What motor was in a 1950 Chevy truck?
The standard engine in most 1950 Chevrolet light-duty pickups was Chevrolet’s 216.5-cubic-inch inline-6, commonly known as the Stovebolt Six (also marketed as the Thriftmaster Six), delivering roughly 92 horsepower. There was no factory V8 option for light-duty Chevy trucks that year.
Overview of the 1950 Chevrolet trucks' powertrain
During the 1950 model year, Chevrolet’s light-duty pickups—part of the Advance-Design era—were powered by the long-running 216.5 cubic inch inline-6. This engine had become a mainstay of Chevrolet trucks and cars since the late 1930s, valued for reliability and straightforward maintenance. In 1950, this inline-six was paired with a standard three-speed manual transmission and fed by a carburetor-driven fuel system. The engine’s output was typically cited around 90–95 horsepower, depending on the exact configuration and market.
Engine family and naming
The 216.5 inline-6 earned its reputations partly through nicknames that Chevy enthusiasts still recognize today. The “Stovebolt Six” name comes from the engine’s early design cues—like the exposed bolt pattern on the valve cover area—while “Thriftmaster Six” was used in some marketing and service materials of the era. This naming reflects how Chevrolet branded a familiar, durable powerplant that powered a wide range of trucks and passenger cars for two decades.
Technical highlights
Key details that defined the 1950 Chevy truck engine lineup include the following:
- Displacement: 216.5 cubic inches (approximately 3.55 liters)
- Configuration: Inline-6
- Horsepower: about 92 hp
- Fuel system: carbureted
- Transmission: typically a 3-speed manual
These specs illustrate a simple, durable powertrain designed for reliability and ease of maintenance, which fit Chevy’s commercial truck customers in the postwar era.
Was there a V8 option?
No. For the 1950 light-duty Chevy trucks, there was no factory V8 option. Chevrolet’s first factory V8 for passenger cars would not arrive until 1955, and it took a little longer to reach the full light-duty truck lineup. As a result, the inline-6 remained the standard and most common powerplant in 1950 pickups and related models.
Additional context and variations
While the 216.5 inline-6 was the predominant engine, Chevrolet’s lineup included various trim levels and body configurations (such as the 3100 and 3600 series) that used the same engine family. Some market-specific or late-production changes might have produced small variations in power output or labeling, but the core motor for 1950 Chevy trucks remained the 216.5 cubic inch Stovebolt/S Thriftmaster Six.
Summary
In 1950, a Chevrolet light-duty truck typically ran on the 216.5 cubic inch inline-6 engine, widely known as the Stovebolt Six (Thriftmaster Six). It delivered roughly 92 horsepower and was paired with a simple 3-speed manual transmission. There was no factory V8 option for these trucks that year, reflecting Chevrolet’s focus on a sturdy, economical six-cylinder powertrain for its postwar lineup.
Notes for enthusiasts
For collectors or restorers, verifying engine stamps and period-correct labeling (Stovebolt or Thriftmaster) can help authenticate a 1950 Chevrolet truck. Parts interchange and service manuals from the era frequently reference the 216.5 inline-6, making them a common clone target for accurate restoration projects.
Summary recap
The 1950 Chevrolet pickup's motor was the 216.5 cu in inline-6 Stovebolt/Six, delivering about 92 hp, with no factory V8 option in the light-duty lineup that year. This engine type remained a mainstay across Chevrolet’s trucks in the early postwar period, valued for durability and straightforward maintenance.
