1917 Chevrolet Series D V-8

The 1917 Chevrolet Series D V-8 followed an engine trend that Cadillac started in 1915, one that a slew of automakers were copying.

The 1917 Chevrolet Series D had good power, but its high price led
to low sales.

Chevrolet chief "Billy" Durant temporarily put aside his quest for success in the low-price arena and ordered that a new V-8 Chevrolet go on sale -- nearly four decades before Chevy's famed 1955 small-block V-8 would appear.

Advanced in design, the 1917 V-8 had a central camshaft operating vertical overhead valves in each bank, a counterweighted crankshaft, and detachable crossflow cylinder heads. Displacing 288 cubic inches and breathing through a Zenith two-barrel carburetor, it developed 55 horsepower at 2,700 rpm, running on 4.75:1 compression.

Billed as "A New and Greater Chevrolet," the mid-priced V-8 cost $1,385 (more than a Buick) and failed to attract a sizable crop of customers. Riding a 120-inch wheelbase, the touring car weighed 3,200 pounds.

Not only was the V-8 Chevrolet's most powerful engine yet, but years would pass before another could beat it inhorsepower. Its new chassis heralded the forthcoming light-car trend, featuring quarter-elliptic cantilever springs at the rear.

Meanwhile, a Series F roadster and touring replaced the Series H models, and the economy-minded 490 model got some improvements -- along with a new sedan. All models had an electric starter. Issuing about 111,000 U.S.-built cars in 1917, Chevy stood fourth behind Ford, Willys-Overland, and Buick.

                                              The 1917 V-8's 55 horsepower would be
                                                     the most for a Chevy until 1932

1917 Chevrolet Series D V-8 Facts

Model : Series D

Weight range (lbs.) :  3,150-3,200

Price (new) : $1,385

Number built : 511