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When did Chevy make its first car?

Chevrolet, commonly known as Chevy, is one of the most iconic American automobile brands. The company's history dates back to 1911 when it produced its first car model.


Chevrolet's Early History


Chevrolet was founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss-born race car driver, and William C. Durant, the co-founder of General Motors. The first Chevrolet car, known as the Series C Classic Six, was introduced in 1912. This early model was a large, luxurious vehicle with a six-cylinder engine, and it was designed to compete with other high-end cars of the time.


In the early years, Chevrolet focused on producing high-quality, expensive vehicles. However, as the company grew, it began to shift its focus towards more affordable, mass-market cars that could compete with Ford's popular Model T.


The Chevrolet 490


In 1916, Chevrolet introduced the Chevrolet 490, a more affordable model that was priced at $490. This car was a major success and helped Chevrolet gain a significant share of the American automobile market. The 490 was a simple, no-frills vehicle that was designed to be reliable and easy to maintain, making it an attractive option for many consumers.


The success of the Chevrolet 490 helped to solidify the company's position as a major player in the automotive industry. Over the following decades, Chevrolet continued to innovate and introduce new models, cementing its status as one of the most recognizable and popular car brands in the United States.

When did Chevy make their first car?


It all started on November 3, 1911 when Chevrolet Motor Company of Michigan became incorporated. The Classic Six models produced in 1912,1913 and 1914 were almost identical. In Chevy's first production year, 1912, the price for their models was $2,150, a lot of money during the early days of automobile manufacturing.



What is the oldest known Chevy car?


Series C Classic Six
The Chevrolet company was founded in 1911 and its first car, the Series C Classic Six, was a large, finely crafted motorcar. Its large, 4.9L (299 cubic inches) six-cylinder engine produced 40 horsepower and enabled a top speed of about 65 mph.



Who was first, Ford or Chevy?


The Ford Motor Company was the first brand as it was founded in 1903 by the very famous Henry Ford. Eight years later, Louis Chevrolet and William Durant started Chevrolet in 1911 and three years later in 1914 the Dodge brothers, Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge, founded the “Dodge Brothers” brand.



Is GMC just fancy Chevy?


Today, GMC and Chevy have taken divergent paths. While both brands make very similar cars, there is less overlap in trim, options, and build materials. GMC is usually considered the luxury option between GMC and Chevy, though GM offers further choice with Cadillac and Buick.



What came out first GMC or Chevy?


The General Motors Company was founded in 1908 by William C. Durant, but by 1910, Durant was forced out of the company. He subsequently co-founded the Chevrolet Motor Company in 1911. The same year, General Motors formed the General Motors Truck Company, which in 1912 became known as GMC Trucks.



What was GMC originally called?


Grabowsky Motor Company
History. Roots to the GMC brand can be traced to 1900, when the "Grabowsky Motor Company" was established by brothers Max (1874-1946) and Morris Grabowsky, in Detroit, and renamed Rapid Motor Vehicle Company in 1902 when the brothers moved operations to Pontiac, Michigan.



Which is older GMC or Chevy?


Both Chevrolet and GMC were founded in 1911, however, as separate entities by different people. Chevrolet gained a controlling interest in General Motors in 1918 in a sort of reverse takeover and General Motors then began the acquisition of GMC in 1925, completing the purchase in 1943.



Which is higher end GMC or Chevy?


GMC vehicles typically slightly more expensive than Chevrolet because they are marketed as having superior features and hold a more upscale status in the automotive market. The cost difference is dependent on the particular model and trim level.



Who was first, GM or Chevy?


In November 1911, William C. “Billy” Durant launched Chevrolet Motor Company, named after his partner, Swiss race car driver Louis Chevrolet. On May 2, 1918, General Motors acquired Chevrolet Motor Company, and in 2021, the iconic brand is celebrating its 110th anniversary.



What was the best Chevy ever?


Our Top 12 Chevy Cars of All Time

  • 4 – 1957 Chevrolet ('57 Chevy)
  • 5 – 1958 Impala.
  • 6 – 1961 Impala SS.
  • 7 – 1963 Corvette Coupe.
  • 8 – 1965 Chevelle SS Z16/ 1966 Chevelle SS 396/ 1970 Chevelle SS 454.
  • 9 – 1967 Camaro.
  • 10 – 1968 Nova L78.
  • 11 – 2009 Corvette ZR1.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.