The 1954 Chevrolet 3800 panel van is like the post-war Chevy with a little facelift—gone is the split windshield, say hello to the sleek curved glass! It’s got a “bull nose” grill that’s not just for show, and those rear lights are now square, just to keep you on your toes. Under the hood, you’ve got a 235 cu in straight-six engine, and if shifting gears makes you feel like James Bond, there’s a three-speed on the column or a four-speed on the floor. Or go automatic with the Hydramatic, because why not?
The post war Chevy trucks from 1947 through to 1955 are a similar body style, but the biggest changes are in the 1954 model year. The ‘split’ windshield with a center divider was shelved for ’54 in favour of a curved one piece front glass. The crossbar or “bull nose” grill is a new look and the rear lights are now square. Under the hood the 235 cu in straight six engine is coupled to a basic equipment three speed standard transmission mounted on the column, a floor mounted 4 speed is also on the table, and, new in ’54 the Hydramatic automatic is also an available factory option.
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I drove a 52 model when I was 17, delivering grocerices in Ashland, KY. Still in high school, and the van was about 8 years old. It was a durable old piece and could carry an entire month’s worth of groceries for a family of 8 that I delivered for monthly.