Well, there are 235's and then there are 235's...It's correct, that the first 235 was in either 1941 or 1942, depending on the source. It was a heavy truck option called the "High-torque" or "Liberty six" (wartime lingo) and had the same dip & splash low pressure crank as the 216. Looks externally the same as a 216. Normal parts sources won't list this motor because it was never a passenger car option. It was essentially a beefier, bored and stroked 216. In 1950, With an improved cylinder head and hydraulic lifters, it became the "Powerglide" 235. As archaic as the "High-Torque" engine seems today, it was sought after by racer-types in the 40's and '50's due to the displacement increase over the 216, and became the engine of choice for many of the Wayne 248" 12 Port conversions.
To further confuse things, another variation on this engine was avilable as a factory option in trucks from 1950. Called the "105 Hi-Torque", it used the 235 block with the improved head, but with solid lifters and the old-style oiling system. Supposedly for heavy trucks, but possibly some pickups were so equipped.
