Vehicle Description
1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Sedan
In the late 1940's a 4-door sedan was somewhat of a status symbol.
A larger car meant success, and a bigger family obviously would
cost more money, and you would need a larger vehicle to haul this
family around. So, for a mere 3 years, Chevrolet produced the
Fleetmaster series, in a Coupe, Sedan and Woody Wagon. Low numbers
and high cost foiled this effort for 1949, so few examples remain,
most suffering the ravages of time, and weather.
For consignment, a 4-door sedan from the bowtie company in 1947
Fleetmaster form. This car is in nice condition, has a 1949 engine
under the hood, and a new interior headliner. Showing nicely on the
exterior and needing some TLC on the interior, it runs well, and is
a nice project car for someone who likes the look of the late 40's
motoring.
Exterior
Bathed in black paint is nice and shiny and mostly free from any
inclusions. Chrome trimmings are a bit dulled, with some early
signs of fading on all parts particularly the bumpers. Steel is
straight and rust free for the body panels, and the original charm
of the rounded bulbous looking hood and hanging side fenders with
some chrome trimmings have been retained. The running board is
about to go away with the turn of the decade it totally will, but
this car still has small running boards connecting the fenders.
Chevrolet badged dog dish moon caps are on all 4 corners and are
wrapped in medium wide white tires.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we see the metal painted woodgrain door
sills which border mohair covered panels. These have extensive
water damage and staining, with some holes and at the hinge on the
lower panels extensive rust damage. Seats are possibly original?
And have broadcloth covering them in a mauve coloring, which also
shows wear and fading from the sun. The front bench sits in a tub
of smooth leather surround and has some tuck and roll for the back
of this chair. A rear bench sports the same pattern and has some
water damage but plenty of legroom. Tan carpet floods the floors,
and it appears at one time water has too, as there is some staining
throughout. A new headliner has been installed. Upfront a metal
faux wood grain dash is appearing original and looking nice and
aged with no real damage. Original gauges and horizontal ribbed
trimmings have some smaller knobs peppering the front panel. An
original bakelite two tone dark brown and tan steering wheel is
large and in front of the dash, and has a cloisonne embedded
Chevrolet badge in the center of a red field on this wheel. Floors
are covered with rubber and show dirt and some rusting beneath the
rubber.
Drivetrain
In what appears to have been an earlier restoration when a 1949
216ci inline 6-cylinder engine replaced the original factory
engine, the engine bay is clean and rust free. A 1-barrel
carburetor is beneath the oil bath air cleaner setup, and a 3-speed
transmission is on back, with 4.11 rear gears for the axle. Wiring
appears to be updated as well.
Undercarriage
Older rustproofing has yielded to some peel off, and patina look,
along with slight surface rust. Frame remains solid, however areas
of concern on the rockers particularly near the rear of the wheel
wells is noted with invasive rust. Door jambs have some surface
rust, and the driver's door invasive rust as noted above.
Independent coil springs and leaf springs provide the ride and drum
brakes are seen on all 4 corners. A new exhaust has been recently
installed as there is no surface rust on this.
Drive-Ability
She started right up and ran smoothly. For a large car, it
accelerates nicely, and has decent brakes for drums. A fine
experience.
Despite some interior faults, this car presents nicely on the body
front, fit and finish are good, and engine and engine bay have been
addressed in an earlier restoration. TLC will bring that interior
right back up to snuff, and you will be able to pile your family in
and go for a Sunday drive...Remember those??
VIN DECODE
14EKD20968
14-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
E-1948
K-Fleetmaster
D-April
20968-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
