Chevy Truck Timeline
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007
The first Chevrolet trucks went on sale in 1918, the same year that the Chevrolet Motor Company became part of GM. Chevrolet’s famous series 490 auto was also new in 1918. This model was designed to compete directly with Ford’s Model T. The 490 designation was based on the price the car was to sell for which was also the amount a Model T had been selling for. Mr. Ford immediately lowered the price of a Model T after the Series 490 was announced.
Chevrolet’s Model 490 Light Delivery is their first truck. 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.
Chevrolet’s modern pickup era began in 1937 when management filled in the holes in the model lineups. Prior to 1937 the company produced a Commercial model (1/2-ton) and a Heavy Truck (1 1/2-ton). The gaps were closed with the introduction of 3/4- and one-ton models. Actually these new models came late in the model year in July 1937. Another interesting development was that the trucks again shared the styling traits of automobiles.
Chevrolet Trucks dropped a bombshell on the industry with the intro of its famous limited production Model 3124 Cameo Carrier. Its cab and front sheet metal were the same as other 1955 models, but its big plastic rear fenders gave the impression that its cargo box was cab wide. Its GVW rating at 5,000 pounds was the same as the other half-tons and it retained all the utility and toughness and economy of all Chevrolet trucks. A plastic panel also covered the tailgate. Cameo was only offered in two-tone exterior colors of Bombay Ivory and Commercial Red. Its mechanical specifications were the same as all the other half-ton modes.
In 1967, Chevrolet pickups were referred to as “a new concept in personalized pickups.” Chevrolet pickups featured a great new shape for ‘67, a new lower height for easier entry and more comfortable cab interiors, new power, new lower height for easier entry and more comfortable cab interiors, new power, an upscale Custom Sport Truck (CST) model, which featured the comfort and appearance of a passenger car and an all-new 4WD system.
Today, the Chevrolet Avalanche is considered to be the brainchild of decades and decades of ingenious trucking manufacture. It is a four-door, six-seat pickup truck with a somewhat SUV like flavor, known as a “sport-utility” truckAvalanche is based on the full-size long-wheelbase General Motors SUVs (such as the Chevrolet Suburban ), and itself forms the basis of the upscale Cadillac Escalade EXT.
