Chevrolet Series 490
| Chevrolet Series 490 | |
|---|---|
Chevrolet Straight-4 engine | |
| Transmission | Selective-sliding 3-speed cone clutch[1][2] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 102 in (2,591 mm)[1] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet Series H |
| Successor | Chevrolet Superior |
The Chevrolet Series 490 (or Four-Ninety) is an early American automobile, made from 1915 to 1922 by
Models
.jpg)
All 490s were only offered with the
Chevrolet owner Billy Durant was a firm believer in the OHV engine, as that had been the reason for the success of his earlier automobile company, Buick, which he had taken over in 1904, and used to found GM in 1908. He lost control of GM in 1910 due to stockholder and banker issues, and Buick still had the patent for the OHV engine, but GM did not dare to sue Durant. Durant would use Chevrolet to regain control of GM in 1917, which he merged with Chevrolet that year.
The first Chevrolet and GMC 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 passenger car. The second, not based on the 490, was a one-ton 1918 Chevrolet Model T (oddly enough) "Ton Truck" shared with GMC. 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.[7]
Production notes
| Year | Production | Price | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1915 | $490 | |||
| 1916 | 70,701 | $550–$750 | 1,820-2,500 lbs | |
| 1917 | 100,000th Chevrolet, Durant takes over GM | |||
| 1918 | 95,660 | $660–$1,060 | 1,890-2,160 lbs | coupe, sedan, chassis/"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 |
See also
References
- ^ ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
- ^ "Directory Index: Chevrolet/1916_Chevrolet/1916_Chevrolet_490_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
- ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "Directory Index: Chevrolet/1916_Chevrolet/1916_Chevrolet_490_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
- ^ "Directory Index: Chevrolet/1921_Chevrolet/1921_Chevrolet_Data_Sheets". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
- ^ "Directory Index: Chevrolet/1921_Chevrolet/1921_Chevrolet_Data_Sheets". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
- ^ HowStuffWorks
