Lot details
Registration No: SV 6474
Chassis No: 3A89842
Mot Expiry: Feb 2007

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 conventional 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 Revamped for the last time in September 1921, the Four-Ninety was superseded by the Superior in 1923.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 black with black vinyl upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (transmission, electrical equipment, bodywork, paintwork) or "very good" (engine, interior trim, chassis, wheels / tyres) condition. An automotive writer and author specialising in Chevrolet, he acquired the 490 from Pennsylvania in September 1990 and has since enjoyed it with his three children "driving them to parties, picnics and school runs in the summer, and for occasional weddings". Paraded annually at "the village May Day and Summer Carnival", it is only up for sale "because space is needed for a new project and those children are now driving themselves". Treated to a sympathetic restoration by its previous keeper who maintained that the mileage (now standing at 15,230) was genuine, it was fitted with a new top in 1999 but retains the original sidescreens. Benefiting from a brake overhaul within the last seven years and the installation of a new under-floor "twin battery system using easily available 6-volt batteries", it is reportedly "great fun to drive and ready to take the new owner anywhere immediately after the auction". Riding on hickory wood wheels ("painted their proper black, not stripped and varnished") this appealing Chevrolet comes with original starting handle, jack, sundry tools / spares, 78-page owners shop manual, former New York Registration Receipt, MOT certificate valid until 26th February 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until 31st May 2006.