Vehicle Description
1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe
The use of words such as "Special", "Deluxe", "Custom", "Special
Deluxe", and "Custom Deluxe" hit an all time high in the 1940's
with every other manufacturer using these descriptive monikers for
the naming of their car. Some of these were associated with trim
levels, others were the actual name of the car, denoting overall
quality. Even though there were many thousands of examples of each
model in the public domain, the individual owner was led to the
premise that they were literally the only one driving this model of
car!
For consignment a unique car with the moniker of Special Deluxe
sedan incarnation. This dependable 2 door sedan is well apportioned
with curved chrome, rounded aerodynamic body panels to cut through
the wind, and interior comfort to suit even the most discriminating
of clientele. In the era of the molded into the body exterior
fenders, this car does not disappoint, in utilizing the latest
technology and machining of the time, while still mass producing on
a large scale.
Exterior
Sporting its original body metal and chrome trim, the exterior
shows wear in the paint in areas, including crazing and cracking,
scratches, and some peel off that has begun to rust underneath.
Also, plenty of paint bubbling particularly on the back of this
car. Structural integrity is maintained and good gaps throughout
despite the paint faults. She's bathed in maroon which still shines
a bit but is well worn. Upfront we can see a chromed "Groucho Marx"
mustache style grille which is flanked by molded into the fender
bullet style headlights with chrome bezels. These are molded mostly
into the front fenders, and the turn signals are presented just
below in a bezeled rectangle next to the grille. The original
chromed vented trim for the hood joins up with a spear that runs
the length of the car to the rear. Nice thin chrome trim surrounds
the tinted glass all around and all the bumpers and their mountings
show a little rust and dimpling. Aerodynamic Art Deco inspired
design is utilized for the trim with a speeding train for the hood
ornament, and above headlight front quarter trimmings. A flared
door rocker complete with chromed trim runs between wide whites
with Chevrolet badged moon caps on all 4 corners. A shout out to
the bumpers which sport extra vertical spires with the front bumper
using these as a support for an additional bar of chrome to run
above the actual bumper.
Interior
Tan mohair with a smattering of brown leather and chromed thin
trimmings and levers, door panels show with some wear and dirt.
Snazzy two tone bakelite knob toppers are throughout and even on
the dash. For the front split bench, with its striped broadcloth
which wraps beautifully curved seats and backs. For the backs and
sides, a complimentary mohair and maroon wide piping for the
delineation show with some wear and a few punctures in this
material. The rear bench is the same and has plenty of legroom.
Upfront looking to the dash for more inspiration is an original
steering wheel which fronts an original Art Deco inspired design
dash. This utilizes round gauges, horizontal chrome trim strips and
light and dark brown paint with the top showing in an angled faux
wood grained metal. A centrally located large mesh chrome grille is
flanked by a round gauge of the speedometer for the driver's side,
and clock on the passenger. An original radio with various knobs
and pulls resides below this grille. Flooring is dark brown
throughout, and up front some black mats are covering what is faded
and slightly damaged carpeting. The headliner is mohair and shows
some water staining near the passenger rear pillar.
Drivetrain
The factory prescribed 216.5ci inline 6-cylinder is under the hood
and in good condition. It presents in an overall oiled machined
quality but do not be fooled it has been well maintained. A
1-barrel carburetor is atop and a 3-speed manual transmission is on
back. Engine bay could best be described as unrestored, but all in
working condition.
Undercarriage
Framing and suspension, (independent coil springs upfront and leaf
springs on the back), are all showing light surface rust. Very
structurally sound underneath with all body hangers and rockers
sitting soundly with light surface rust. Drum brakes are all
around. No structural problems for this undercarriage.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and ran like a Swiss watch with nice smooth
acceleration, good handling and bias free drum braking. All
functions save for the speedometer and odometer are working and
noted it will need a new tailpipe to be extra safe.
No its not perfect however she has all the right stuff for a fairly
easy restoration to get it quickly to show and go quality. All
cosmetic on the exterior, and interior will have to have the floors
and headliner addressed. Mechanically sound, all chromed up and
definitely bowtie early 40's Art Deco design influenced. Picture
this in your driveway.
VIN DECODE
14AH076732
14-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
AH-116" Wheelbase Special Deluxe
07-July Build
6732-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 41 1011-1941 6 Passenger Town Sedan W/Trunk
BODY NO M26787-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 116-Tan Pile Fabric
PAINT NO 90-Ruby Red Maroon Metallic
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.
