Description
Please Note this Car is NOT available to buy before the Auction. We offer Commission bids, telephone bids and Internet bidding.
Over 600 other lots comprising of classic cars, spares, automobilia and collectables will be offered for auction on July 27th 2024 at our venue Showell Farm, near Chippenham, SN15 2NU. Fully illustrated catalogue at Richard Edmonds Auctions website.
1921 Chevrolet 490 Touring Car
Registration No. L8753
Chassis No. 62A09161
Engine No. R8980
According to a write up in The Auto dated 1921, the Chevrolet 490 was described as a Light car at a reasonable price, with a neat and compact general arrangement. Engine, Clutch and gearbox in one unit and a simple but effective springing system.
Rarely does such a car come to the market from one family ownership and with such a comprehensive history. The car was bought by the vendor’s grandfather, Mr. J Crowley of Aberdare Wales, in 1920 to replace an aging Model T Ford, but stored until he had disposed of the ‘T’ and not registered until the 2 February 1921 in the County of Glamorgan. It is believed that the car was actually manufactured in 1919. Mr. Crowley spoke with pride that not only was it the first Chevrolet in Aberdare but also in South Wales. In 1927 due to ill health, Mr. Crowley laid the car up in a garage hoping to use it the following year but unfortunately that didn’t happen. By this time the car had covered 4877 miles. When he realised he would not use the car again he covered the car with axle grease, sacking and matting which helped preserve it. The tax disc which ran out on 30th September 1927 is still with the car.
The vendor was introduced to the car in 1950 and his grandfather promised to keep it for him until he was able to restore it and put it back on the road. We understand that Gramps had many offers to buy the Chevrolet but always politely declined. After his death, his wife went to live in Bristol to be near family but it wasn’t until the summer of 1974 that his affairs were settled and the car taken to Bristol to await restoration when funds allowed.
Being an ex-Concorde engineer, the car has been restored and maintained to the highest standard. A receipt on file from Frenchay Garage details all the work that was carried out by them but doesn’t include the hours of work carried out by the vendor.
Powered by a 3-litre engine, it is now offered for sale with a current V5c, a sheet detailing the history, a copy of The Auto report, photocopies of when the car was exhumed from its original garage and some further paperwork. The car would make a welcome addition to any Club and of course the VSCC.
Estimate: £15, 000 – 18, 000
