Fantasy Junction

Description

1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Woodie
s/n 3DKG32101 engine no. LCCI85058
Oxford Maroon with Brown Interior

With no civilian cars produced during World War II, the American public was hungry for automobiles after the war ended in August of 1945. Manufacturers took advantage of their existing tooling and engineering investment by putting prewar models back into production with only minor changes. Chevrolet’s Fleetline, Stylemaster, and Fleetmaster models produced for the 1946 to 1948 model years were essentially 1942 Chevrolets put back into production, and they sold extremely well to the car-hungry American public. The most expensive by a significant margin and also the rarest variant by far, the Fleetmaster Station Wagon (or “Woodie”) was priced at $2013 and featured extensive wood trim.

This particular car is a heavily-optioned and extremely sound example that was reportedly sold new at Chase Chevrolet in Stockton, CA in 1948. The car wears black California license plates, indicating that it has been in California continuously since at least the 1960s, and likely its entire life. The car received a repaint (its original color was Maple Brown) and upholstery work over 40 years ago, but is otherwise original, solid, and authentically presented. The car has a number of options and accessories, including grille protector, visor, spot light, third seat, side skirts, radio, second tail light, under seat heater, spare tire cover, Fleetline fender trims, gravel guards, and rear bumper over riders.

The car is fundamentally unrestored and is original, correct, and extremely solid throughout. The paintwork is showing some age in the form of crazing and chips, but the body is basically free of corrosion. The wood is in good condition, being solid throughout other than one small area of deterioration just behind the left rear wheel. Some of the chrome is showing age in the form of pitting, while other areas are in good shape. The glass and lights are very good to excellent, including the spot light.

The interior is in similar condition to the exterior, with an authentic presentation and plenty of patina. The upholstery is in good shape, with no significant damage. There is extensive wood paneling, including the doors and headliner, which is in very good condition. The dashboard, instruments, and switches are in very good unrestored condition, and the car has a period feel with no inappropriate modifications, right down to the original radio. The steering wheel paint is peeling in some areas. The rubber floor mats are in good shape and the car has an evocative American vintage feel with its stylized gauges and controls, three rows of bench seating, and column actuated 3-speed shifter, better known as “three on the tree”.

The engine compartment is consistent with the rest of the car, with a solid, unrestored, and authentic appearance. A lovely polished Offenhauser valve cover has been added, though the original unit is included as well. The engine compartment is otherwise unmodified and in very fine unrestored condition.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a sound and unrestored Woodie with a host of desirable accessories. The last year of Chevrolet’s carryover prewar cars, the 1948 Chevrolets are unique, and this example was the most expensive and rarest variant. Beautifully preserved and in excellent running condition and is ready to enjoy as is, or would make an excellent basis for a restoration. The car comes with original manual as well as a few spare parts including the original valve cover.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608