This 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster woody is a rare survivor with an unusually well-documented and fascinating early life, now listed here on eBay with a clean title. Showing 61,000 miles, it’s powered by a 218 OHV inline-six paired with a manual transmission and finished in green. What truly sets this car apart, though, is its origin story and the fact that it still wears its original paint. According to the seller, this woody was purchased new by the U.S. Federal Government’s Bureau of Reclamation and served as part of a fleet used to maintain the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State. Designated as car number 88-161, it later became surplus in the early 1950s and entered private ownership in Oregon. A license plate issued in 1963 with a 1968 renewal sticker remained with the car. After roughly 20 years of service, it was placed into long-term storage until being revived by the current owner about a dozen years ago.

Since acquiring it, the current owner has taken careful steps to preserve as much originality as possible. The wood framework was repaired with an emphasis on retaining the original ash framing, while the panels were replaced with new mahogany plywood where needed. A particularly significant detail is that the original front door plywood was saved because it still shows faded outlines of the original Department of the Interior crest and “BUREAU OF RECLAMATION” lettering. The original fleet number, 88-161, remains painted on the driver’s window frame and also appears on a brass tag mounted on the center of the upper tailgate.

Mechanically, the braking system was professionally rebuilt using new wheel cylinders, master cylinder, hoses, shoes, and drums sourced from Chevs of the 40’s. The fuel system was also addressed with a cleaned gas tank, new fuel lines, a new fuel pump, and a rebuilt carburetor. A new 6-volt battery was installed in November 2025. The seller reports that the car starts and drives around the yard.

This Fleetmaster’s history reflects a vehicle that worked hard but was also cared for throughout its life. The seats had already been recovered before the current owner purchased it, and while the wood was largely intact at that time, it was deteriorating. The lower tailgate had completely rotted away and has since been addressed. The engine was said to run well when parked years ago, though there are no receipts for internal engine work. The whitewall tires were installed more than 20 years ago and will need replacement before road use.

Rare rear bumper components, tailgate-mounted spare hardware, and hard-to-find drip rails for the vinyl roof are included but not currently installed. The floor structure remains quite solid overall, treated with POR-15, and the frame rails are described as sound and original. The body has never been removed from the frame, reinforcing this woody’s status as a largely untouched survivor.

With its authentic government-service provenance, original paint, preserved woodwork, and documented mechanical recommissioning, this 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster woody offers a compelling blend of history and potential for the next caretaker.