Handsome older restoration with nice interior. Freshly rebuilt 216 cubic inch inline-6. New fuel pump, carburetor, water pump, clutch, and more. 12V electrical system. Wide whitewall radials. An appealing Chevy with a long list of recent work.

Chevrolet’s advertising in 1948 was all about value, and that remains true today with this attractive 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster town sedan. To clarify, “Town Sedan” is Chevy’s name for a 2-door sedan, and with the two-tone cream and bronze paint job, this one looks especially well-dressed. We’re guessing that it was restored about 20 years ago, but the finish is holding up quite nicely and has a great shine that looks appropriate on the rounded 1940s bodywork. The styling was carryover from the pre-war 1942 redesign, with those cool sweeping fenders that extend into the doors and plenty of chrome and stainless trim. And speaking of the trim, it’s also in great condition—someone obviously spent some good money having it polished or re-plated before it went back on the car. Fit and finish overall are quite good, with doors that close easily and even gaps all around. There’s also an accessory visor over the windshield, which gives it the perfect 1940s look, as well as a set of blue-dot taillights out back. Nothing radical, just a clean old Chevy that someone spent quite a bit of money restoring.

The interior is just as well finished, with vintage-looking cloth that was stitched to replicate the original patterns. The wide front bench gives everyone lots of space, and it remains supportive and comfortable for longer drives in the country. The big steering wheel makes for relatively easy steering effort, and the delicate horn ring lends this Chevy and upscale look. All the gauges are operational, even with the 12-volt electrical system, but the original radio and clock are sadly offline for that same reason. An accessory turn signal system was neatly attached to the steering column, with auxiliary switches under the dash for things like the electric fuel pump, back-up light, and heater fan (a little clattery, but it works). You’ll note that there are speakers on the rear package shelf, but there doesn’t seem to be a radio, so perhaps that’s an opportunity to install something of your choice. The back seat is spacious and comfortable for adults and the big trunk features a full-sized spare on a matching wheel plus a complete jack assembly.

The engine is a 216 cubic inch Chevrolet inline-6, which has been completely rebuilt by Frank Seme of Seme and Son Automotive, a well-known Cleveland area engine builder. Frank is a stickler for detail, and this tough little Stovebolt runs great with nice low-end torque and the ability to cruise easily at 55-60 MPH. It also means that just about everything around the engine is fresh, too, including the fuel system (carburetor, fuel pump, and gas tank), the ignition system, the water pump, and the clutch, so this Chevy has zero needs in the mechanics department. It’s properly finished in corporate gray engine enamel and even the original oil bath air cleaner is still on top of the carb. It starts easily, runs cool, and makes nice 6-cylinder sounds as you run it through the gears. The 3-speed manual shifts cleanly and with 4.10 gears in the rear end, it feels peppy around town. Brakes are familiar manual hydraulic drums, but they’re quite effective for the car’s modest performance, and ride quality is excellent—this feels far more luxurious than you’d expect from a Chevy. Dual exhaust has been added to give it a little extra performance, but that seems to be the only noteworthy modification. The underside hasn’t been restored, but it isn’t rusty or rotten, suggesting this car lived a good live away from the rust belt—even the rockers are in good order. Newer shocks help with ride quality and it sits on 15-inch steel wheels with 205/75/15 Coker wide whitewall radials of indeterminate age.

There’s easily twice the asking price in the recent mechanical work, making it a great value if you’re looking for a ‘40s cruiser. All the difficult work is done, there are some smart upgrades, and it really does drive nicely. There are still good buys in the old car world and this smart little Chevy does everything right. Call today!

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