Start Your Engines with the 1911 Chevrolet and Other Classics
The Beginning of the Chevrolet - 1911
In 1909, Louis Chevrolet, an automobile racer, was asked by William Durant, an automobile manufacturer, to help design a new car. On November 3, 1911, the first Chevrolets were developed in a Detroit Workshop and Chevrolet Motor Car Company became part of the automobile industry.
The name "Chevrolet Motor Car Company" was chosen by William Durant not only because he liked the name, but also because Louis Chevrolet, the designer, was a record-setting race car driver and this made the Chevrolet name big.
First Chevrolets
The first model Chevrolet sold was the 1911, 1912 and 1913 Chevrolet Series C Classic Six. This five-passenger touring sedan was built as a Ford Model T Rival. The Classic Six with a 120-inch wheelbase had a 299-cubic-inch six-cylinder T-head engine with dual camshafts that developed 40 horsepower and reached a speed of 65 miles per hour. Mounted on the rear axle was a three-speed gearbox and a cone clutch.
Another feature on the Classic Six was the low running boards. Early Classic Six models had a Simms magneto and compressed-air starter. Installed in the later models was a Gray and Davis electric starter. Standard equipment included cowl light, electric headlights, tool box, four doors and a folding top.
Actual production for the new Classic Chevrolet in 1912 was 2,999 with a price of $2,150. The 1913 Chevrolet, with a production of 5, 987 and price of $2,500, was the first Chevrolet that wore the famous "Bow Tie" logo. This design, which represented the winning success of Chevrolet, was copied by William Durant from the wallpaper of a Paris Hotel.
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1913 Little Six
The 1913 "Little Six" with a 106-inch wheelbase had a six-cylinder "L" head engine and bore and stroke of 3 5/16" x 4 1/4". |
The 1913 Little Six, priced at $1285, was fully equipped with a speedometer, tailored top and cover, electric horn, electric lights, demountable rims, windshield and a tire holder on rear. Located under the front seat of the Little Six was an 18-gallon gasoline tank. For an additional cost, an attached Gray & Davis electric self-starter was available for the new owner.
1914 Chevrolet Series H
William Durant introduced the only L-head in Chevrolet history, which was the light six or Model L. Also added the same year was the Chevrolet Series H model which included the Royal Mail Roadster and the Baby Grand touring car.These were the first Chevrolet cars priced under $1,000 and the first not to have self starters as standard equipment.
The Series H developed a 24 horsepower overhead-valve 171-cubic-inch four cylinder engine with splash lubrication. The transmission was mounted to the rear of a cone clutch and ahead of a torque tube that ran to the rear axle. The suspension on the Series H was semi-elliptic front and three-quarter elliptic rear springs.
Royal Mail Roadster
Modestly priced at $750 and the most popular Series H model was the Royal Mail Roadster. The Roadster, which had a 104-inch wheelbase, was an open car with a folding windshield and folding top. Included on the Roadster was a hand-cranked engine, a magneto and external gas tank. For additional cost, lights and an Auto-Lite electric starter could be added.
Baby Grand Touring
The Baby Grand Touring, with a four-cylinder valve-in-head engine and 104-inch wheelbase, was priced at only $875. Equipment on the Baby Grand included a Prest-O-LIte tank, speedometer, windshield, Mohair tailored top, cover and side curtains, electric horn and complete tool equipment.
Extra equipment available for the new owner at an additional cost included the best grade electric lamps, L. B. A. storage battery, electric Auto-Lite starting and lighting system with generator.
1915 Classic Chevrolet Series H
Both the 1914 Royal Mail and Baby Grand models were carried over to 1915 with a few changes. The electric starter became standard. Larger-diameter brakes were installed and wheelbases stretched to 106 inches.
The Baby Grand, which was offered in a gray or plum color, was priced at $875 with a Prest-O-Lite gas lighting and magneto or $1000 with full Auto-Lite electricals.
1915 - A Good Year for Chevy
In 1915, the total of Chevrolets built climbed over 13,000 and earned a $1.3 million profit. This way surpassed the 5,005 Chevrolets built in 1914.
Hope you enjoyed this trip through
time with this vintage Chevy and be sure and read the other
car reports to follow.
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