For most auto manufacturers, 1946 brought them back to their core business. But early models were generally warmed-over versions of the 1942 cars they built before the war effort began. It was not until 1949 that all-new, post-war models would be introduced by Chevrolet and others. As a result, the 1950s were little changed, including this Styleline Deluxe coupe which we’re told was just pulled out of the barn after 22 years. It has cleaned up quite well, but no mention is made of its mechanical health. Located in Roy, Washington, this would-be survivor is available here on craigslist for $10,500.
For 1950, Chevrolet offered three product lines: Fleetline Deluxe/Special, Styleline Deluxe, and Styleline Special. Production would reach more than 1.3 million copies (up by one-third), of which the seller’s Styleline Deluxe 2-door sedan would be the second most popular body style at nearly 250,000 units. The cars were lower and more modern in appearance than their pre-war predecessors, although that didn’t matter initially as pent-up demand meant that the U.S. automakers could sell just about anything that had four wheels.
These Chevies were powered by a 216 cubic inch inline-6 called the “Stovebolt” which produced 90 hp. New in 1950 was the Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission, but the original buyer of this ’50 Chevy stuck with the “3-on-the-tree” manual and saved the $159 upcharge. Black was still the most popular color ordered on new cars, although a wider variety of flavors were being offered by the 1950s. The seller refers to the Chevy as a “pride and joy” car but doesn’t say if it’s his or hers or a previous owner.
The last time this Styleline saw daylight was around 2001. It’s been in the barn (or somewhere similar) all this time and the “before” photo shows it before its first bath in ages. The body, paint, and chrome don’t look any worse for being in hibernation. The 55,000-mile Chevy appears original, though we don’t get any interior photos to help back that up. Since no verbiage is provided about its running order, we assume the car either doesn’t run or no attempt has been made to try that. Perhaps a flush of the fuel system, a new battery, and a newer set of tires will do the trick.
My first car was very close to this, an SS Club Coupe, bought for $75 in 1967. Woman who owned it lived next door to a mechanic and it was so quiet and smooth that I kept trying to start it at Stop signs until I learned not to try to kill the starter lol. Twisted off two axles getting scratch in second. Only problem was occasionally the shift linkage would get stuck between first and second and I would have to stop, get under the car and release it. Great car- put in a wolf whistle and freaked out the other guys with the siren effect! Doubled my money when I sold it!
You could have released it from under the hood.
Was going to post we used to buy those all day long for $75 to $100 circa 1965. Every car lots back row was full of ’49/’50 Chevrolet. As is often said, “had we only known.”
Following a lay-off at the saw mill where my father worked, his1960 Impala was re-acquired by the bank. A car “EXACTLY” like this was its replacement. It served his family of seven for 2~3 years and then was replaced with a 1957 Chevrolet 210 station wagon.
One of these was always on my wish list but, other than sites like BF and others I’ve left old cars to the younger crowd.
Could it be a salesman’s coupe?
Sure looks like one to me. Interior pictures would clarify, but are totally lacking.
(Certainly a concern after prolonged storage.) I had a 54 business coupe. It was a great car, but remarkably basic: one visor, no door armrests, etc. The LOL I bought it from had taken out the spare and tried to sell it to me separately when I picked up the car. (“You may be needing this.”) Fortunately, I had already put it back in the trunk and thus declined.
Pretty sure that mine was a salesman coupe. at one point I put in some clear plastic seat covers and one cold morning I sat down and they shattered like thin ice!
It clean up nicely. But again 9 photos and no interior shots. Are they hiding something? Did the interior get chewed up? The Chevy will sell because we are told 55,000 miles on it. I hope for the seller sake the interior is good and everything else is working. 🐻🇺🇸
Glad they cleaned it up on the second photo… nice looking 50 Chevy
The price is great would be prefect for some up grades
You failed to mention that 1950 was the first year for the Chevrolet Bel Air two door hardtop.
Definitely a Styleline Special Business Coupe. It shouldn’t take much to get this on the road again as a survivor. These were basic cars with not much to repair or replace and parts availability is very good. As teenagers in the late 1950’s, our go to source for everything from radios to transmissions was the local junk yard. Can’t say that we shopped there often but, the dogs no longer barked when we arrived.
I e-mailed seller, asked for interior pix; no response yet.
I wouldn’t bother trying to revive that 216. Better to upgrade to a 235 which gives you a full pressure oiling system instead of the splash system.
If it doesn’t have a pressurized oiling system, how do they get the oil up into the oil filter? Jus’ askin’
Splash. Or maybe this is a 235…
They had an oil pump, the mains and the rocker arms were pressure fed. The rods dipped the oil out of a trough in the oil pan the troughs where filled by the oil pump also. So it was not exactly splash oiled but not far from it.
And yet, as long as it wasn’t abused & was treated w/respect, the old 216 was tougher than they are given credit for nowdays.
Until they put in more detailed photos and include everything, they’re selling a pig in a poke.
looks like they hosed it down to me?
The 2 other cars in the background have been hosed too ! Maybe they will appear in BF some day as well !
I just sold a 1950 Style line Deluxe @door sedan. The car in this article looks more like a Style Line Special as it has no side molding trim or chrome rear fender gravel shields that a deluxe model would have had.
This is a club coupe el cheapo least expensive(not much trim, if any) model. But what a “find”. Not a two door sedan.
Desirable body style, in very nice condition, per inspection, drive line is not important, excellent resto – mod. Plenty of old crocks available for putting in the slow lane, this screams hot rod time !
I think way too many of these old Chevs have already been hot rodded, thank you. So how about appreciation for what it is & not what you “think” it should be? They truly are only original ONCE……
We had a green one in front of the house for a minute but it didn’t run. We used to get in and pretend we were picking up girls. I’d shift that 3 on the tree. Memories
My Dad’s second car was identical to this bf model but with 4 doors. A great car that could tackle the Canadian snow with the help of a set of tire chains! He did rely on the local farmers small tractor when the tire chains were overwhelmed!
Jim