Vehicle Description
1952 Chevrolet Deluxe Sedan
The Chevrolet Deluxe was a trim line of Chevrolet automobiles
marketed from 1941 to 1952 and was the volume sales leader for the
market during the 1940s. The line included, at first a 4-door
sedan, but grew to include a fastback 2-door "aerosedan" and other
body styles. The 1941 Chevrolet was the first generation that
didn't share a common appearance with Chevrolet trucks, while the
Chevrolet AK Series truck did share common internal components.
Dinah Shore was singing the praises on her TV show of "See the USA
in your Chevrolet" and this 2-door version was rolling along
Americas 2 lane highways. Oh, what a time to be alive! For
consignment, an offering of the Chevrolet Deluxe in its 1952
iteration. Our example in the halls of amazement has a patina
finish, some rust, dents and dings and shows the passage of time on
its exterior and interior.
Exterior
Looking at these curvaceous metal lines we are about to dive into
the stylings of the early 1950's. This steel is all bathed in Birch
Gray with a light greenish aqua tint added, this car exudes the
early 50's. A single toothy front grille in chrome frames the lower
front of this car, and just below hangs a bumper that grips tight
with the front and body curve as it wraps around the front
quarters. All this chrome is pitted and is becoming dulled, losing
its finish plating. Just above the grille is a cloisonne Chevrolet
badge with a bowtie; all surfaces are worn but it's coloring still
shows proudly. This paves the way for the hood mounted rocket
ornament. Staring at the sides of this big slabbed auto, we see
decently minded gaps, and some brightwork which encircles the lower
greenhouse, wraps the windows, creates a front fender to mind door
trim spear, and trims the lower rockers. A rounded rear fender
continues the smooth line and has a chrome panel on its leading
edge which attaches to the rocker trim. Even the lower part of the
fuel filler door is trimmed with a flying jet with outstretched
wings. Badging is in chrome also, and in the style of your
grandmother's handwriting. On the back more beautiful, sculpted
round forms for the fenders, a nice cloisonne badge with a
POWERGLIDE call out, and another from fitting rear chrome bumper.
In the back fender skirts nearly obscure the bowtie badged dog dish
center hub coverings and wide white wall rubber on all 4
corners.
Interior
More of the mixture of the original manufacturer's concepts, some
aftermarket items and what appears to be the original dash and
steering wheel. Door panels have a bright blue vinyl panel that
shows some water staining. This panel holds a blue armrest with a
trimming in its center and a fuzzy cloth top, as well as the
actuator and window crank. Below is a thin panel of dark blue vinyl
screwed to the bottom. Vinyl seat coverings are attached to the
front bench and rear bench. Due to the difficulty of removing and
replacing these we did not take any off to reveal what exactly is
underneath. Could be very good to very bad, but that's the fun of
these classics! The original gray topped metal and silver dash
front has the original round-faced gauges, plenty of aged bakelite
pulls and knobs and a vertical chrome ribbed center trim setup and
a protruding round clock from the exact center of said dash.
Midnight blue carpet covers the floors and is in very nice
condition. The headliner is a nice and tight blue perforated vinyl
with no sags or tears and has an oval courtesy light in the center.
While the headliner presents in good condition, the sun visors will
need recovering so their condition matches. Quintessential early
50s design in good condition.
Drivetrain
A pop of the hood and we are in bowtie heaven, only in its black
and gray painted patina finish for the entire engine. Here we have
a 235ci inline 6-cylinder engine with a 1-barrel carburetor, atop.
On the back is a 2-speed automatic transmission. The rear axle
weighs in at a 3.55 ratio.
Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust, some even heavier at spots and invasive
rust at the rear of both rockers, but all still appears to be
structurally sound throughout despite this visual. Independent coil
spring front suspension is on, and leaf springs bring up the rear
for the ride. Drum brakes are all around and a clean single piped
stock style exhaust is on underneath too.
Drive-Ability
This 50s baby fired right up, and sounded as good as it looks! It
drove the test track like a dream with plenty of acceleration to
propel all that big steel forward. Braking was good and handling
well. I noted the gas gauge was not operational at the time of the
test drive and being a radio delete car the only music I could
afford was my cohort singing the 12 Days of Christmas, Collector
Car Edition.
What borders in barn find redeems itself with fairly straight steel
mostly rust free, a solid engine, and undercarriage, and a covered
up interior for the surprise reveal. Come on in and have a look,
and maybe you too can take a peek under those covers on the
seats!
VIN DECODE
14KKI60077
14-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
K-1952
K-Deluxe
I-September
60077-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 52 1011-Deluxe 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO M17287-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 211-?
PAINT NO 468-Birch Gray
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
