Davis 494X-P – 1948

Glen “Gary” Davis founded the Davis Motor Car Company in Van Nuys, CA in 1946. he coaxed several investors and dealers into backing his vision of the production of his three-wheeled Divan. Despite garnishing a great deal of publicity, his dreams were short-lived and, by 1949, faced lawsuits and jail time for his questionable business practices. The company was on the verge of being dissolved when two Marine Corps procurement officers were given a tour of the struggling Davis factory. Impressed with the streamlined Davis three-wheeled cars, they suggested the government might be interested in utility versions. With the hope of a government contract to save the company, Davis built a prototype on his standard Divan chassis in less than a week. It had a Jeep-like open body and he dubbed it the 484X. The next two versions were called the 494X-P (Prototype) and two units were air shipped to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland around April 1949 for government testing.

Vigorous on-and-off road courses were conducted. The 494X-P performed very well on the street courses and firm dirt. It was powered by a capable Continental F4162 four-cylinder L-head, producing 63 hp and backed by a Warner Gear T-96 three speed column shift, which brought its top cruising speed above 70 mph. The 494X-P also had a 12.7 ft turning radius despite its 28 in longer wheelbase which was well under the M-38 jeep. The big difference was seen in serious off-road condition testing. With its long wheelbase and rear drive only, the single front wheel easily sunk, and the vehicle frequently became hung up. Though satisfied with the 494X-Ps road performance, economy, and utility features, the military just didn’t have a place for it in their inventory that wasn’t already being produced.

During the summer of 1949, the two 494’s were returned and one of them may have been damaged in a rollover during testing. . At the same time, Davis’s company was already being liquidated to pay creditors. Glen “Gary” Davis was embroiled in lawsuits for years and spent two years in jail on a conviction of grand theft. This is one of two remaining 494X-Ps

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Davis Motor Company
Country of Origin: USA
Drivetrain Configuration: Front engine, rear wheel drive
Engine: Continental F-4162 four cylinder, 162cc, 64 hp
Transmission: 3 speed, Warner T96, Column Shift
Top Speed: 70 mph
Years of Production: 1948-1949
Number Produced: 3
Original Cost: Unknown