This amazing two-owner 1947 Chevrolet Stylemaster 2-door was said to have been restored in the 1980s. I’m not sure what made the owner park it after the restoration, but it seems like it hasn’t been driven for a while. You can find it for sale here on eBay with a current bid of just over $1,000. Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the car is said to run and drive. Hopefully, it won’t take much for the new owner to get it back to its former glory.
The engine is a straight six and it appears to have been freshened up a bit with some new wiring and a fuel filter. Hopefully, the engine doesn’t need a rebuild but there is not much information on the ad regarding the reliability.
You can see the 80s style upholstery that probably looked great thirty years ago. The rootbeer brown color has been a popular shade for a long time and has made a resurgence in the past few years. The symmetrical dash has a great look and the simple design is classic. This car also features a spotlight mounted on the A-pillar and a large rear seat.
This car has a great look to it and appears to not need much besides a few maintenance items. I bet a good wash and wax would do this car wonders. Hopefully, the new owner will be able to get it back to the way it was and enjoy it for years to come. If this was your new project, would you try and restore it back to the 1980s, 40s or make it modern?
The only thing I would change is to add power brakes and disc brakes on the front. This much metal moving down the road at any speed is a lot of inertia. I know-I used to have a Packard this same age and stopping was an exercise in panic.
Had a ‘40 Hudson sedan. Weighed 3,200lbs which is the same as this. Is also only 400lbs more than a new corolla. Found a fellow who knew drum brakes. After he got finished with the car could stop very well.
Gotta find the old guy who understands drums to get these right.
Also the cars like this that were pre-war designs were much lighter than the post war designs.
I guess I would make some modern changes since it’s already had some changes. In this day and age I gotta have air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes not necessarily disc. But to power all that I think it needs a bigger engine, (perhaps a Ford) heh, heh, heh.
God bless America
I’ve been waiting for someone to say something about putting a Ford engine in a Chevy. Why not? There are so many Chevy engines in Fords…!! I love this car. But, I’d leave the Chevy engine in it. It is just too much money for me and I would not leave it outside….and I do not have a large enough garage for it. So, sadly, I have to pass on aother one. (Huge sigh). but, i have to say, all you finders and listers here on BF, keep up the great work.
You could leave it as is and as soon as that fuel filter cracks use it for a bbq pit….
This is a real comment/question. I’ve seen a few people here over time criticize the clear plastic filters. I’ve used them for over 35 years here in hot Arizona. My question(s) is this – are the people that use them and have issues too dumb to check and change then once or twice a year or is it that they place them where the filters get exposed to excessive heat? A mechanic friend of mine that’s in his late 60s has used them for, decades I’m guessing and he’s never had an issue with one either. Any factual, educated opinion or first hand knowledgeable answer would honestly be appreciated by nay sayers of these.
Bought a Volvo 220. The owner said the only Maintenance he did was oil changes during the ten years he owned it. Had one of those napa plastic filters. Discolored and could see lines that looked like cracks. Couldn’t see any leaks. Changed it just to be safe.
Back in the 80’s I worked in a tuneup shop, I have installed hundreds of these plastic filters without a single issue. That said it does matter NOT to install them to close to a heat source like an exhaust manifold. One other point that needs mentioning is on older carb cars with mechanical pumps you actually have a negative pressure in the fuel system between the tank and the fuel pump as the fuel is being siffened by the pump so a good location is inline under body.
I’m guessing that it wasn’t driven after the 1980’s restoration because it was illegal to drive a car in the 80’s without a fold down center armrest. No way you could get a good lean going without one. I like this two-door! It’s a little older than I am but we both have large back seats and can be hard to stop. Each day that passes there are fewer people that know what this is… I’d keep it roadworthy and on the road!
I am with you……here in FL the few of theses I see are built into streetrods! So rare to see one that is stock anymore. A real shame……
I would upgrade the drivetrain including the rear end. Small block chevy, 350 or 200 4r trans, 12v electrics, TCI front suspension, A.C. and then enjoy a modern car that looks like 1940’s style.
As an afterthought, put in a small block Ford drivetrain just to mess with the Chevy guys heads.
Love this car and to have a back seat that seems so private with the smaller back windows is a big plus to me!! I would have to do a V-8 swap but it would be a must to leave the three on the tree!!! My children have all drive my three on the tree and they just love it!! I can’t understand why it’s not a thing anymore!! Most kids today can’t even drive a standard!
That’s a good rust hole on the firewall for being locked away…..
I remember in special interest autos magazine in 97 there was a 46 or 47 Chevy Fleetline Aero Sedan that in my book looked far better than this car style-wise. However the style master was a rarer car.
My opinion IF these had an engine with Babbitt bearings I would change for a modern 292 in-line six. I cannot imagine driving one with 216 cu. in. engine.
Still this is a nice car.
those 216s aren’t bad if you don’t demand more from them than they were designed to do…capable of almost unbelievable fuel economy when paired with the cast iron Carter W1 that’s supposed to be there. Another practically BOLT IN swap would be a full-pressure 235 from a later chevy, or the 261 truck engine.
All that being said, I’m a fan of the later 194, 230, 250, 292 inlines :D
Saw one of these last week parked in a a lot, didn’t know what it was, it’s definately this, took a picture of it because it was a fireman’s version and had really cool spotlights and fog lights that were period and unrestored, looked like someone pulled it from long term storage. If I can figure out a post a picture I will.
Please do,that sounds cool.
A later model 6 would be better. I’d choose an inline unit to keep the Car period.
Anything from a 235 to a 292 will bolt right in. Like a lot of you out there, I’d go 12 volt also and upgrade the brakes. For power steering, I’d use an electric un8t from a Toyota Prius as it is much quicker than hydraulic steering and not prone to leaking as these units often do. Install some Vintage heat and air and call it done. Other than that, it’s a great old car that’s just begging to be driven.