THE HISTORY

The Convenience Chevrolet that topped the Model T In 1911, after losing control of General Motors, William Crapo Durant founded the new Chevrolet Motor Company, named after Swiss-born racing driver and engineer, Louis Chevrolet. Durant requested a ‘French type’ car of Chevrolet resulting in a powerful Six resembling the Belgian Métallurgique. It didn’t fit his vision. Durant’s other company produced a light car called “The Little”. When Durant renamed it the “Chevrolet Series H” in 1914, Chevrolet left in disgust. The low-priced Series H sold well but had major competition from the Ford Model T.

In 1915, Durant regained control of GM by purchasing available shares but lost it again in the 1920’s depression. GM’s then new Chief Executive, Alfred P. Sloan, realised that the Chevrolet could tackle Ford and, keeping costs low, he carefully planned its gradual improvement. By 1925 it boasted convenience features absent in Ford’s Model T. Unlike Ford’s policy of selling cars for cash, the pricier Chevrolet offered financing. Sales rose while the Model T’s dropped.

This particular Chevrolet originally belonged to Dr. Anton Rupert's father, the late Mr John Rupert - a lawyer at Graaff Reinet. Tom Keevey of Jansenville and then Bryan Powell of Sandton each took ownership. The Rembrandt Group bought it for the Museum after Sandton’s family identified it.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS