If you’re in the market for a classic postwar Chevrolet that’s both presentable and road-ready, this 1952 Chevrolet Deluxe might just be the ticket. Listed for sale here on craigslist in Brighton, Colorado, the car is described as being in very good condition with no rust, making it a rare survivor in today’s market. With recent mechanical work and a fresh tune-up, it’s ready for its next chapter. Thanks for the tip Mike F.!
The seller notes that the engine has been overhauled and runs well, with new spark plugs, wires, and a carburetor tune-up recently performed. For a car that’s now over 70 years old, finding one with a freshly serviced drivetrain is a real bonus. The Deluxe models of this era were known for their smooth-running inline-sixes, and this one is said to fire up and run strong.
On the road, this Chevy should stop confidently thanks to its brand-new brakes, which have already been adjusted and are working properly. Tires are described as being “like new,” meaning a buyer won’t need to budget for rolling stock anytime soon. These simple yet durable mechanical systems make cars like this Deluxe excellent candidates for weekend cruising or even dependable vintage daily drivers.
Visually, the car presents well with no visible rust, which is often the Achilles’ heel of early ’50s Chevrolets. While the seller doesn’t elaborate on paint or interior condition, the fact that the body is solid suggests it has been well cared for or preserved in Colorado’s drier climate. The interior appears intact from the photos, retaining much of its period charm.
The 1952 Chevrolet Deluxe remains a popular choice among collectors who enjoy classic American styling without the high costs of more famous models. Its clean lines, generous chrome, and practical design make it a versatile classic—equally suited for restoration, modification, or simply enjoying as-is.
Would you keep this ’52 Deluxe stock and enjoy it as a survivor, or would you turn it into a mild custom or street rod?
I love a good, well executed hot rod. But why would you take such a nice example of an old Chevy and chop it up? Leave it as is, maybe update the brakes so it’s safer for modern traffic, and drive it. Nice car,don’t wreck it.
Even I’d leave this one alone. No horsepower to speak of but a person could have fun driving this.
Really no need to change anything. My parents drove a bone stock, 1950 Chevrolet coupe, from Huntington W.Va. to Miami Fl. and back, when it was 14 years old in 1964. It’s true it was not designed for super highway travel but, they do pretty well regardless. You don’t need to fly off the face of the earth. Just take your time and you’ll get there.
This is what I would favor doing with this car, the Moonshiner look. This one is LS3 equipped paired with a 6 speed manual. Whether you keep it stock or modify, you have a very solid base with this car.
Nice!
Man that color was everywhere once. It reminds me of some bathroom tile. I’d like to drive one just for the experience. At least it has an over head valve engine unlike that Rambler American features earlier. A flathead in 1960?
Seller has it listed for $9,500. Prices for many cars from this era are falling, this car may get a lot of love on this site, but what really matters is if someone willing to step up to buy it.
Steve R
Still up on Craigslist after more than a week and he has 5 separate ads listed. Must be desperate.
I thought that the 235 engine started in 1953. Am I wrong? This has a 235 and Not the 216. Don’t get me wrong, if I was looking purchase this car. I would prefer the 235. But touting it as original means wrong engine IF I’M CORRECT. And yes, this car needs a new heater core.
My 52 3 speed had the 216 . I believe that the Power Glide models had the 235.
From the look of the battery “electrics” and the hot water shut off valve from Lowes, I’d be a bit concerned about any “repairs” that have been done.
Super clean car though.
I’ve seen those valves for the heater core on the school buses I drive for years. They work just fine.
That is the heater hose to nowhere. You can see the inlet and outlet for the heater core on the firewall. They look to be capped off, and there is only that 1 hose.
That battery cutoff switch leads me to think this car could have an undisclosed battery drain and rather than fix it, they just disconnect the battery!
Wow, this is just like my first car that I purchased when I was 16 years old! My father paid $250 for the car and I only had to pay him back $125, $5.00 a week for 25 weeks and that completed the deal. Good memories.
LEAVE IT LIKE IT IS!!!!!!!!! The only change I would make is possibly a duel master cylinder?? I would even leave the scratches on the hood. Maybe some buffing compound and wax will make them smaller?? A perfect vehicle to drive to cars and coffee or a local show.. Have some fun, meet some new friends, and DO NOT worry about any trophies!
Too bad it’s not closer…it would be in my driveway!!!!
Had one last Century. Dark green 3 spd. Bought it to tow my 37 Chevy coupe from Potsdam, NY to Long Island, Owner wanted $50 I offered $25. Settled on $37.50. Found $3.75 under the rear seat.
Nice new aluminum radiator and 3 on the tree transmission. Neither of which were listed in this write up. If I bought this, besides the heater core replacement. I would take a walk through the Clifford catalog for some period hop up goodies. (Manifold, header, carb., fancy valve cover,etc. Upgrade the brakes, wheels tires and suspension. Keep the dog dish hub caps and drive it.
Since this is the same wheel base as a 1964 Chevelle. Maybe do a frame/chassis swap. That way all the upgrades (or more) will already be done or more easily done. Just a thought. (I know, always the hot rodder!) Sorry, I can’t help myself.
235 was standard in ’54 but available on PowerGlides in ’51 as I remember it. With overdrive you could drive the small engine all day at 60. The 235 was good at 65 without overdrive. The difference was not the cubic inches but the pumped engine oil vs. the splash system in the 216.
Even if free, you would be underwater with this car, but money is not everything.
I have owned six of these 1949-52 Chevys. I remember when a great looking driver could be picked up for 500 dollars or less. Many engines were replaced with the later non babbet engines. Around 50,000 miles or less they needed a rebuild hince the easier choice was to replace with a newer model engine. The Fleetlines were the coolest and the newly introduced hardtop in 1950 was a real looker.
Nice chebbie! This is where that 454 from that 51 olds, in the last barn finds list, should be stuffed. Leave the body and ‘patina’ as is. Then upgrade the drive train to suit and you’ve got a winner. Big block in an early fifties chebbie.
Man o man, and I’ve always been a ford guy.