1922 Chevrolet Series 490 Canopy Express Truck

The Chevrolet 490 received its name from its $490 price. The vehicle came as a roadster or touring car and established the marque in the low-priced field. Unlike the Ford Model T, the 490 came with a three-speed selective gear transmission and an overhead-valve engine.

In 1918, Chevrolet began building trucks derived from the 490 passenger car chassis. The light delivery models were rated at half a ton and were powered by the same four-cylinder overhead valve engine, which made 26 horsepower from 171 cubic inches. A heavier, one-ton truck with a worm-drive axle was patterned on the larger FB-series cars. A three-quarter-ton Model G was introduced later.

In 2005, this 490 Canopy Truck was purchased from the collection of Harold Zulick, a Pennsylvania Chevrolet-Cadillac dealer. At the time, it was in a nicely restored condition in green over black. It is fitted with canvas side curtains to enclose the cargo area completely. The enclosed cab is built in unit with an express body.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the St. Johns sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $20,000 to $30,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $19,800, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012