What was the first car fitted with an alternator, rather than a direct current dynamo?

The first car fitted with an alternator, rather than a direct current dynamo was the 1960 Plymouth Valiant. The car was the first car to offer the alternator as an improvement over a generator. The advantages of alternators were not widely known or appreciated. Their usefulness came with their weight. They are about 10 pounds less hefty than generators, saving on weight and bracketry. More importantly, alternators charge at idle, something generators can not do. Thus, no more dead batteries when cars idled in traffic for various reasons.

Overall, bare-boned Valiants have been well loved according to most of their owners. This is notwithstanding the fact that the power the 170-cu.in. slant-six engine puts out could never spin the car's 13-inch tires. At least in light of its history, the engine is incredibly reliable and as robust as any powertrain ever built. Owners have said, "the single, one-barrel Carter AFB-3083-S carburetor, combined with the 10.5:1 compression ratio and 155-lbs. ft. of torque, produces at most a measly 101 horsepower, but the highway-friendly 3.23-ratio rear gear makes it a pleasure to drive at speed on the highway. A regular diet of Sunoco 93 Ultra, along with the addition of a lead substitute, keeps the engine running smooth, while regular oil changes of CAM2 Super Plus 10W-30 oil keeps the sump clean and the four-main-bearing crankshaft well lubed."

The Valiant with alternators have a 'plain Jane' appeal. Their lack of any options is a plus.