Seventy years ago, a revolution began.
In late 1954, Chevrolet took the wraps off its model-year 1955 line of Task Force pickup trucks. The first full redesign of Chevy pickups since 1947, the ‘55s were a bold step forward in technology and design. Not only were they stylish, comfortable, and capable – these trucks helped introduce the small-block V8 engine to the world.
The small-block V8 represented a paradigm shift in engine technology. The overhead-valve design optimized the flow of air and fuel into the combustion chamber, improving fuel efficiency while boosting horsepower. True to its name, the small-block V8 is compact and lightweight, packing dependable power in a tidy package. Soon, this engine found its way into vehicles across the Chevy lineup, making V8s available to everyday American car buyers.
Soon, the small-block caught the attention of racers and hotrodders. The engine’s power potential and tidy dimensions made it ideal for purpose-built race cars, show cars, speedboats, and all kinds of experimental vehicles. Chevy began selling the small-block as a crate engine, a complete powerplant ready to be transplanted into your automotive dream project.
As the muscle-car era took off, Chevy developed a larger, more powerful V8 engine. This big-block variant went on to power hard-working trucks and commercial vehicles, high-performance sport models, and large luxury cars. Still, the small-block endured as the quintessential American V8.
