1918 - 1939 "Early Trucks" – Inspired by factory workers who modified vehicles to haul heavy supplies around the plants, Chevy created the first purpose-built truck, the One-Ton. Many truck milestones follow, including an economical mass-produced inline 6-cylinder engine in 1929 and the “Silent Synchromesh” transmission in 1932. Other innovations in this era include strong frames, long wheelbases, recirculating-ball steering and a 6-cylinder engine with 85 horsepower.