On sale by June 1915, as a 1916 model, the "Four-Ninety" was named for its initial price, $490. A Model T Ford just happened to cost the same but soon fell to $440, slaying Chevy's brief rivalry on price alone. In reality, with a full electrical system, the 490 actually cost $550. Chevrolet responded to Ford's price cut by offering its car for $490 complete, but that figure quickly proved unprofitable, so the price of a properly equipped touring car or roadster reverted to $550. Spanning a 102-inch wheelbase, the down-to-basics 490 was built in franchised plants to cut costs and hasten delivery. A simplified variant of the 171-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine from the Series H yielded 20 horsepower (same as the Model T). Painted only in black -- again like Ford -- the lightweight 490 had a cone clutch and three-speed transmission. Within 17 days, Chevrolet Motor Company had 4,661 orders with cash deposits. Durant claimed that "a little child can sell it," and more than 18,000 were built in the first year. As the new model gained attention, total sales soared to 62,898 cars, sending Chevrolet into seventh place in the industry, approaching Studebaker.This particular 1971 Model 490 went through a restoration back in the early 70's which included paint, a motor rebuild and reupholstering the seats. The body is in very good condition with no spots of rust or bubbling that we can find. The convertible soft top goes up and down with no problems and is in very good condition with no rips or tears. The car does not come with side curtains but there are snaps where they can be installed. Inside, both seats look great and are covered with black vinyl that shows no major blemishes. The same goes for the door panels which are all nicely covered in black vinyl. The wood steering wheel is perfect with no cracking or chips. The wood flooring is free of any rot and is solid. All gauges appear to be in good working order as well as the horn, interior light and headlights. Under the hood, the 4 cylinder is very unique. With exposed overhead valves, the engine was and still is a remarkable thing to watch run. Chevrolet referred to its overhead-valve engine as a "valve-in-head" design, which drew considerable publicity because most rivals were flatheads. Exposed pushrods actuated valves in the detachable crossflow cylinder head. The starter now sat at the rear, operating a ring gear, as in modern engines. Instead of a water pump, it used thermo-siphon cooling. Unlike most fuel systems in that day which employed gravity fuel feed, the Chevrolet's used a pressurized system which meant that you didn't have to shut the fuel off when ever the engine stopped running. With a push of the button on the floor, this car starts right with no problems and runs great. If you've ever wanted to be a star at a car show, this is the car to do it with. The 30 x 31/2 Good Year bias ply tires are all in very good condition and appear to be newer with no rot showing. They are wrapped around wood wheels that are equally as nice. This is a great driving little car that is a blast to drive. The current mileage shows 7,192 which is believed to be since the restoration. VIN number is 19055.