What was the name of the automatic transmission used in the Chevrolet cars between 1949 and 1954?
Chevrolet's automatic lineup in the late 1940s and early 1950s consisted of GM's early Hydra-Matic and the more common two-speed Powerglide, with Powerglide becoming the standard from 1950 onward.
Automatic transmissions used by Chevrolet during 1949–1954
The following summarizes the names and timeframes of Chevrolet's factory-installed automatics in this period.
- 1949 — Hydra-Matic (Hydramatic) automatic transmission used on certain Chevrolet models as part of GM's early automatic program.
- 1950–1954 — Powerglide, a two-speed automatic introduced in 1950 and widely used in Chevrolet cars through 1954.
Chevrolet's transition reflected GM's push toward simpler, more affordable automatics during the postwar era, balancing performance and production cost.
Hydra-Matic background
The Hydra-Matic was GM's first widely deployed automatic transmission, introduced in the early 1940s. Chevrolet offered Hydra-Matic on select models through the late 1940s, with some applications persisting into 1949–1950 before the two-speed Powerglide gained prominence.
Powerglide introduction and impact
Powerglide debuted in 1950 as a two-speed automatic designed to deliver smoother driving and lower cost. It quickly became Chevrolet's workhorse automatic through the early 1950s, remaining common in many models through the mid-1950s and beyond.
Summary
In the 1949–1954 window, Chevrolet used Hydra-Matic (Hydra-Matic) in the late 1940s, transitioning to Powerglide from 1950 onward. This shift marks GM's move toward a simpler two-speed automatic as part of its postwar vehicle lineup.
What were the two types of engines used during 1949-1954 Chevy cars?
Prior to 1954, the 235 and 216 cubic inch six-cylinder engines had Babbitt bearings and scoops to create oil pressure at the bottom of each rod, and the oil pressure was standard at 15-30 PSI. During these years, there were three engine choices, depending on the transmission ordered.
What year did Chevy start making automatic transmissions?
1950–1973 Chevrolet Powerglide — The first Chevrolet automatic transmission, a 2-speed unit, introduced for 1950 and offered on both passenger cars as well as Chevrolet and GMC trucks. The Powerglide automatic transmission was also offered at different times by Pontiac, Holden, Vauxhall and Opel passenger cars.
What was the name of the first automatic transmission packard introduced in 1949?
Ultramatic
Ultramatic was the trademarked name of the Packard Motor Car Company's automatic transmission introduced in 1949 and produced until 1956, at Packard's Detroit, Michigan, East Grand Boulevard factory.
What was the first Chevy automatic transmission?
Powerglide
When introduced on upper-level Chevrolet models in 1950, the Powerglide represented the first automatic transmission offered in a low-priced automobile; in contrast, Ford did not offer their automatic transmission until 1951, while Plymouth car buyers had to wait until 1954.
