Since I began writing for Barn Finds, I have discovered that the classics we feature can be quite eclectic. While Kei Cars sit at one end of the spectrum, this 1936 Chevrolet/FitzJohn Airport Limo sits at the other. It spent a few years in a museum, but is destined for a new home. It requires restoration, but you can be fairly sure that you wouldn’t park this vehicle beside an identical example at your local Cars & Coffee. The seller has listed the Limo here on eBay in Hershey, Pennsylvania. They have received no bids on an auction that opened at $8,000. However, it appears there’s no reserve, so you could potentially become this classic’s new owner with a single click.
Formed in 1919, the FitzJohn-Erwin Manufacturing Company became the FitzJohn Body Company in 1935. Based in Muskegon, Michigan, it specialized in building buses, branching out into producing twelve to fifteen-seat “Autocoaches” in 1931. Chevrolet sedans proved popular as a starting point, with this 1936 example based on a stretched Master Deluxe. The company cut the frame and body, lengthened them, and added an integrated roof-mounted luggage rack. These vehicles proved popular for transporting airport passengers, although many saw military service during World War II. The seller indicates that a previous owner donated this FitzJohn to the Museum of Bus Transportation in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a few years ago. However, it recently suffered flood damage and now has a Salvage Title. The seller indicates that the water didn’t rise higher than the wheels and had no mechanical impact. They admit it requires a total restoration, including a spare parts chassis in the deal. The panels look remarkably good, and there are no significant paint or trim issues. The close-up shots reveal rocker rust behind the enormous running boards, but there is no information surrounding the state of the floors or the frame. This is a case where the buyer could hope for the best, but brace for the worst.
If you ignore the view to the rear, it would be easy to consider this a pretty ordinary 1936 Chevrolet Master Deluxe. It features a cloth-covered bench seat, matching door trims, and a painted dash with standard gauges and switches. There is evidence of moisture damage on the lower door trims and seat, but these may respond positively to careful deep cleaning. The worst-case scenario is a retrim, which would increase the restoration cost. Otherwise, the dash and wheel look excellent, and the plated components appear free from major problems.
Okay, this is where this old Chevy becomes genuinely interesting. The 1936 Master Deluxe could seat up to six people if one were comfortable with straddling the shifter. This FitzJohn pushes out the boat, providing room for at least fourteen occupants. That makes it ideal for enthusiasts with large families. FitzJohn focused on quality with its civilian models, utilizing mohair on the upholstered surfaces. Sadly, this classic’s back seats aren’t as nice as the front, and the door trims look pretty sad. However, the headliner is excellent, representing one less thing requiring attention during this restoration.
It is unclear how much weight FitzJohn added during the stretching process, but it is guaranteed that this Limo is a heavy beast. The upgrade didn’t include mechanical enhancements, meaning this car’s 206ci six-cylinder engine will deliver approximately 79hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. Acceleration off the line would be modest, to say the least. However, once moving, the vehicle should roll along the road quite comfortably. The seller confirms that despite the flooding, this classic runs and drives. It is unclear whether it requires work to be considered genuinely roadworthy, but it appears to be a sound foundation for achieving that goal.
Variety is the spice of life, as demonstrated by this 1936 Chevrolet/FitzJohn Airport Limo. It needs work, but it would undoubtedly turn heads once returned to its former glory. I made an interesting discovery when researching this story. It appears that this Limo may have enjoyed a brief stint on the Silver Screen. An identical example appeared in the 1984 movie, Maria’s Lovers. Admittedly, the film wasn’t a blockbuster, and the vehicle only appeared for a few moments. However, the movie car featured the same paint shade and signage, and I question whether two identical examples of such a rare classic exist. Therefore, if a unique vehicle with potential Hollywood heritage is on your Wish List, this Chevrolet/FitzJohn could be an affordable contender.
This is a really neat piece of history right here. I can only imagine that poor 6 cylinder trying to get this up and moving with a full load of people and luggage on board. But look at those beautiful body lines, when Fitz John stretched it, they did a great job keeping all the beautiful flowing lines. Until I read this, I never heard of this company before, and learned something new this morning watching the snow drinking a cup of coffee. Thank you for all your research Adam and the great history lesson. Hopefully someone will save it.
Really interesting vehicle and hard to see anyone other than another museum ponying up for it. If someone wanted to invest some money into refitting it with a modern engine and transmission, redoing the interior to be a modern limo….but it would be serious investment. BTW, there are 4 seats and no jump seats, so this one handles 11-12 people (11 assuming 2 in front) and if you hope to get 14 in, they better be kids or skinny. Still impressive for 1936 and not a bus. Notice the chock by the right rear wheel. Some mechanical work required in addition to the body and interior. Shows 1 bid so far, but that could be the lister themselves.
What an unique vehicle. Adam, thank you for the research. I am sorry to see it parked in the snow. By your pictures a restoration would not be too hard as the majority of it is already done. The main thing would be suspension, brakes, and checking out the power train for water damage. Not a concourse vehicle, but one you could enjoy at shows, Cruise In’s, and Cars and Coffee as long as you had a BIG enough garage to house it.
Learn something new every day. I’ve never heard of this company before. Poor little six cylinder powering this beast when loaded with passengers. Wouldn’t a straight eight have been a better choice?
Interesting limo! The little six cylinder would grunt to move this beast. Stuffing a V8 into the engine bay would help. Wonder also about heat for the passengers in the winter, don’t think the heater would warm the passengers any further than the first two rows of seating.
Would certainly be an attraction at any car show!
Little sixes like this one powered many a farm truck back in the day, and they hauled 4500 lbs of grain. No fast takeoff, and a top speed of about 35 MPH but lots of grunt for short haul airport use.
That is a very good point Dean. Its probably geared quite low, and the straight six has good torque.
Very cool automobile. Aside from needing a total restoration, it received the death blow of having a salvaged title… someone has to really love this to take it on, thanks for posting this.
Salvage title usually means insurance already paid for it.
Cool car but a very sad story. I’ll bet it stinks inside!