1946

The first lot of Chevrolet trucks went on sale in 1918, the same year that 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. And so began the competition between Chevrolet and Ford that continues even today.

The 490 was powered by a four cylinder overhead valve engine displacing 171 cubic inches. This engine which developed 21.7 SAE horsepower lasted through the 1928 model year. The 490's wheelbase was only 102 inches and it was rated for a maximum payload of 1,000 pounds. Its transmission was the same three-speed as used in the auto. Chevrolet was not bashful in advertising its selective gear shift transmission against Ford's foot pedal operated transmission. The windshield was an extra cost item. The 490 were equipped with 30x3 1/2 balloon tires front and rear. Its list price was $595.

Chevrolet set a new standard for truck power when it introduced the light-truck industry's first overhead valve six-cylinder engine in 1929. Ford answered with a flat head V-8 in 1932 and Dodge with a flat head six in 1933. The Independence Series of 1931 Chevrolet trucks were historically important in that this was the first year for a factory-built Chevrolet pickup and the 1 1/2-ton Utility trucks were offered in two wheelbases – 131- and 157-inches – with single or dual rear wheels. A new Commercial chassis with open cab and pickup box cost only $440.

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. The 1939-1940 Chevrolet trucks received a restyled and reengineered cab and front sheet metal. These new trucks were by far the best looking trucks in Chevrolet Division's history.

Because America entered World War II in December 1941 the government halted all civilian truck production early in 1942. Chevrolet ceased building civilian models on January 30, 1942. Rationing of commercial vehicles commenced on March 9, 1942. Between then and July 31, 1945 the Office of Defense Transportation released a total of only 56,128 light-duty trucks. I think it is safe to say that most of the lights were pickups. Total for medium trucks was 205,293 and heavy trucks was 64,943 (all figures are for the entire truck industry). Chevrolet resumed production of civilian trucks for the general market on August 20, 1945.

Chevrolet's radically different 1947 Advanced Design light-duty trucks represented a sea change in pickup design and appearance. The nation was entering the exciting Post World War II era and after four long years of war, the American people, especially the veterans, were looking forward to new opportunities in the world's greatest country. There was no better way to put the past behind and look to the future than with new lines of America's favorite form of transportation – cars and light trucks. Post War automobiles followed a little more than a year later than the new trucks. GM was the first manufacturer to release the new-look post War trucks late in the 1947 model year as 1947 models. They were announced at Chevrolet dealer showrooms on Saturday June 28, 1947.

The first, and only, major Advanced Design styling and engineering changes occurred with the 1954 models. These models featured a pleasing one-piece windshield, and all-new grille, new parking lights and a new steering wheel and instrument panel. Engineering advancements included the new standard 235.5 cubic inch OHV six cylinder engine producing 112 horsepower and 200 ft-LB gross torque. The fully automatic Hydra-Matic transmission became an option for light-duty trucks. Chevrolet's Early V-8 Pickup Era ended after only a five-year run, which compares to nine years for the Advanced Design Pickup Era. The only 1959 pickup carried over was the car based El Camino. This was the El Camino's last year until 1964. One of management's key motives for a new truck series was to get improved market coverage.

For 1961 Chevrolet introduced the Corvair 95 lie of short wheelbase, rear engine light-duty trucks. The line included a van, wagon and two pickups – with or without a swing-down side ramp called a 'Ramp-Side'. Corvair pickups were designed for light and bulky loads. In no sense were they expected to replace the hard working conventional half-ton pickups.

The Glamour Pickups (1967 - 1972) are hands down the all time favorite with Chevrolet pickup collectors. First for their refined, handsome styling but also for their driveability, quality engineering and excellent power. It was in the Glamour Pickup Era that Chevrolet pickups made the major transition from being merely utilitarian to high-styled "personalized" pickups. For the first time ever in 1967, for the industry in total, V8 engines outsold six cylinder engines. Chevrolet, on the other hand, still sold slightly more sixes than V8s, which is easy to understand, because Chevrolet historically had been the industry's six cylinder engine leader. 1968 was Chevrolet's 50th Anniversary as a truck manufacturer.

The mid 1970s and were dark days in the history of pickups. The nation's energy crises affected the entire economy. Pickup and large car sales were hit especially hard. The bad news for Chevrolet was that it was during the late 1970s when Ford began to sell more trucks than Chevrolet.