Template:Infobox Automobile The Chevrolet Series 490 is a Brass Era American automobile, made from 1915 to 1922. The 1915 introduction of the $490, Chevrolet 490 was an immediate success and established the brand as a big player. The name would not denote the price for long, but it would stay low enough to take a chunk out of the Model T market. The Model T started at $495 at the time. Chevrolet was soon so profitable that Billy Durant began buying shares of GM stock with his Chevrolet stock.
OHV Engine[]
The 490 was only offered with the Overhead Valve 171-cubic-inch (2.8 L) four cylinder. This would be Chevrolet's main engine until the "Stovebolt" straight six replaced it for 1929.
The First Chevy Trucks[]
The same year Chevrolet merged with GM, Durant wanted a pickup to compete with the new Ford Model TT. The answer was two models, the first 1918 Chevrolet Series 490 Light Delivery chassis cowl rated at half a ton and based on the auto. The second, not based on the 490, was a one-ton 1918 Chevrolet Model T (oddly enough) "Ton Truck". It had a payload capacity rating of 2,000 lbs and sold for $1245 retail. Much like the chassis cab of today, they gave consumers a cheap, flexible platform to build on. Its steering wheel and gear shift lever, along with the instrument panel and gauge cluster, were also lifted from the passenger car. A chassis cowl included the chassis with engine, transmission and the front sheet metal which comprised the hood, front fenders, headlights and grille.[1]
Production notes[]
| Year | Production | Price | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1915 | $490 | |||
| 1916 | 70,701 | $550–$750 | 1,820-2,500 lbs | |
| 1917 | 100,000th Chevrolet, Chevy takes over GM | |||
| 1918 | 95,660 | $660–$1,060 | 1,890-2,160 lbs | chassy/"cowl" truck added |
| 1919 | 149,833 (approx.) | $715–$1,185 | 1,820-2,160 lbs | |
| 1920 | 150,226 (approx.) | $795–$1,285 | 1,820-2,160 lbs | |
| 1921 | 76,370 (approx.) | $795–$1,375 | 1,820-2,160 lbs | |
| 1922 | 243,479 (approx.) | $510–$875 | 1,435-2,150 lbs | |
| Total |
Related Cars[]
- Little
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ HowStuffWorks
Template:Brass-auto-stub