Shiny new cars will generally attract some attention, but they will inevitably fade into the background if parked next to a shiny older car. That would be the case with this 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster because it is undoubtedly eye-catching. It is a solid vehicle that represents a fairly affordable entry point for someone seeking a first classic car. Its practicality makes it perfect for an enthusiast with a family, with the Chevy listed here on Barn Finds Classifieds in Polk City, Florida. You could take it home by handing the seller $12,500.
The seller describes this post-war Chevrolet as mostly original, but one notable change is the paint shade. The stunning Red gracing its panels doesn’t appear on the 1948 Chevrolet color palette, but I won’t hold it against this classic. Combined with the sparkling chrome and whitewall tires, the car looks like a million dollars. It has a good depth of shine, and the seller states that while it isn’t perfect, it is very presentable. I can’t help but agree with that assessment. It has belonged to the same family for most of its life, and its overall condition reflects that it has been a valued family member. This Chevy’s beauty is more than skin-deep because it is rock-solid and rust-free. The doors, hood, and trunk open easily, and the glass is crystal clear. There are no signs of cracks or cloudiness developing around the edges.
The Fleetline offered respectable performance for a post-war vehicle, with its 216.5ci six sending 90hp and 174 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. The company quoted a top speed of 74mph, but this beauty should comfortably sit at 55mph on the open road without raising a sweat. The engine is what I refer to as a “lazy” powerplant. That isn’t a derogatory term but reflects the fact that the driver doesn’t need to rev its head off to extract the best from it. Anything beyond 3,000rpm will achieve little but turn fuel into noise because it should pull cleanly in top gear with the needle hovering at around 1,000rpm. The seller indicates that this Fleetmaster is in generally excellent mechanical health. The brakes require servicing, but the necessary parts are included. The new owner also receives a box of additional parts and the original Owner’s Manual. The seller describes this classic as a pleasure to drive, with a strong engine and the transmission shifting smoothly.
The “presentable” theme continues inside this Fleetmaster. Some upholstered surfaces appear to exhibit slight marks that are consistent with the car’s age, but there are no rips, tears, or other physical damage. The carpet fit is slightly “off” in a couple of spots, but I think the new owner could achieve good results with careful fiddling and adjustments. The painted surfaces look clean, and the dash’s bright trim is excellent. One impressive feature is the copious rear seat legroom. If an enthusiast with growing teens seeks a practical classic, this Chevy ticks that box. It isn’t loaded with luxury extras, but the pushbutton radio should help to relieve boredom on long journeys.
This 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster isn’t perfect, but that could be one of its greatest attributes. It would undoubtedly turn heads, and it is extremely practical. The new owner can cherish and pamper it, which would be understandable and justified. Unlike a pristine car, however, the occasional minor chip will cause disappointment but not the potential heartache experienced by the owner of a perfect vehicle. This Chevy is designed to be driven and enjoyed, and isn’t that the ultimate goal of classic car ownership? That makes it worth serious consideration.
I love this Chevy, and we had one when I was a young lad …
we didn’t get it until 1952 and it ran well, parents up front with the 2 youngest kids, and we 5 older boys filled up the back seat. This one is a beauty !!!
Beautiful! Lots of labor went into this one for sure. Don’t know what the gearing was in my ’54 Chevy but you could run all day at 65 and get good gas mileage to boot. Didn’t need to run the radio either as the split exhaust system was music to the ears.
Is that a windshield wiper fluid jug mounted on the firewall? Never saw that when I worked in a service station in 1957-58.
I think it’s the air cleaner
Nope, I’m wrong didn’t see the other photos
I was 6 in 1948. My dad bought a 42. Pre war, 48 postwar. Look alike. I have a special respect for them and the people who make them nice.
Nice car, reasonable price; just be aware that the 216 engine with its splash oiling system won’t last long if you take it on the freeway and try to keep up with modern traffic. I speak from experience.
Good point.
Interesting comment. I agree that the full pressure system of the later 235cid I-6 was a big improvement but, the 216cid I-6 with the splash system was surprisingly durable. Back in the day, I bought a one owner 1952 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 4 door sedan 216 cid 3 speed manual with 50K miles on the clock for $225.00. During 1960 and 1961, I would drive round trip from Western PA to NJ via the PA Tpke. and NJ Tpke. I kept the speedo at an indicated 70mph which was probably only a true 65 mph to keep up with traffic (IIRC, the max speed for the old stove bolt 6 was about 75 mph). After a 5 or 6 hour run the only side effect was a slight clutch chatter when leaving a service plaza. I kept meticulous service and travel records for that car. Changed the oil and filter every 2.5K miles (.35 cents a qt. for HD10W-30). A steady 50mph yielded 25mpg. A steady indicated 70mph yielded 15 mpg! It desperately needed an overdrive. I sold the car two years and some 25K miles later when I went on active duty with Uncle Sam. Sold it for the same price I paid for it. Wish I still had it.
My dad brought one of these home for my 16th birthday. I told him I didn’t want this ugly mother, and I’d rather walk. He returned it, and I walked for a long time!
Before my time, but what a beauty
Got my drivers license in 1974. My dad had one of these on the ranch. We pulled it out of the weeds and I drove it for about eight months then I had to have an El Camino, wish I still had this one, and the El Camino for that matter ha!!