The year was 1918 when the Chevy brand's very first pickup hit the market, and just last month, professional curator Leslie Kendall of Los Angeles's Petersen Automotive Museum commented that the differences between past and present models are “night and day”. During the month of March here at Chuck Hutton Chevy, we are all paying homage to that very important date in Chevy history: it was one hundred years ago this January that the 490 light delivery model was introduced. It was basically a stripped-out passenger car of sorts, that replaced its body with a pickup bed, as well as the addition of stronger springs to haul crops. This early model put to use a 4-cylinder engine, that then produced a now seemingly minuscule 24 horsepower.
In the entire spectrum of the truck realm, there are many stark contrasts between the past and present, and it is very true that the present Silverado model is quite the remarkable advancement. A 5,300-pound truck that comfortably seats five passengers and has the ability to tow six tons, it now derives power from a 5.3-liter V8, and produces 355 horsepower. It also holds the bragging rights of the top-selling vehicle in the GM portfolio, and accounted for 585,000 total models sold last year. Since that time long ago when Chevy introduced the now very primitive-seeming 490, the brand we love to represent every day has sold an estimated 85 million trucks.
During December, the Texas Motor Speedway was the location for the Chevy Truck Centennial Event, where very loyal customers were able to test the towing capabilities of new trucks, as well as try their hand at climbing demanding inclines with the new off-road Colorado ZR2. Many attendees have owned several Chevy truck models in their lifetime, and have consistently raved about the brand's incredibly high level of dependability, while conveying a rugged toughness. One very loyal and longstanding Silverado owner from Round Rock, Texas adamantly claimed that “if he won any other truck in a lottery, he would sell it and buy a Chevy”. Great features like full leather interior, vibrant large touchscreen, and standard WiFi connection are all a grave difference from the interiors of historic trucks that would appear in a museum hall.
It is very amazing to think that it was just a bench seat gracing the interior in that very first Chevy model, and is also true that the modern breed of pickup is among the most well-appointed vehicles that exist on the road. The rise in technology and luxury options have been a large factor in a shift in preference from smaller passenger cars, to larger light trucks. Our sales and service staff marvels at the elements of luxury that now encompass the Silverado and many other models, and they still have amazing work and towing potential.
Car and Driver heftily claimed this year that “after 100 years of building pickups, Chevy's formula is nearly perfect”, and gave the Silverado high praise for its hard-working stature and ability. Every Silverado model now has a backup camera, and the eAssist package is now optional on the LTZ, and not just the LT trim. Check out what the off-road package offers while you are visiting us here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis for a test drive: front-running features like Body-color grille surround and headlamp bezel, as well as 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires are included. One other great feature is automated emergency braking: it slows the vehicle when it senses an impending collision, further protecting you and your crew during your journey.
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