An Introduction to Chevy Trucks
Chevys are known for the ruggedness and aggressive style. Nothing beats a Chevy truck in towing capacity or just for the sheer joy of it.
William "Billy" Durant and Louis Chevrolet began selling Chevrolet cars in 1911. Formerly Billy was head of General Motors, a company he founded in 1908 but had been forced out by the company's bankers. Billy decided to take matters into his own hands and use his new Chevrolet models to buy out stock of GM to regain control. By 1916 he owned 54.5% of the stock, he waltzed into the building of GM and declared himself president.
Chevrolet began producing trucks in 1918 with the 490 light delivery chassis cowl sold at $1,000 and the one-ton Model T "Ton" truck that sold for $1,245. The truck buyer had to purchase separate bodies and cabs from an outside independent body company.
The 1927 Superior Model 1-ton utility express was the first truck Chevrolet offered with a factory cab. The base truck sold for $495, the cab was $115.
Chevrolet set a new standard for power when it introduced the industry's first overhead valve 6-cyclinder engine in 1929. It was a 194 cubic inch, 46 horsepower "cast iron wonder" engine.
The Independence Series of 1931 Chevrolet trucks were important for it was the first year for a factory built pickup and the 1-1/2 ton utility trucks. There were four commercial bodies: pickup, panel, sedan delivery and canopy.
In 1934 was the first time that trucks had a unique appearance, no longer did they share front end sheet metal with cars. The frames were entirely stronger and heavier than before for a larger hauling capacity and durability.
Every year Chevy continued to improve on the engine performance and the comfort for the driver. It was in the Glamour pickup ear of 1967-1973 that Chevy made the major move from merely being a work truck to being a high-styled "personalized" pickup. This kicked off the craze of truck ownership for everyone.
Chevy continued to work towards what the needs of the consumer were demanding. In this modern era the push for a more environmentally friendly pickup began. The push for a hybrid vehicle that could keep up with the needs of power and hauling capacity began in 2003.
"GM is proud to be the first automaker to produce a hybrid propulsion system for a full-size pickup truck. We're also proud to have delivered the first hybrid built in North America and the first hybrid that offers a 42 volt battery pack and four 120volt auxiliary power outlets." Auto City Pinecrest News.
They began offering the hybrid Sierra and Silverado for fleet and commercial customer in May 2004. Then in October 2004 began offering hybrid trucks to retail customers in six states: Alaska, California, Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Why only those states? They are producing them on consumer demand for those markets.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra Hybrid was the first full-size pickup to use hybrid technology (according to the Hybrid Experience Report). It has a unique parallel system which is not used to provide mobile power, but rather provides power to accessories, such as the power steering, air conditioning and outlets.
"Since 2003 we have been implementing a hybrid propulsion program that is focused on the highest fuel consuming vehicles first. We are developing two additional hybrid propulsion systems. The belt alternator starter system and the 2-mode full hybrid." Auto City Pinecrest News.
In 2007 Chevy Tahoe hybrid truck with diesel engine and electric motor hit the market. Coming for the 2009 line-up will be the world's first 2-mode hybrid truck, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.
Even though the Silverado has had the most models made and loved by more truck owners than most in history, the most memorable of the all is the 1957 3100 Stepside ton. The durability and beauty of this truck turns heads in whatever the venue. The most forgettable model was their 1962 Corvair loadside pickups. It had a small load capacity with a huge cargo area.
Chevy continues to be one of the most beloved trucks. Shows are lined up with example after example of all the years made with sport truck enthusiasts "styling" them up. The El Camino is bouncing the streets of California and the Silverado pulling the load in West Virginia, coast to coast the Chevy beats them all hands down.
