Chevy

The Chevrolet Motor Company was incorporated in November of 1911 by William Durant, an American buggy manufacturer, and Louis Chevrolet, a well known race car driver. A year later they released their first ever car that was called the 'Cylinder Six.' But Chevy's first truck, the Model 490 Light Delivery came later in 1918, the same year that the Chevrolet Motor Company became part of General Motors. The half-ton rated 490 Light Delivery was a chassis cowl only based on the 490 auto. A chassis cowl included the chassis with engine, transmission and the front sheet metal which comprised the hood, front fenders, grille and headlights. Its instrument panel, steering wheel, foot pedals and shift lever were exactly the same as the cars.

The 490 was powered by a four cylinder overhead valve engine displacing 171 cubic inches with only 102 inches wheelbase and was rated for a maximum payload of 1,000 pounds. This engine which developed 21.7 SAE horsepower lasted through the 1928 model year. Its transmission was the same three-speed as used in the auto. The 490 were equipped with 30x3 1/2 balloon tires front and rear with a price tag of $595.

The 490 Light Delivery and one-ton Model T remained in production through the 1922 model year. A 3/4 ton chassis cowl Model G was added in 1921 but only lasted the following year. The Light Delivery chassis and the one-ton trucks were renamed the Superior Series in 1922 (the same as Chevrolet Cars). The name lasted through the 1927 model year. The Series name was changed to Capitol for both trucks in 1927 which lasted through 1928. During the following years, Chevy released different models. In 1931, the Independence series was released. 1932 marked the arrival of the Confederate Series. Meanwhile, the 1934 Chevrolet Series DB Master Commercial truck line was completely revised. The 1934 trucks became the 1935's Series EB Master Commercial. Over the years, Chevy continued to develop better, faster, and stronger engines to compensate the body of their vehicles. In 1937 came the Sedan Delivery and the Coupe Pickup.

With rich history and evolution, Chevy's first vehicles have made a mark in the industry. Antique Chevy cars may not be the picture of the present day to day driving, but these vehicles truly deserve the highest recognition. Antique Chevy cars are revived by Antique Chevy parts that are still available, although rare. With antique Chevy parts, the antique Chevy lives on.