Davalos Corporation
An ever-evolving story of progress for over one hundred years.
With 10 investors and 1,000 shares, Davalos Corporation officially was incorporated in Chelsea, Michigan in 1918. The very first Davalos vehicle, the 1920 Davalos Series 6, was mass-produced to great acclaim across America. Continuing to compete against competitors into the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, Davalos saw continuous success until contributing aircraft production for World War II.
After World War II, Davalos became highly influential in the American automobile market. The Sycamore was unveiled in 1949 and became a staple 4-door saloon in its class. It helped to mobilize American after the war in comfort for an affordable price, further establishing Davalos’ influence and contribution to American car culture. By 1955, the Sycamore had been joined by the Chicago and the Chicago Custom; based on the same body, these two demonstrated the more upmarket side of the company whilst also allowing for aggressive pricing for the standard-model Sycamore, which became the company’s best selling model of all time.
The 1963 Pyrausta established Davalos as a player in the performance vehicle field. After finding success in SCCA racing, Davalos revealed the “Baby Pyrausta” in 1968 - the Ballista. Fast as a bullet, it was the first-ever Davalos muscle car which continues to be one of the company’s most iconic nameplates as well as significant culturally in its influence in movies and media.
By 1971, the famed “Sycamore” name would be replaced by the Adonis, a more performance-oriented model aimed towards younger buyers. The impending oil crisis would downsize this model by 1978. In 1977, Davalos’ first compact vehicle would be released - the compact Astonish should’ve been just what Davalos needed to push through the recession, but it wasn’t quite enough to stand up against fierce competition from the Japanese.
In 1980, Davalos purchased a controlling stake in startup innovation brand Shromet Corporation - by allowing the original founder, Marc Shromet, to continue development of existing vehicles whilst also funding and taking inspiration from the nascent company with endless new ideas, Davalos and Shromet would form a bond that continues to pull strong to the modern day. The 1984 Davalos Astonish was released to critical acclaim in co-development with Shromet’s next-generation Radiant.
The primary breakthrough of the decade, however, was the mid-size Davalos Grand Rapid - noted for its sleek design and innovative features, it revolutionized the field. Utilizing Shromet’s knowledge in turbocharging and low-emissions vehicles, the Grand Rapid would become one of the most powerful vehicles in its class whilst maintaining emissions low enough to qualify the Clear Air Act Amendment of 1977 without a sweat.
Continuing their innovation streak with Shromet, 1992 saw the introduction of the first Columbia - Davalos helped establish the domestic SUV market. As SUVs became popular substitutes for family sedans, station wagons and vans, the Columbia became one of Davalos’ most successful vehicles. 1997’s Navajo would pioneer Davalos into another all-new crossover-SUV market, and as a result became another one of the company’s most popular vehicles.
Today, Davalos’s commitment to innovation and heritage is evident in each and every car we build. Bold design, extreme power, and an approach to cars that is purely American reflects on what Davalos stands for.
Toreau
Adonis
Columbia
Pyrausta
Anaheim
Ballista
Elwood
Nirvana
Navajo
Savannah
