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Talk about a beautiful automobile! This frame-off restored 1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe convertible is one of the nicest such cars you will find. Produced from 1949-1952, the Styleline was part of Chevrolet’s first postwar car design and was a huge success. It was available in several body styles in either Special or Deluxe trim levels. However, only the Styleline Deluxe was offered as a convertible, and that configuration represented just over 1% of total production. Those are small to begin with, but by 1952 the entire industry saw a pullback and convertible production dwindled to 11,975 units, making that year the rarest of the bunch.
This Los Angeles built example was purchased by its last owner in 1986 as a non-running project. Work was put on hold for more than 20 years due to various life events, but the project was revived in 2013 and the car was back on the road in 2016. This nut-and-bolt restoration resulted in a fantastic looking automobile inside and out. Highlights are many and include a color change from Sahara Beige to Chevrolet Cherry, replating of all the chrome, and replacement of the power top. All the Deluxe trim and badging gives a lot of pop over the lesser Special package. The car rides on Firestone 7.10-15 bias ply whitewalls that really add to the look too. Note the rare “Do-Nut Disc” pieces that extend beyond the hub caps to give the illusion of a chrome wheel – nice!
The car is powered by Chevrolet’s ubiquitous Stovebolt straight-six engine, displacing 216.5ci with a rating of 92hp at 3,400rpm. This OHV design was part of GM’s lineup for many decades and provided excellent dependability for cars and trucks alike. It starts easily and runs smoothly, and also includes the optional oil filter. The column shifted three-speed manual transmission works perfectly and feeds the factory torque tube arrangement to the 4.11 rear end. The brakes, steering, and suspension have also been redone and operate as they should.
The interior is befitting to the rest of the car. It too saw a color change, from tan-and-brown to the present red-and-white leather. It looks fantastic with the rest of the car, especially with the top down! New hides were procured from Australia where the lack of barbed wire fences allows for a more pristine surface. Of course the carpet, door panels, dashboard, handles, and seals were all redone as well. The speedometer, gauges, wipers, headlights, dash lights, courtesy lights, turn signals, horn, and parking brake all work properly. So does the old AM radio! Note the optional heater box is not present. The trunk compartment has been carpeted and houses a proper spare tire and bumper jack. A high quality flannel car cover is also included along with a 2023 appraisal showing a value of $69,980.
In their April 1983 edition, Car Collector magazine estimated that fewer than 150 of these 1952 Styleline Deluxe convertibles remain on the road. That is a shame as this was one of the most beautiful cars of its day. And while any ’52 Chevy convertible is hard to find, this car’s outstanding condition makes it even more unique. It’s a great find for any serious collector.
