Featured here is a very nicely restored 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Sport Coupe. The Fleetmaster was produced by Chevrolet for the model years of 1946, 1947 and 1948. The 1946 Fleetmaster replaced the prewar Chevy Deluxe. It was the top trim level for Chevy.
Like many automakers, the 1946 through 1948 Chevy’s were very similar in appearance to the prewar models since design and production efforts 1942-45 were for military vehicles rather than civilian. While civilian production picked up relatively fast at wars end, significant design changes would take some time. As a side note, Chevrolet did come out in 1948 with their light truck postwar design .These were named the Advance Design trucks.
Postwar Designs Replace the 1948 Models
All of the big three automakers came out with their new postwar designs with the 1949 models. It’s significant how different these designs were compared to the prewar models which lasted for years after the war ended. Ford certainly came out with a very modern looking design which was different from their 48 models in every way possible.
The 1949 Chevrolet models introduced a slab-side design that was entirely new. Chevrolet also went ahead and introduced new model names as well. The Stylemaster nameplate was changed to the Special Series and the Fleetmaster was renamed the DeLuxe Series.
Ford and Chevrolet, being longtime direct competitors, most likely were responsible for the so called “car wars” of the postwar era. During the 1950’s styling was changed just about yearly by these two big automakers and some of the smaller independent automakers were left behind. It took deep pockets to invest and retool on a annual basis.
The 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Sport Coupe
The Chevrolet Fleetmaster body was changed very little during it’s three years in production. All model offered essentially looked like the previous year’s model. The only notable change with the 1948 model was that the grille was given a vertical center bar. Other than that you were looking at the previous year’s model.
1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Specifications
Engine for the 48 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe was a 216.5 cubic inch straight six delivering 90 HP. All Chevrolet straight sixes from 1929 to 1962 were called Stovebolts, although those built from 1937 onward were also referred to as Blue Flame Sixes. You may also hear the early Stovebolts being called the Cast Iron Wonder. The Chevy straight sixes replaced their four cylinder power plant. One big reason Chevy had to do something about engine size was that the new Model A Ford was getting all the publicity.
Transmission was a three speed manual.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drum.
Suspension was front independent with a semi-floating rear axle.
Wheelbase was 116.0 inches, width 73.4 inches, overall length 197.8 inches. Curb weight 3,100 lbs.
Total Chevy 1948 production was 776,950 vehicles. Sport Coupe production was 58,790 units. New car price for the Sport Coupe was about $1,300.
Reference material for this article includes..American Cars of the 1940s by Consumer Guide editors..1948 CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP SALES BROCHURE For Fleetline, Fleetmaster and Stylemaster Series..The Hemmings Book of Postwar Chevrolets..Hemmings Motor News by Terry Ehrich and Richard A. Lentinello.
948 Chevrolet Sport Coupe Collector Popularity
Collectors that have interest in 1940’s post war classics would find the Chevy Fleetmaster Sport Coupe a good way to start a collection. As of this writing, values for restored 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Sport Coupes average from about $10,000 to $20,000.
To be sure, there are variances to these values based on mileage, originality and date of restoration, if any.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)