History of the Chevy Advance Design Trucks (1947-54)

GM gave the name "Advance Design" to trucks manufactured 1947 to 1955 that bore the new Advanced Body Style. When you’re searching for the correct parts catalog, look for references to the Advance Design years as 1947-2nd Series through 1955-1st Series trucks. The Advance Design trucks replaced the AK Series that ran from 1941 through 1947, the WWII years. The newly redesigned lineup was marketed as larger, more powerful, and much sleeker than the AK Series trucks.

Advance Design trucks shared the same basic design across the spectrum, whether it was a cab over engine, panel truck, canopy express and the ever popular Suburban. These trucks were available in half-ton, three-quarter ton, and one-ton pickups and bore the Thriftmaster hood emblem. Trucks bearing the Loadmaster hood emblem were over one-ton in capacity and were often used for business or in commercial ventures. The body style inspired the design for the Chevy SSR (Super Sport Roadster) and the HHR (Heritage High Roof) retro station wagon. Chevy enjoyed the top spot in US sales for trucks from 1947 to 1955.

Some of the more interesting characteristics of the Advance Design trucks were the body colors: There were quite a variety to choose from as no-cost options but the standard color was Forrester Green (until 1952), Juniper Green (til 1953), and Transport Blue which was more popular in the Southern states since it was less of a sun magnet. The tailgate lettering was the same color as the body. Two-tone cabs did not become available until 1954 although white top cabs were an option on the Deluxe packages. Black sidewall tires were standard on all trucks for this series but it is possible that some dealerships provided white walls as an upgrade. There were no standard turn signals on the Advance Design trucks but these were offered as an option in 1954. Finally, all trucks used a 6-volt negative ground electrical system.

Chevy enjoyed the top spot in US sales for trucks from 1947 to 1955.