Older frame-on restoration. Nice paint and interior. 235 cubic inch inline-6 runs beautifully. Easy to handle, right-sized, and very affordable Chevy. There are still affordable old cars out there and this Chevy proves that you can still drive something with class.

Chevrolet was still catering to the mass market in 1951 so their products were conservative. However, that doesn’t mean they weren’t attractive, because this sleek black sedan has just the right look for a car from the early ‘50s. Still some ‘40s roundness but a sleekness that looked forward into the Jet Age. We know a 4-door sedan isn’t flashy, but there’s a great deal of dignity in this handsome black Chevrolet and it shows rather well. We’re guessing the restoration was done back in the 1990s, so it’s showing some age, but the bodywork is straight, the doors close well, and the black paint still has a gloss that makes it look more expensive than it is. There’s plenty of bright trim to dress it up, and the good news is that most of it is stainless steel so it’s easy to maintain now and in the future. The emblems are bright, the glass is in good order, and the original lenses are in decent shape. There’s some pitting on the chrome bits, which isn’t a surprise, but this is still a rather handsome car.

Someone spent good money on restoring the interior, which uses period patterns and soft gray fabric to make it look appropriate. The big steering wheel makes it easy to maneuver even without power steering and the 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission was a recent innovation that makes this Chevy feel modern even today. Gauges are all operational, although the clock and radio are not, which isn’t a surprise. There aren’t many frills in the thrifty Chevy, but someone did add an aftermarket turn signal system and seat belts for safety as well as a set of heavy-duty floor mats over the matching gray carpets. There’s plenty of space in back and the robe rail on the front seat back adds a bit of old school elegance. A beautifully finished headliner keeps it bright and airy inside. There’s also a massive trunk with a vintage jack assembly, and it’s probably worth mentioning that the spare tire well is completely solid.

All Chevrolets equipped with the PowerGlide transmission also received the 235 cubic inch inline-6, which is the one you want to own. We don’t know the history of this one, but it starts easily, idles nicely, and pulls the black Chevy around pretty eagerly. It makes good oil pressure, doesn’t get hot, and looks quite correct with its corporate blue engine enamel, downdraft carb with oil bath air cleaner, and two-bolt valve cover. Someone has thoughtfully added a transmission fluid cooler on the front of the radiator, which isn’t a bad idea, but otherwise it remains quite stock. The aforementioned PowerGlide automatic shifts well—just about when you think it won’t shift, it does. Totally normal, and once it’s up to speed, this car will cruise happily at 60 MPH. Steering effort is modest, the manual drum brakes are strong enough for the car’s performance, and there’s a recent exhaust system that gives the six a pleasing purr. The undercarriage is original and shows signs of use and age, but the floors are excellent. There’s some rust in the rockers, but nothing structural that will prevent you from enjoying the car. 15-inch steel wheels wear factory hubcaps and a set of 7.10-15 BFGoodrich wide whitewall tires.

Extras include a factory shop manual and a substantial cache of spare parts.

This is not a show car, but it is an affordable, handsome, and fun to drive way to get into the hobby. The hardware is durable and proven and the car shows quite well. If you just want to try an old car and see if it’s right for you or you’re a long-time hobbyist, this Chevy offers you a low-demand to just get in and start having fun. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.