When I was learning bodywork in my younger days, longer ago than I like to think about, nothing was more rewarding than getting sheet metal good enough to paint. With few exceptions, I almost always chose DuPont 99A, pitch-black acrylic enamel, because it was easy to work with, cheap, and produced satisfying results. Picking a non-traditional color is also a fun option, that is, if you’re planning to hang onto the car. However, something really odd can limit your buying audience, even if the vehicle looks great. This 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe might be a case in point, as I’m guessing some bowtie fans might shy away from it because of the unusual color. Still, the Chevy appears to be in excellent shape, and the $17,000 asking price doesn’t sound unreasonable. Barn Finds reader Curvette spotted this one here on Craigslist in Puyallup, Washington, and we’d like to thank him for the tip!
My wife tells me I’m often not very good at naming colors, as I sometimes mistake blues for greens and vice versa, but I’m far from colorblind. If I had to say, I’d call the paint here a shade of violet, and since the exterior was reportedly restored quite some time ago, the finish still looks in very nice shape. It’s accented by some subtle flames on the front section, and custom pinstripes on the rear. The panels look straight and are said to be rust-free, so if you’re digging the hue, this one could survive as-is with no additional work outside.
A pair of inline-6 engines were available in the Deluxe for 1950, with the smaller one measuring 216.5 cubic inches, followed by the optional 235.5. The seller says this one has the larger engine, and it’s really cool that it now has a pair of carburetors! There’s also electronic ignition, a split exhaust system, and everything under the hood looks in good order and ready for action.
Fortunately, the interior looks every bit as good as the exterior. The dash, door panels, and both seats seem to be in excellent condition, and it’s fun to find that this one has the 3-on-the-tree column shifter. This 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe has a lot of great points, especially if you’re looking for an unusual color presentation. Would you drive this one as-is for the long haul, or do something different with the exterior finish?
WOW that’s some color!
As soon as the embargoes are lifted, this could easily cruise the boulevards of Havana! Viva Violet!
Great car, great color.