Rat Rods aren’t a “new” thing these days. Putting a brand-new drivetrain under a shabby, patina-covered skin isn’t either, nor is spending big bucks to make a nice car look awful. In this case, though, it’s a compromise between the three: a 1952 Chevy coupe, for sale here on craigslist in Beverly, New Jersey that is a poor man’s fun fixer. Does it look like something you’ve seen before? Keep reading…
The seller tells us that it retains its stock drivetrain of 216-ci straight-six and 3-speed manual box, but has power disc front brakes, new fuel tank and lines, and has been converted from 6V to 12V electricals. It allegedly runs and drives, rolling on what looks to me like refreshed stock rims and new rubbers. We can see in the pictures that there has been at least some sheet metal work on the floors, some sort of cover on the front seat, and a newer tach strapped to the column, but otherwise, it would appear that this car is in as-found condition.
One look at the exterior, and we’re reminded of Icon hot rod shop’s Derelict 1952 Chevy Styleline coupe that came into existence in 2011.
For the asking price, this would make an excellent fun-driver cruiser right out of the gate. It looks sort of like that big-dollar car from Icon and might be a solid candidate for restoration or restomod. What do you think, would you drive it like it is, or make improvements?
This appeals to me, it reminds me of cars we used to buy for $100 or so and then end up towing to the junkyard in three months after we abused the heck out of them. In this day and age, I’d want more than the 90 horsepower the 216 will put out. Still for sale after 22 days says something in my book.
Well yeah…..6500 bucks for new tires? it would be gone at 1500…which is todays 100 bucks :)
Pretty sure that’s a 2 door sedan, not a coupe. Just sayin.
@Tom, you are right… Sedan
Guy’s on drugs if he thinks he can get $6500 for that rolling ruster. Nice floors. Maybe Fred Flinstone’s in the market for something a few thousand years newer…
Would anyone be so critical with a similar condition Charger or VW bus…?This Chev has potential, some work is done and it’s a beautiful design that will swallow modern powerplants any day without too many mods.
Seller need adjust his expectations as to price though. From experience any asking price is simply a starting point for negotiation – given the time it’s been sitting unsold and its somehow ‘rough’ condition, a prospective low-ball buyer may score a great deal here…!
Sure, I would be. But it all depends – if this were a ’39 Bugatti or some ’60s Ferrari it would be a different story. Same goes with the VW or, say, late ’60s Charger. But then the Bugatti etc. would be priced at $7.5 billion, justifying the exact same criticism. :-)
And I agree – it’s a really attractive car – just not at this price and condition.
My first car was Grandpa’s ’52 Chevy, 2 door. It was 2 tone green and had low miles.
What it did have was rust. You had to be careful not to tromp on the gas at a stop light. That 216 had enough power to send the front seat passenger and driver into the back seat. You could watch the road pass by through the floor panels, if the floor mats were askew.
But at 16, it was freedom and fun. The drive train was valuable to a neighbor who had a non-rusted body, and lived on in the neighbor’s car after a couple of years.
I smile about those days.
Bought a 4-door for $10 back in April ’71.
Mine was in much better shape. Mine
was a glossy black AFTER I WASHED AND WAXED IT. The interior in my car
was just as nice but had solid floors
complete with floor covering. If it were
mine, the modern mods made for safety
would stay and it would wear a decent
paint job to protect all that vintage metal.
Would use the 216 until it croaks and then slip in a later model 6 and an auto-
matic trans and electric power steering
to make driving more enjoyable. This
car has so much potential but looks half
finished in its current state. Note to seller: Finish the car before you sell it!