You’ve heard the story about the guy who bought a car, was forced to sell it, and never got over it? That’s how things went down with the ‘51 Chevy I briefly owned back in 2014. Seeing other 51s, like this two-door Deluxe here on Craigslist in Washington state for $18,500, stirred up this hard-to-explain emotional connection to a specific year, make, and model.
The seller states, “looks, runs and drives great.” While I can’t validate the whole claim, I wholeheartedly agree the car looks killer. It’s hard to decipher with 100% certainty which of the many models this car was originally, but my guess is that this is a Styleline Deluxe (or “De Luxe” as stated on my title) with most of the trim removed. It’s also worth noting this appears to be a two-door sedan vs. the “Sport Coupe,” which has a different roofline.
If you’ve ever driven one of these cars that hasn’t been updated, keep in mind that many of them had a 216, a torque tube (vs. drive shaft), a generator, and vacuum-actuated windshield wipers. If they did have a 235, it was paired with a two-speed Powerglide and, I can speak from experience, they’re SLOOOW. Looking at this one, I’m seeing all the right mechanical upgrades: Offenhauser split manifold on the strait six/dual exhaust, power steering, power brakes, and a 10-bolt rearend. Add radial whitewall tires (I’m guessing they’re not bias-ply), an updated but not tacky interior, and decent paint, and I’d personally be very interested in taking this one for a spin.
Sure, almost 19K is a lot—but I don’t think you could build another one like it for that. There may even be room for negotiation on price, and the seller has stated he’s open to trades. I keep hearing a lot of the “50s stuff” is going down in value because twenty-somethings who are into “old” vehicles want muscle cars. As someone who’s almost 50, it’s hard to say whether this is factual speculation—but for me, this Chevy is cooler than a Chevelle or a Camaro and can be yours at roughly half the cost. As always, thanks to Curvette for the tip.
About as nice as you can get.
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My first car, in 1961, was a ’50 DeLuxe two door hardtop. This looks like someone started with a very nice car as the headliner and door felts/ropes look original. I suspect this was not a DeLuxe/De Luxe as there is not a clock on the dash. I love the louvered hood and the 6 in-a-row go fast parts. Put in an Olds one piece windshield, front splash pan, re-chrome the back bumper, and spend some time on the interior.
There’s a lot to like on this car.
I’m all for keeping the 6 but I 5 speed wouldn’t go astray…….
If I had the cash I’d buy this cool ride in a heart beat.
That didn’t take long, the posting is already deleted. Somebody got a really nice old Chevy.
Great callout on the clock—a quick way to spot the difference between a De Luxe and a Special that I wasn’t aware of (I do recall that my clock didn’t work).
I suppose editing my post now would be cheating!
Found a reference for further proof…
Have a 50 fleetline deluxe I been working on for a year. Love the style of the 49-54 Chevys. If mine is that nice when I am done I did a great job. Love that car
“[T]his Chevy is cooler than a Chevelle or a Camaro.”
I agree, for what it’s worth.
Almost 30 years ago at Amelia Island Concours deElegance I encountered in a parking lot two teenagers driving an early 50’s Chevy like this one. I asked if they knew the original Corvette shared the [presumed] 235 CI OHV inline-6 in their Chevy? No. I explained there were lots of hop up parts for this Stovebolt Six, again like this one. I swear they walked a little taller and prouder of their Chevy, as they discussed the possibilities.