1925 Chevrolet K Series Superior

This delightful Superior was, according to the vendor, originally shipped to South Africa. This assertion is backed up by a SA vehicle certificate of registration in the car’s history file, plus the correct R prefix (for right-hand drive) on its engine number. Incidentally, after a little online research, it seems that engine numbers for 1926 Superiors started from 2160736, likely meaning our 2007616 motor was produced in 1925, which tallies with the car’s build that same year.

By 2002, this Superior had found its way to the UK, where it’s resided ever since. The vendor asserts that, while within our shores, it’s been restored to its former glory. A claim that’s reinforced by a substantial number of images, evidently taken during the process. Retaining its original 6-volt electrical system, but said to be running and driving well, this neatly presented vintage Chevrolet makes a very good account of itself. There are also a host of hard to find spares accompanying the car which, together with its seemingly comprehensive rebuild, should keep it on the road for the foreseeable.

Burgundy over black makes for a timeless colour combo that brings to mind the running-board era of US styling, synonymous with prohibition; not that this car saw much of that in South Africa... The southern sun has clearly helped keep this 99-year old from returning to a ferrous state, with its condition today seemingly very impressive. The paint has a nice shine to its finish, that’s not over-done, as can often be the case with less sympathetic restorations.

The finish is generally fine but isn’t perfect, with a few small stone chips to the licence plate up front and some scratches and marks in the paint – plus orange peel – here and there. The hood looks very good, just a few very minor stitches show some tiny frays. The glass also appears to be in great shape, with only a few very minor surface scuffs. The same can be said of the Perspex side screens on the A posts and those large and lovely headlamp lenses.

The front bumper (an optional extra in 1925) looks great, though the tyres are showing some cracking to their side walls. There’s a little oxidisation/staining to the Chevrolet logo’d running board (nearside), plus the rope seal on the bonnet’s leading edge is sitting a little proud in the centre. There’s also a crack to the paint finish on the offside rear wheel arch and a small dent in the rear, but most of the above can really be filed under patina rather than damage. 

For a near-century-old cabin there’s quite a lot of comfort and instrumentation on offer here. Gauges for amperage and oil pressure sit alongside a manual choke, horn and odometer – Pretty comprehensive for the ’20s. The vendor reports that the speedometer does not work. The glorious wooden steering wheel has a couple of miss-aligned joints (at its top) but otherwise we’d imagine operates as it should, without giving the driver splinters! 

The seat material looks excellent (especially in the rear) with only a few small frays to the stitching on the passenger side front giving away any age whatsoever. Door cards appear just as presentable, as are the carpets, though the fit of the latter could be improved – there are a few wrinkles plus lifting around the edges. Peaking under the pile, we could see no cause for complaint when inspecting the wood boards on the floor. 

Glancing skyward, there’s further reinforcement of the quality of the hood replacement as the fabric appears both taught and weather-tight – well, as much as it ever was when new anyway. The frame seems to have been brush painted black but appears solid enough, with only a little surface poking around pivoting sections.

Obviously, there’s not an awful lot to these machines when it comes to the oily bits. The components are simple and relatively rugged, with the history file showing plenty of replacement parts have been added in the past few decades. There’s evidence of this in the engine bay as a braided fuel hose certainly looks a little more advanced what was on offer in the 1920s. Most of the components under here however, look in keeping; there’s plenty of brass and copper on show.

That huge exposed radiator up front seems to be in excellent order, essential in this era when cooling was only just adequate at best. The accompanying two-blade fan seems to be original and in good shape, but its belt is looking a little old, though seems to still be perfectly serviceable. There are some paint runs and overspray visible in the bonnet shut are on the offside rear and a little surface corrosion to the hinges and at the base of the radiator housing, though neither appears to be too advanced.

As mentioned already, there are a number of spares included with this near-centenarian Chevrolet, which includes brake shoes and wheel rims and a number of springs, gaskets and cogs that’ll no doubt prove vital. The underside of this Superior looks good with plenty of fresh-looking black paint protecting the exposed chassis. The major components (transmission, differential and engine) appear dry with no obvious signs of any leaks.

We don’t have a lot of documentation to accompany this car’s time in Africa, with the history only really kicking off around the new millennium. The first MoT (once in the UK) seems to have occurred in April 2006 (at least that’s the first recorded online). Lots of older tax reminders and MoT certificates chart the car’s constant use from the early Noughties to approximately 2016.

A quantity of invoices from US specialist The Filling Station charts around $1500 spent between 2006-2008 on various parts including; two new half shafts, shock links, brass fuel inlet connectors, carburettor nuts and bowl, wheel rims (21- by 2, ½-inch wide), generator brushes, water pump repair kit and gasket plus much more besides. 

This Superior also comes with a helpful set of starting instructions, a period repair manual from Chevrolet for the 1925/6 models, a dating certificate confirming the eligibility of its contemporary licence plate and those photos of the restoration process. More recently, there’s an invoice for a fuel tank sealing kit from 2016. There’s plenty more paperwork for the next owner to browse at their leisure.

If you’re in the market for something of this vintage, there’s a surprising amount of choice. From home-grown options like the Austin 7 or Morris Minor (1928) to stateside peoples’ cars like Ford’s eponymous T and A, with plenty still on the road. The Chevrolet Superior isn’t as commonplace, at least here in the UK, but offers a lot more refinement than you’ll find in most all of those aforementioned contemporaries.

Short of a Cadillac or a Rolls-Royce – both of which will still set you back considerably more than this Chevrolet’s estimate range – this ’20s Tourer could prove to be surprisingly frugal to own and useable. Add to that its relative rarity and head-turning looks, and it all adds up to quite the appealing acquisition.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £11,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.