Splendid Restoration/Rust Free Tourer/171ci I4/Smooth Driver

1925 Chevrolet Superior K Touring

The Chevrolet Superior model was introduced in 1923. After the C series, the Series K Superior Chevrolet was introduced in 1925 and was an improved version over the prior year. It brought with it many important updates and modifications. It still rode on a 103-inch wheelbase but was now powered by an improved power plant. The gearbox was updated with a new single dry plate clutch replacing the old cone clutch style. The ride and handling were vastly improved by the removal of quarter-elliptic rear springs with semi-elliptic springs. Each year new mechanical changes, appearance updates or optional features that became standard in subsequent years became expected of all GM products including Chevrolet. Body styles were separated into open and closed which meant closed included retractable glass in the doors and glass surrounding rear seat passengers. Standard items included tools, a jack for tire removal, speedometer, outside lockable door handles, ammeter, oil pressure gauge, dashboard light, choke pull knob, electric horn, ignition theft lock, and a two piece vertical ventilating windshield that allowed fresh air to enter the passenger compartment.

Purchased new by the owner of a general store in Conestoga, Pennsylvania and used to haul goods from Philadelphia back to Conestoga, this Superior served a useful and purposeful life until its retirement from duty in 1932. At that time, it was parked in a barn and forgotten about for decades. At some point, an employee of the general store offered to restore the Superior to its former glory. However, as sometimes happens, the owner of the car didn't have the finances to finish the redux and the car sat a few more years. Then a deal was struck between the owner of the car and the employee for the employee to purchase the partially restored Chevy. Unfortunately, the original owner passed away before the transaction could be completed and since there were no records of the deal the employee had to purchase the car at the estate auction. Fate smiled upon him that day as he was able to purchase the car at a much lower price than was agreed to with the original owner. The employee then restored the car a second time to what is seen before us. Gracing our South Mallway and for consignment, a 1925 Chevrolet Superior K Touring car restored to better than new and waiting for you.

Exterior
Chevrolet went all out with the Superior line which had a much sleeker, taller and versatile body than that of the Ford. Headlamps on their fender mounted tie bar flank the original radiator and surround and are dressed up with a pair of American flags. Long swooping black fenders flank long black running boards complete with a scissor gate on the driver's side. All of this frames rust free steel that is bathed in blue which floats high above the original 21 inch wood spoked wheels which remain in excellent condition. Our example remains bumper-less as it came from the factory and a new black canvas top with a glass rear window is covering the passenger compartment. Leading up to the top is a near vertical 2-part windshield that can tilt to allow extra airflow into the already airy cabin. Wrapping up the back is a single like new spare tire and simple tail light.

Interior
Reaching over any of the doors to open them is required as there are no exterior door handles. These doors are covered in simple black leather panels with black highlighted buttons around the perimeter, all simple yet functional. Moving inside we note a very nice black vinyl covered bench with a wide tuck and roll pattern throughout the seat and back. In the back is a bench matching the front seat in both material and form and sports lovely heavily padded side panels in the same material. Access to the left rear is somewhat hampered by the scissor gate on the running board but once mastered is a breeze to enter. A thick rimmed wooden steering wheel, very nicely stained, fronts the blue steel dash and in its center, we see gauge clusters in wonderfully shaped ovals and a center circular horizontal dial speedometer and odometer gauge. Wrapping up our interior tour we note slightly soiled ribbed rubber mats cover the floor front and rear.

Drivetrain
Lifting either side of the center hinged hood we see a nicely restored 171ci inline 4-cylinder in olive drab green. Black accessories set off the green nicely and appear to have been rebuilt during the restoration. This engine is fed by a 1-barrel carburetor and has a 3-speed manual transmission on the back. Bringing up the tail end is a rear axle weighing in with a 3.82 ratio.

Undercarriage
Black steel and wood make up the frame, flooring, suspension and support work. A spattering of road dirt and surface rust is noted but no invasive rust is seen. Leaf springs are on front and rear to help provide a smooth ride and mechanical drum brakes are on the rear only.

Drive-Ability
Simple to start and drive, this Superior still requires attention to the road while motoring. While not a record setter in any department on our test track, it handled everything we threw at it with ease. All around a good driver with all functions working but braking must be planned in advance due to the rear axle only mechanical drums.

A wonderful restoration and a great story to boot for the Superior K out of 1925. A better driver and looker than the competition from Ford, but it also came with a larger price tag when new. Spoil yourself with quality, value, strength and economy right out of 1925.