Lot details
Registration No: 702 UXT
Chassis No: A50657
Mot Expiry: None

Unveiled at the January 1915 New York Motor Show (though it did not enter production until June that year), the Chevrolet Four-Ninety was aimed squarely at the market-leading Ford Model T. Priced identically at $490, its 2,591mm wheelbase was some 50mm longer than that of its great rival. Designed by ex-Buick engineer Alfred Sturt, the Chevrolet was equipped with a 2.8 litre overhead valve four-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. Technologically superior to the Ford which could only boast a sidevalve powerplant and two-speed epicyclical transmission, the newcomer proved an immediate success. Thus, after just seventeen working days on sale William Durant was able to announce that his Chevrolet Motor Company "had accepted orders from dealers and distributors - every contract secured by a cash deposit - for 46,611 cars, valued at $23,329,390". To celebrate he put the Four-Ninety's price up to $550, while Henry Ford reduced the Model T to just $440. Revamped for the last time in September 1921, the Four-Ninety was superseded by the Superior in 1923.
Finished in grey over black with black upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, gearbox, electrical equipment), "original / very good" (interior trim) or "excellent" (chassis, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Reportedly built to right-hand drive specification (complete with electric start package) in Canada, it has seemingly led an extraordinary life. Ordered new by Mr Edward Gelder of Barnsley, it was kept by him for some thirty-one years. Though, neither he nor any of its subsequent keepers appear to have used it much. Thus, although it was in Mr Cyril Fletcher Holmes' hands for thirty years (1958 - 1988), he was reputedly able to tell friends who bought it that "the mileage of 7,800 was indeed genuine and a written guarantee and some old MOT certificates accompanied the car". Believed but not warranted to have covered 7,965 miles from new, the Four-Ninety entered the current ownership in 2002. Since then it has been treated to "a full respray, new hood / carpets, fresh battery and good clean / polish". Benefiting from an Auster screen and new apron, its fittings also include a brass horn, fire extinguisher and petrol tin. Said to start and drive but to have been exercised infrequently, the seller nevertheless feels that the Chevrolet "will not need much recommissioning for it to be put back on the road and enjoyed". An intriguing car, it is offered for sale with history file, original instruction booklet, starting handle and weather gear.