1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster

Description

This 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster coupe has blossomed from Chevy's value-leader when it was new to one heck of a custom in the 21st century. With Corvette power and a gorgeous interior full of modern amenities, this is the car you can drive daily and still look forward to getting behind the wheel every time.

The sleek body actually dates from just before World War II, and the business coupe was a big seller, no doubt due to its great proportions. This one carries all its original sheetmetal and hasn't been patched up or rebuilt from parts. Of note, the door handles have been shaved, modern side mirrors have been fitted, and some of the trim has been modified, but the overall effect is striking and most folks would have to look twice to find the expertly integrated mods. Sure, it has been driven so the paint shows a few signs of wear, but basic black always looks right on a fat-fender car, and it really does have a nice patina that suits the post-war era quite well. And don't forget, there's still a sizeable investment in brightwork, including the grille, hood ornament, and hood trim, all of which is pot metal and outrageously expensive to restore to this level.

The interior wears freshly stitched coverings on its original bench seats, which even retain the manual seat adjuster from 1948, which is kind of a nice touch. The pattern is a lot flashier than the original plain seatbacks, and looks right rendered in medium gray vinyl. The original dashboard has been refinished in light gray with a custom billet insert instrument panel to hold elegant VDO gauges. A/C has been expertly integrated into the dash below the original radio speaker cover, and there's an AM/FM/CD stereo unit in place of the optional factory AM unit. A tilt column and custom steering wheel are customary upgrades, and power windows and electric door openers have been retrofitted. The trunk remains quite spacious, with a package shelf to help stow your luggage for those long road trips you're going to want to take in this car.

Those long trips will be effortless thanks to the Corvette-supplied L98 under the hood. With fuel injection, this car starts instantly and idles perfectly under all conditions and the builder gets extra points for doing it the hard way. Polished valve covers add some flash in the otherwise business-like engine bay, and there's no mistaking that Tuned Port Injection intake manifold that builds torque in a big way. All the Corvette accessories are intact, including power steering and power disc brakes up front, so it drives like a modern car. The transmission is a TH350 3-speed automatic with a 10-bolt rear out back, so the powertrain is bulletproof. Baby moon centers give the Rally wheels a very unique, traditional look and carry 205/70/14 front and 235/70/15 rear blackwall radials.

This is a great-looking and eminently practical rod, subtle yet handsome and beautifully finished with all the details sorted. Isn't that the kind you've always longed to own? Call today!