Chevrolet 490 Classic Cars for Sale
The Chevrolet 490, produced from 1915 to 1922, was Chevrolet’s answer to the dominant Ford Model T. Launched at a competitive price, the 490 stood out for its robust four-cylinder engine and practical factory equipment for early motoring. Buyers searching for an authentic piece of American automotive history will find this model combines engineering substance with historical relevance.
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1918 | Chevrolet 490 Tourer
1919 | Chevrolet 490 Tourer
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Create listingChevrolet 490 Classic Cars: Prices & Market Values
History of the Chevrolet 490
Introduced in June 1915, the Chevrolet Series 490 represented the brand’s response to the growing US mass car market. At just $490, its price was deliberately pitched to undercut Ford’s Model T, catalysing instant commercial success. More than just appealing pricing, the 490 helped position Chevrolet as a major force in the American car industry. Its strong market presence even enabled Chevrolet’s owner, Billy Durant, to use profits and shares from the 490’s success to gain control of General Motors, integrating Chevrolet into the GM conglomerate. Standard equipment included features uncommon for the period, such as an electric horn, and from 1921 onwards, amenities like a speedometer, ammeter, dome lights, and headlight dimmers became standard.
Model History
The Chevrolet 490 was produced from 1915 until 1922, consistently evolving during its production run. There was no direct predecessor within Chevrolet to the Series 490; it marked a significant step up from earlier, more basic Chevrolet models. The 490 would ultimately be succeeded by more advanced Chevrolet series, but it remained the company’s foundational mass-market proposition before production ended in the early 1920s.
Highlights of the Chevrolet 490
Key distinguishing features of the Chevrolet 490 include its overhead valve 171-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine, delivering 24 hp (18 kW) and a characteristically simple, robust mechanical design. Factory-installed electric starters and period electrical equipment added to its appeal, helping the 490 outshine many contemporary competitors in practicality.
Technical Data
Special Editions and Collectible Models
Available data does not indicate specific limited editions or special variants within the Chevrolet 490 production run. The focus was on providing an affordable, well-equipped alternative to its main rival, the Ford Model T, rather than on exclusive or highly differentiated sub-models.
Weak Spots and Common Issues
No explicit model-specific weaknesses are recorded for the Chevrolet 490. However, as a vehicle produced over a century ago, mechanical wear, corrosion, and issues tied to period electrical systems and materials should be anticipated and checked carefully. Sourcing original parts may require specialist knowledge and resourcefulness due to the vehicle's age.
Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling
The Chevrolet 490 delivered 24 hp from its overhead-valve four-cylinder engine, providing straightforward reliability rather than outright speed. The mechanical layout was direct, with period-typical steering and suspension offering rudimentary comfort. The introduction of a 6-volt electric starter was forward-thinking for usability in the 1910s and early 1920s. Popular configurations remain closely tied to this standard model, as the 490 did not diversify into multiple sub-variants, making all existing examples equally notable as representatives of Chevrolet’s early mainstream approach.
Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design
Typical for its era, the Chevrolet 490’s design reflects practicality and function, with a no-frills body style and utilitarian interior layouts. Materials used were robust and cost-conscious, with little focus on embellishment in favour of mass-production efficiency. Electric horns became standard, and by 1921, features such as dome lights and an ammeter introduced a new level of driving comfort for the time. Chevrolet did not emphasize customising the model with exclusive finishes or accessories.
Other Relevant Features
A significant aspect of the Chevrolet 490 was its strategic marketing: the model name directly referenced its launch price, underscoring Chevrolet’s bid to make motor cars accessible to a wider audience. This ethos influenced not only its technical execution but also its lasting impact on American car culture.
Summary
The Chevrolet 490 played a decisive role in the emergence of mass market cars in the USA. Its introduction at a disruptive price, combined with practical features and technical sensibility, cemented Chevrolet’s standing in automotive history. For enthusiasts seeking authenticity, mechanical simplicity, and historical substance, the 490 remains a unique classic with direct links to the dawn of accessible motoring.