1949 Davis 494X

The Davis 494 (494X-P) was a military version of the Divan three-wheeled automobile, and just three examples were built. It was a failed concept of a three-wheeled vehicle that attempted to 'out Jeep the Jeep.' It was simplistic and minimalistic, with parts that were easily replaceable. Its purpose was utilitarian, with seating for five or six soldiers and minimal (perhaps adequate) storage for their gear. What it lacked in off-road capability, it compensated with go-kart-like convenience, and may have performed well as a utility rig on base.

Initially labeled the 484X and later the 494X, two of the three Jeep-like Davis military vehicles underwent government testing at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in April 1949 where they attempted to keep pace with the M-38 Jeep in the dirt. The three-wheeled Davis lacked the off-road capability of the Jeep, but its on-road performance was reasonable, with enviable fuel economy (circa 20 MPG) and plenty of carrying capacity (up to 900 pounds). Since it was a little wider than the Jeep, the Davis had slightly more volume capacity.

One of the Davis vehicles was damaged in a rollover during testing. The two vehicles were returned to Davis during the summer of 1949, and a detailed test report stated that they were (essentially) unfit for service.

During the brief lifespan of the ambitious Davis Company, approximately 13 vehicles were produced. Three 494s were built in less than a week, two of which were sent to the Army for testing.

Mechanical Specifications
The Davis 'Jeep' had a 108-inch wheelbase, an open body, rear leaf springs, and a single front tire that was suspended by coil springs. The standard cargo capacity was 750 pounds, with a maximum capacity of around 900 pounds.

Mounted at the front was a 162 cubic-inch Continental F4162 engine offering 62 horsepower at 3,200 RPM and 122 lb.-ft of torque at 2,000 RPM. It had a 3.44-inch bore and a stroke of 3.38 inches. The engine was mated to a three-speed Warner T96 transmission with a column shift.

The Genesis and Demise
The Davis Motorcar Company was founded by Glenn Gordon 'Gary' Davis and was located in Van Nuys, in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. Frank Kurtis sold Mr. Davis a prototype called 'The Californian', which had originally been built for racecar driver Joel Thorne. Davis used the Californian as the basis for his Divan, but widened it to accommodate four passengers. Two prototypes were constructed in 1947, followed by aggressive publicity and promotional campaigns for the vehicle. Approximately $1.2 million (US) dollars was raised through these efforts, with funds being sourced from 350 dealerships. Unfortunately, Davis never delivered cars to its prospective dealers or paid its employees promptly and was ultimately sued by both groups.

After the company's assets were liquidated, Davis was eventually convicted of fraud and grand theft and sentenced to two years at a 'work farm' labor camp.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2025