From the seller in Lousiana who brought us the Cadillac that he’d swap for a Porsche 911, here’s another candidate for restoration that at least got put in the barn in his expansive collection of projects. This 1949 Chevrolet features a rare fastback body but it’s not going anywhere quickly at the moment. You’ll find it here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $3,650 and the option to make a best offer.
From the comments on the other thread and general internet chatter, the seller seems like a decent guy with lots of project vehicles to spare. Now, many of them are perhaps past the point of restoration, but they still could be long-term rehab projects for an ambitious owner. This Chevrolet has a few strikes against it, including rust issues and the fact that head was removed long ago and left in the trunk.
Still, it’s hard not to see the possibilities with that fastback body design. I hate to use the words lead sled, but this Chevy would look pretty slick tucking some tire at all four corners. Sheetmetal-wise, I’m sure there is deeper corrosion lurking, but it all looks like surface-level issues from this vantage point. Most of the trim appears intact as well, but I’m not certain if there were any fastback-specific accents that have gone missing here.
Check out those cobwebs – this ’49 has been siting for a while! The question is, has it been hiding in the barn or was it put out to pasture like so many of Jerry’s other vehicles? I wouldn’t hold it against him; if it weren’t for guys with real estate, most of these cars would have met their unglorious end long ago. I hope this Chevy either keeps another one on the road or is reborn as a sympathetic resto or a low-slung cruiser. How would you bring it back?
Gotta love the cobwebs on the dash, gives it the authenic “not touched in years” look!
Chop it, drop it and paint it black with all the chrome and as much power as you dare to go with.
Definitely a ’49 Fleetline Deluxe although the taillight lenses are ’50 vintage. They readily interchange so that isn’t a real big issue. This car is by far best brought back to its original state. They aren’t an easy car to modify unless you completely reinvent the engine compartment; from what I’ve heard/seen the steering column gets in you way of a typical V8, even an SBC. Of course you COULD drop in a later 235 or a 261 and get some better jamb out of it. I’m the first to admit that a 216 is no powerhouse but for me the original motor will suffice. I don’t mind the 216 at all…
Agree about the 216. Drove one in a ’50 4-dr Deluxe as daily transportation for years in the early 80’s. Did have to put a timing gear in it in an apartment parking lot. Have also driven a 235 years ago and I’m not sure there was much difference in performance. Both drove well and had good brakes.
Or you could bore out a 292 to 302 cubic inches for some serious grunt.
Or, you could swap in a Vortec 4200 for a straight six with some real shocking power.
This 1950 shows what can be done….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPJ6vBhHexg
Wonder if is was below Katrina level?? Or the latest flooding!