices for customers who wanted stronger acceleration and higher highway speeds, particularly in the more generously equipped Bel Air, Impala, and other large Chevrolets.
Summary
For the 1959 model year, Chevrolet offered three core engines: the 235.5 cu in inline-six, the 283 cu in small-block V8, and the new 348 cu in big-block V8. Each engine family came with multiple carburation options, with the inline-six serving as the economical baseline, the 283 powering most mid- and upper-level models, and the 348 delivering enhanced performance for larger cars and premium configurations. This combination gave buyers a broad spectrum of power, versatility, and price across Chevrolet’s 1959 lineup.
Summary note
In essence, the 1959 Chevrolet ecosystem revolved around three engine families—an enduring inline-six, a versatile small-block V8, and the brand-new big-block—catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets within the same model year.
