True Barn Find: 1946-48 Chevrolet Fleetmaster
The Fleetmaster was the top trim level of Chevrolet’s first post-war cars. They would be pre-war carryovers until newly redesigned models became available in 1949. The seller refers to this forgotten Fleetmaster as a 1952 edition, but he’s optimistic by at least four model years. It looks to have been sitting for ages inside an old barn and will require a complete restoration. The barn and car are in Greencastle, Pennsylvania and the automobile is available here on craigslist for whatever price you and the seller can agree upon. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!
When auto production resumed after the War, the Fleetmaster replaced the Chevrolet Special Deluxe. It was powered by a 216 cubic inch inline-six coupled with a 3-on-the-tree manual transmission. You could get one as a 2-door Town Sedan, 4-door Sport Sedan, 2-door Sports Coupe, 2-door Convertible, or a 4-door Station Wagon. From year to year, these cars were little changed as Chevrolet was busy getting the all-new 1949 models ready for production.
We know little about the seller’s car other than it’s likely been captive for a long time. The seller says it has to be gone by March 26, 2022, which suggests that’s when the barn changes hands, perhaps due to an estate sale. The mileage reading is 8,263 which may mean the odometer has turned over, but if this is the true mileage, why was the car parked, and how long ago? While the seller’s listing has lots of photos, it’s quite short on details. What’s your price point on this old classic?
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Comments
https://www.hurleyauctions.com/listings/2159/farm-equipment-classic-cars-in-greencastle-pa
Link to the online auction for it on the 26th, might be a risk waiting instead of offering now.
That is a 46, or at least a 46 grille. 47 had horizontal bars, as did the 48, but with a T-bar in the middle.
And it has a ’46 hood emblem
The emblem on the front of the hood was only on the 1946 models. This car is a Sport Coupe, although I believe it could be a Business Coupe if it had just a platform in the back instead of a rear seat.
For that matter the ’47-48 didn’t have the full side molding at the height of the door handles.
Clean it up, get it roadworthy, and be the
first one on your block to drive a true
survivor. The mileage claim the seller
submits is more than likely true. The
interior of this car is far too nice to be a
a clapped out 100K mile car. My guess
would be that this car may have been a
vacation driver for someone who owned
a summer home in that area. I went to
school with a friend whose parents owned a summer home in Wisconsin.
Just before school let out, they would
take a plane or a train there and and their car would be waiting for them.
Those arrangements were often made
between the property owners and the
local gas station owner who often stored these vacation drivers over the
fall and winter. Anyway, I like what I see
with this car. Too bad I don’t have the cash to make it mine.
Look at the wear on the steering wheel. This car has been around the block a few times.
The brake, clutch and accelerator pedals have hardly any wear on them.
I got a ‘47 four door for my 16th birthday. An ugly mother, dark green. I refused to drive it, and walked a lot!
Ungrateful little brat! LOL
Always loved the split fenders on the doors.
The auction ad says there is a clear title. That title would list the year of the vehicle.
I believe 46 and 47 used near the same grill while having a different hood emblem. In the end it doesn’t matter, I’m not in the market for one.
Dear old Dad’s first car in my lifetime was a ’47 Olds model 68 typical of the turd cluster styling seen this ugly sibling. He was an architect who designed homes for newly rich car dealers. As a courtesy he was allowed to buy the Olds at list. If you spat on the street, the humidity prevented it from starting.
Wow! I know everyone has their own opinion but your description seems harsh. I personally have always liked the styling from that era…..2 each his own though.
Turd cluster styling? I’ve always admired all of the GM offerings from that particular era!