1911* Chevrolet Series C Classic Six

[Chuck Most]

The history books will tell you that the two oldest Chevrolets exist in museums. Both are 1913 models. Serial number #323 is restored to it's original glory and resides in the Sloane Museum in Chevrolet's ancestral home of Flint. #93 is in much shabbier condition and calls the Reynolds Alberta Museum in Canada home. But, at one point, there were three known to exist, and this third example has a unique story. And a little mystery... as far as anyone knows, there's a chance it might still be out there. 

 

It was 1958, and Harlan Henderson had a plan. Chevrolet was going to be celebrating it's 50th anniversary in 1961. He hit upon the idea of displaying an example of each decade of Chevrolet production in front of his show room for the summer, and he had already lined up some of them. A local farmer had agreed to loan a 1921 stake truck, a friend of Harlan's offered his 1931 coupe, a customer would provide a 1941 sedan delivery, one of his mechanics was the proud owner of a 1951 Bel Air. He also had a backup of a 1941 pickup, which ended up being a part of the display alongside the sedan delivery anyway. And he had planned for the entire 1961 lineup to represent 1961, of course, with a Corvette and an Impala taking pride of place. 

 

One problem. Harlan really wanted a Series C Classic Six to represent 1911. Thing is, only one was ever built, a prototype that differed a considerable amount from the production version. After two years of beating bushes, Harlan was able to track down a 1913 model, serial number #352, which had been parked in an unused grainery since 1933. 

 

Having secured the car, which was understandably in somewhat rough shape, Henderson Chevrolet's mechanics treated the car to a cosmetic restoration. The car was also modified to resemble the 1911 prototype, although the guys did miss a few things. 

 

The nickel plated radiator shell differs from the brass version used on the prototype. They were able to locate nickel plated cowl lights to at least match the appearance of the prototype lights. The car's body was also painted blue, while the actual prototype was most likely black. So it wasn't totally accurate but... Harlan at least had his Classic Six to stand in as a 1911 model. And at least the plates were authentic 1911 vintage. 

 

After the summer spent basking in the glory of Chevrolet's first half century, the car spent a few years living in the Henderson Chevrolet show room. The guys were never able to get the car running particularly well, but the spongy old cast iron block still dripped oil, despite the crankcase being empty. This was the main reason it ended up in an unused service bay, as Harlan (and others) began to wonder if having an always-wet drip pan under the car in the showroom was a fire hazard, or at least a particularly healthy thing to have in a common area. 

After the dealership was sold in 1964, so was the 1911-in-air-quotes car. It bounced to a couple local collectors, before ending up in a warehouse in Chicago. It was beloved to have been destroyed when that warehouse caught fire in 1984, but rumors persist to this day that the car is squirreled away somewhere, waiting to be found. It might still be in Chicago, at least one guy swears it's in northern Minnesota, and a few people (incorrectly) think it's the Sloane car. Maybe it'll resurface one of these days. 

 

Okay. So that story you just read is total BS. Mostly because I can't say much about the actual model. It is the Missing Link 1911 Chevrolet. I got it just after Kevin stopped casting them, around 2014 or so. It sat around all this time until last weekend. Actual assembly took mere hours. It's a simple kit and Kevin's castings are always wonderful. It's built straight from the box aside from a crank bent from brass wire (because I lost the kit crank) and 1911 Michigan plates from Three Inches Under. The backstory about a 1913 dummied up to resemble the 1911 prototype came about because it was fun ( for me at least), and let me avoid the whole making a windshield, cowl, and top and changing the lights to make it a proper 1913. This kit is oddball enough I didn't feel like going the extra half mile. ?

[bbowser]

Neat model and believable backstory.  Very cool!

[XYHARRY]

Up until the last paragraph I was a believer, lol ??. 

Cheers, 

David. ??

[Jim B]

Great looking old Chevrolet. 

[slusher]

Great Chevrolet!

[espo]

You had me believing the story as well. Should this model thing not work out for you could always write fiction. Just the right patina for an old car that hasn't been properly stored or cared for. 

[Rattlecan Dan]

Brother you have got to finish this one. Great story and great model. Such a good job has got to be finished! Your a mean one Mr. Grinch..er uh Mr. Most. LOL.

[Classicgas]

Very cool and well done.