VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1916-1922 - Model 490 Questions about 1919 Huckster

My brother knows of a 1919 Chevrolet coming up for sale. He has yet to see it, but it has been described to him as a 490 Huckster, not running, restored at some time in the past. So, with my limited knowledge of that period, I'm envisioning this as a firewall forward chassis sold with a wooden body placed on it, with a four-cylinder motor. Can anyone enlighten me? What should I look for in terms of originality or completeness? I know value is very subjective, varies with condition and geography and other factors, but what is the value range of such a truck? I would also imagine the interest level for this truck is limited..And, because it's in the Houston area, where was the truck when Johnny started singing "How high's the water, Mama." I would appreciate any help you can give me.

First trucks were 1918 with a Model T one ton truck using FA engine and transmission and worm & pinion rear end. Model G was built on the 490 chassis with standard running gear. The value range for a 490 huckster is between scrap price for a pile of parts and maybe $ 15000 for one in decent restored condition. A 100% restoration might be $20-25K. I know that doesn't help much but if you can get good photos and better description of the condition the range can be narrowed or refined.

Thanks. Very helpful. As someone who loves both history and old cars, it's sad that trucks of almost any vintage don't get the recognition and value they probably deserve. I'm excited to see pix of it, also.

The Martin-Parry carriage company had an early connection with Chevrolet. A gentleman has started a web site on the wood bodies that were available. Martin-Parry was absorbed by GM during the Great Depression and later became Fisher body.

Chevrolet had working relationships with several commercial body companies. Most of the canopy express I have seen have Hercules bodies not Martin-Parry. Martin-Parry was acquired by Chevrolet in the spring of 1930 and incorporated into the Commercial Division of Chevrolet headquartered in Indianapolis, IN by the 1931 production year.

I am also searching for information about Chevy commercial vehicles and trucks.
The parts book list a "Light Del" from 1918 - early 1926.
They also list a commercial and utility chassis.
There is something called a "Tour Chas" that weighs 10 lbs less than commercial chassis. (??)
I have ads from several years. If you're interested, I'll email you photos.
A restored 1923 was advertised recently for $18,000.
When I called, the speculator said it didn't sell at $18,000 so he raised his price to $21,000.
I would probably pay him half that.
Lou <c1937@znet.com>

Some people think that works. The thought is people don't think it is good if priced low. There must be something wrong with it. They think if the price is high then it must be good. Sounds counterintuitive but it works on the masses. My mom used to do it at flea markets. Have an item no one would look at for $10, take if off the table and later put it back up marked for $40. SOLD right away. I was always amazed watching this work.

Re cabboy's comment; been there done that, so has my Mom. :)