What is the wheelbase of a 1940 Chevy sedan?
The wheelbase for most 1940 Chevrolet passenger sedans is 114 inches (about 2,896 millimeters). This figure applies to the common Master Deluxe and Special Deluxe sedans of that model year and reflects Chevrolet’s standard chassis for those body styles.
In 1940 Chevrolet offered several sedan variants under the Master Deluxe and Special Deluxe lines. While trim and body styling differed, the underlying wheelbase remained consistently aligned to the same basic platform. The following figures summarize representative sedans from that year.
Wheelbase figures for 1940 Chevrolet sedans
Below are the typical wheelbase measurements associated with 1940 Chevrolet sedan models. The numbers reflect the standard factory specification used across popular body styles of that year.
- Master Deluxe 4-Door Sedan — 114 inches
- Special Deluxe 4-Door Sedan — 114 inches
- Standard/Basic 4-Door Sedan — 114 inches
These figures indicate a uniform chassis dimension across main sedan offerings, which facilitated production efficiency and consistent ride characteristics for buyers in the 1940 market.
Why the wheelbase mattered to buyers
Wheelbase affects ride quality, interior space, and handling. A 114-inch wheelbase provided a balance of smooth highway cruising, ample rear-seat legroom, and sufficient trunk space for the era’s family and chauffeur-driven use cases. For collectors and restorers, verifying the wheelbase helps ensure parts compatibility and authenticity for a given bodystyle.
Additional context
Chevrolet’s 1940 lineup is centered on the Master Deluxe and Special Deluxe nomenclature, with sedans built on a shared platform. While trim levels and minor styling changes occurred, the official wheelbase specification for the era’s passenger sedans remains centered around 114 inches. Always consult a period manual or a reliable restoration database to confirm the exact figure for a specific vehicle if precision is critical for a restoration project.
Summary
In summary, the standard wheelbase for a 1940 Chevrolet sedan is 114 inches (approximately 2,896 mm). This dimension applied across the main sedan variants of the year, contributing to a consistent chassis footprint and ride characteristics typical of early 1940s Chevrolet passenger cars.
