Along with other U.S. automobile manufacturers, Chevrolet’s post-war models (1946 to 1948) were largely warmed-over pre-war products. Due to World War II, all U.S. auto production ceased in 1942 and didn’t return until 1946. The first redesign didn’t come until 1949. The seller has a nice 1948 Fleetmaster which looks better than the “fair condition” rating he/she has applied to it. Located in Pueblo, Colorado, this white-over-blue Bow-Tie is available here on craigslist for $6,500 OBO. Thumbs up to Mike F. for another neat tip.
Though the cars were the same, Chevrolet had mixed up the names of the models. Fleetmaster replaced the Special Deluxe (Chevy’s naming conventions were rather dull until the late 1950s). It was the top series, flanked by the Stylemaster and Fleetline, which was a subset of the Fleetmaster. All of the cars were powered by a 216 cubic inch inline-6 (V8s didn’t return until 1955), paired with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. This is a running car with some new parts.
The body and paint on this Chevy look sharp, but the black painted thin bumpers fore and aft suggest they replaced chrome ones or maybe this is a sub-series Fleetline. The seller says the interior is a work-in-progress, as blankets from Walmart are covering up both bench seats. So, this is a “fixer-upper” with the finish line perhaps in sight.
New goodies include the tires, gas tank, and a conversion from six to 12 volts for the electrical system. The odometer has turned over, but we don’t know how far, so the car has at least 100,000 miles. We’re told that trades would be considered, and they fall along the lines of a Chevy Camaro or Pontiac Firebird (from 1967 until?) or a Chevy C10 pickup.
There is a car, something like this, for sale just north of Monroe Michigan. I guess its either a Stylemaster, Fleetmaster or maybe it’s a Fleetline. I thought someone told me it was a ’47. I definitely have to go see what it is. It’s definitely not as nice as this car, but it’s got potential. This car has given me ideas. This ’48 looks really neat.
Sounds like you are in my backyard (Temperance). I have not seen the car you mentioned.
Yes! The little used car lot sits across the street from Kimberly Estates Manufactured Home Park, off Telegraph (M-24).
I live in Springfield Twp. OH, about 10-15 miles from you.
I stopped by B&P Speed Shop, in Newport, Michigan this afternoon. The car I saw is actually a 1948 Fleetmaster Aero Sedan. The owner told me that the Aero Sedan looks like someone lowered the roof. He’s been working on it for 8 years. I think he says he has a 327 V8 in it right now. I asked him if he called it a Restomod, but he said no, not really. He’s definitely not restoring the car with originality in mind. He says he has $25,000 into it. He wants $15,000 as it sits but he would take $13,000 if I bought it today. 😐 The car above is in 100% better shape and it still has the straight six and other original items. And the car above is listed for $6,500! 👍
Looks like a 235 transplanted in there, love the horseshoe plumbing to bypass the heater. Offer 5k and make a daily driver out of it.
I’m a Ford man, but I like this car, the color combo and the matching Indian blankets. Agree about your offer by someone.
Good observation on the heater core bypass. There are 2 holes where the heater core tubes would be coming out from the firewall. So it has no working heater. I would guess that’s an easy job on a car of this vintage to install a heater core, unlike today’s car where you have to remove the entire dashboard.
If he left it stock, a 235 would have been painted blue. Later model 230’s and 250’s were painted red.
230s and 250s had spin-on full flow oil filters, not a canister bypass filter like this one.
So, the car left the factory with a 216. What engine is in the car, now?
Timothy, current engine is a 235.
These were nice cars, I had A FEW CLASSMATES THAT DROVE THEM IN hs.
How does the bidding process work ?
When you place a bid does that amount get charged to your card right away or do you continue bidding until you have reached the amount you are comfortable with ?
We charge the buyer fee at the end of the auction if you win. Then you will need to pay the seller the full bid amount directly.
cheap enough for a good time with.
“Somebody please love me”
If this were a fastback, I’d be buying my ticket.
Jim is right on the $5k offer, then the buyer would have some left in the checkbook to finish the interior to his own likes. The black (wartime??) bumpers do detract from the overall appearance and I do not have any idea if there are chrome ones available?? They appear somewhat generic so maybe there are replacements (from a pick up truck??) available??? I like this car and it seems a viable low cost entry into the classic car hobby with most of the necessary upgrades / modifications already made.