While maybe not as stylish as its Bel Air two-door hardtop stablemate, the 1951 Chevrolet Fleetline DeLuxe two-door sedan was an attractive departure from prevailing designs of the day. And those designs included Chevrolet’s own ’51 Styline two-door coupe which just looked old. Worn but running, this Chevy two-door sedan is located in LaSalle, Michigan and needs a new custodian to undertake a restoration project. It’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $6,433 with thirteen bids tendered so far. Thanks to Larry D for this tip!
The Fleetline model, introduced in 1941, added fastback styling for 1942 but it saw brief output as auto production was curtailed for WWII by February of that year. The design reappeared for the ’46 model year and continued through 1952. Starting in 1949, the distinctive slope-back was the only version of the Fleetline offered. Total 1951 Fleetline DeLuxe two-door sedan production volume was approximately 131K units – not exactly rare.
The seller has owned our subject car for three years and had project plans before deciding that he didn’t have the time to undertake a restoration. It’s considered to be a solid example with only some rust-through in the spare tire well. Obviously, it’s covered in surface rust, but it doesn’t look like some faked patina job and the biggest boo-boo is a dent in the front portion of the passenger side, lower quarter panel. While not a separate rear pontoon fender, by ’51 this was becoming a dated look. The chrome and trim appear to be present and accounted for though the bumpers, the front one anyway, will need replating. The seller adds, “The frame, body, fender wells, rocker panels, quarter panels, floorboards and all are in good solid condition“.
Here’s another example of a no engine image included listing. It’s unfortunate, as the 92 HP, 216 CI, in-line six actually starts and drives. There is mention made that a fuel tank is needed, so it probably runs from a fuel can but we’ll never know with certainty without making an inquiry. While this was the second year for Chevrolet’s venerable Powerglide automatic transmission, this fastback possesses the standard three-speed manual unit that “shifts good“. Included in the sale is a new radiator.
The interior features the often found cover or blanket obscuring the front seat so that gives one an idea regarding likely upholstery condition. The mileage is listed as 14K miles, so let’s assume 114K, at least, and the combination of that use and 70 years of age is enough to make any fabric deteriorate, especially in a vehicle that looks like it has seen a lot of outdoor time. This Chevy does have a radio and its surrounding dash brightwork still looks sharp; actually, nothing from the instrument panel appears to be missing. Not the case with the floor mat and driver’s side door card, however, as they’re not present.
OK, it’s now what to do with it time. A stock restore is frequently prefered for a subject in this condition but the 216 CI engine isn’t going to garner any enthusiasm so perhaps be an original looking exterior with a revised, modern powerplant (not an LS) and an improved suspension would be the way to go. That’s my vote but there are lot’s of viable directions – do you have a preference?
Where is this vehicle?
LaSalle Michigan, as stated in the article. This one is in such good condition it would be easier to restore than rod.
These blow the 2 door hardtop away…real cool
It’s really a preference thing. Over the span of many years, I’ve owned both the torpedo back (Fleetline Deluxe) and the hardtop (Bel Air, which was only available in hardtop 50-52).
I think both make a good custom, the torpedo back looks great chopped and for a custom hardtop google “Murray Kustom Rods 1951 Hardtop”. But I think the hardtop makes a better hot rod. The torpedo may just look like you hot rodded Grampa’s old sedan. And if you’re talking gasser, google “Gene Swartz Gasser”. He was an NHRA record holder from 64-67 with a hardtop. He’s in his 70’s, still races at nostalgia events and has run a 10.19 @ 130 MPH with the current combo. His car looks great and performs very well.
I also think the 3 piece rear window makes any hardtop look more sexy. But again, it’s a personal taste thing.
did these come with fender skirts?
I never get tired of this style! I think 50% of the cars I saw as a useless hotrodder in SoCal looked like this. Chev, Pontiac, Olds, Buick, Cad,…….there must have been more……? Were you at Lions or Old San Gabriel running your dad’s ’50 Olds in ’61?
Honestly, now I see where the Bentley Continental got it’s inspiration.
One of the very few cars that looks better with 4 doors. IMO
I had a four-door ’51 Fleetline back in high school. And yes, it had factory fender skirts. Same 216 “stove bolt” six. I believe the Powerslides came with the 235 truck engine, and beginning in ’52 or ’53, the 216 was jettisoned in favor of the 235 for the entire line.
I do remember the 216 was a lot of fun pulling away from a stoplight – doing so very smartly. But I’m thinking that was courtesy of a pretty high rear end ratio and it begged for yet another gear around 60 mph. ‘ Think the old saying was that you could drive a Chevy all day at 60, but at 65 you were in for trouble. Timing gear (chain?) was a common weakness. I drove mine at 70 – and the noise was close to intolerable. I had no problems – but the next owner paid for my transgressions.
I grew up with one of these we kept on our farm. A beautiful styled car even if it was only plain. Three speed on column with add-on Sears Allstate turns signals. Only fond memories.
Two questions: 1) Does a 4 door ’51 Fleetline Deluxe (in this same condition) command a higher or lower selling price? 2) Can surface rust like this be removed and then repainted successfully?
Well, typically four-door cars command lower prices than two-door equivalent models. But since I sold mine for $175 in 1959, the laws of random perversity would probably dictate that the four-door Fleetlines are extremely rare and therefore extremely valuable. That’s. the way the Universe deals with guys like me…
My Grandpa had a Fleetline. I don’t remember if it was a 2 or 4 door. It was 3 on the tree. I always enjoyed getting to ride in it. If my health and money was in good shape, I would jump on this and restore it. No chopping the top, rat rodding, or powerplant upgrade. Probably upgrade the brakes, add seatbelts. Customizing a vehicle this close to original is a disgrace. There are plenty other examples out there to butcher up.
Well then buy it, if you don’t want it hotrodded. 😵💫 Gesssh.
Another perfect example to drop a hemi in it..😳🙄😢😱
Restore it and drive it, to be so complete is amazing….and a high gloss black ..!!!
I had a car buddy that had a 51 Fleetline like this and transplanted a 235 6 in it and it was a great running car. He was a 6 cylinder fanatic and had all its mechanics tricked out as much as he could. Good find.
I would love to get it! And as much as I am a fan of restoration, and this car looks to be a fairly easy restoration, I would clear coat it to keep the “patina”, and preserve the body, then lower it. I’ve been wanting a rat rod for a while, and this one is begging for that look. This is a great body style.