The automobile featured in this article is a 1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Sport Coupe. Chevrolet touted that their 52 model looked like the best model yet although few changes were made to the design from 1951. The 1952 model year however was the last that offered the Fastback Fleetline model.
This 52 Chevy Sport Coupe is a six passenger, two door automobile.
New Postwar Models and Design Changes
Chevrolet’s new postwar design appeared for the 1949 model year. The design team was headed by legendary GM designer Harley Earl. Some have said that the 49 Chevys are some of the best looking GM products ever. The top choice was probably the Styleline Deluxe Bel Air from 1950-52.
Design changes were minimal for 1952 since the original style showed up for the 1949 model year. This was the first major postwar design. That year there were changes in the model names. The Stylemaster became the Styleline, while the Fleetmaster was renamed the Fleetline. Both models had DeLuxe or Special trim styles.The new Chevrolets had a lower, smoother profile. The front fenders blended into the doors while the rear fenders continued to protrude out of the sides of the car.
Few Design Changes for 1952 Model Year
The 1952 Chevrolet Deluxe Sport Coupe essentially had cosmetic changes from the previous model year. This included the grille, which had five teeth added to the center bar and different side trim. Lenses were larger on the parking lights. A new two-tone color, Bittersweet was made available. Convertibles came in 10 body colors with 5 different tops.
Some of the features on the 1952 Chevy models that were touted in advertising included a more panoramic front windshield that offered better visibility. An Econo-Miser differential with the Powerglide automatic, jumbo drum brakes with Dubl-Life linings and Fisher Unisteel body construction.
Chevrolet Deluxe was a trim line of Chevrolet automobiles. These trim lines were offered from 1941 through the 1952 model year..
1952 Chevrolet Deluxe Sport Coupe Specifications
The 1952 Chevy Deluxe had two straight six engines available. These were the 216.5 cubic inch putting out 92 horsepower and a 235.5 cubic inch delivering 105 horsepower.
This featured vehicle has a two speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The Powerglide automatic first came out in 1950. A three speed manual was also available. The 235.5 engine was hooked up with the Powerglide automatic with the 216.5 engine with the manual gearbox.
Brakes were four wheel eleven inch hydraulic drums.
Suspension included front coil springs with rear semi-elliptical leaf springs. Both front and rear included double acting shock absorbers.
Dimensions for the 52 Chevy Sport Coupe included an outside length…197.6 inches… wheelbase: 115.0 inches..width 74.8 inches and height 65.7 inches.
The base curb weight was 3100 lbs.
New car price in 1952 for the Chevy Sport Coupe was about $1,650.
1952 Chevrolet automobile production totaled 818,100 units which was down from the prior year. Much of the decline had to do with government quotas established because of the Korean War.
The two materials that were in short supply because of the war were chrome and whitewall tires. Even with the lower production numbers for 1952, Chevrolet continued to lead the competition.
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1955 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon
Reference material included GM Archives and Complete Book of Collectible Cars.
1952 Chevrolet Collector Cars
As mentioned above, production for 1952 was down mostly due to the Korean War. That obviously translates into less models in existence today.
The 1952 model year however is not a milestone year so values are normal and not inflated. With that being said, the 1952 Chevy line-up offers a relatively inexpensive way to begin a classic car collection.
As of this writing, price ranges for 1952 Chevrolet Stylelines are about $10,000 to $25,000. Overall condition and age and degree of restoration determines value. This range is for running models. We have also seen some convertible models considerably higher than this price range.
(Article and photos copyright 2016 Auto Museum Online)