Fantasy Junction

Description

1951 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery Restomod

Chassis No. – 20JJL13093
Exterior Color – Black and White
Interior Color – Brown Cloth
Engine – 350 cu. in. V8
Transmission – Automatic
Current Miles – 2,468 (TMU)
Current Owner – Purchased in 2002


General History

The Sedan Delivery was offered in many GM product divisions in pre and post war production, generally spanning 1940-1960 as the peak years of these models. Combining sedan qualities, comfort amenities, and ease of use, these models offered big advantages over the more spartan trucks of the period. Built generally as two door models using the sedan platform, production utilized a specific roofline and rear body section, and a rear hinge-our door. These solid metal sided panel wagons served as light duty commercial haulers and delivery vehicles, while doubling as family cars on evenings and weekends. Developed with utility in mind, the vast majority of these were quickly used up and discarded especially by the early 1960s when larger family-oriented station wagons replaced sedan delivery models as more efficient combination delivery/family vehicles. Often driven hard and used up within 20 years or parted out to serve as donors for convertibles needing restoration, solid steel examples from the 1950s are becoming harder and harder to find.

General Overview

Purchased in 2002 by the current owner, this Sedan Delivery was under previous ownership in San Luis Obispo, Ca where it has also remained under current ownership for the past 20 years. The current owner restored the car with modern upgrades and features mostly from 2012-2016 while retaining a stock exterior appearance, allowing for a few enhancements to this “restomod” Sedan Delivery. Records accompanying the car date back to 2001 including invoices for suspension parts, Z28 valve covers, replacement side glass and window seals, tinted windshield (left and right panes), felt strips and vent window seals, new door weatherstripping, new door sill plates, Wizard Cooling radiator and fan shroud, 16” puller-type performance fan, cooling wiring harness, and 185-degree thermostat.

A new 8.2” GM 10B rear differential was installed and the AC system was serviced in 2014 replacing the discharge hoses, installing new fittings, and testing the system. An R-134A kit was installed with corresponding refrigerant. In 2016 a right upper control arm was replaced, various chrome parts refinished, and other mechanical details tended to. The owner has retained a handwritten log of expenses including rebuilding the rear axle, new cooling system, new driveshaft, and other services. Although there are no specific invoices outlining the scope of the engine build, operation is consistent with mild build suitable for street rod cruising and general use.

Outfitted with a late model 350 V8 engine, Edelbrock intake manifold, Quadrajet carburetor, contemporary air conditioning (which blows cold), and late model 80s or 90s hydraulic power steering, the installation and finish are consistent with professional quality. The electrical was upgraded to 12V including a modern alternator. The fuel system has been upgraded with a Holly electric fuel pump and the brakes are upgraded to power assist four-wheel discs. The steering is from a 1977 Corvette and the steering column features a tilt function.

The dashboard retains a generally stock appearance with upgraded Dakota Digital instrumentation, a backup camera, and integrated sound system which uses a remote control for adjustments. A custom center console has been added featuring a hinged storage area, cup holders, and wood fascia.

The body tag mounted on the cowl appears consistent with period correct production attachment with the following numbers:

51 – 1951 Model year
1271 – Sedan Delivery, Styleline Special
CL – Cleveland, Ohio assembly
163 – Trim Number brown imitation leather (standard)
452 – Paint Color Fathom Green (upper) Aspen Green (lower)


General Condition

Today this Chevrolet Sedan Delivery offers driver level cosmetics and updated mechanical operation including power steering, air conditioning, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. Though the refurbishment has settled over time, the paint finish is still glossy but exhibits cracks, chipping, and areas that have been touched up by hand. Given the age of the paint, the black and white finish is still very pleasing, particularly as it enhances the contrasting chrome and stylish streamlined details of this ear. The chrome trim varies in gloss and presentation with the bumpers appearing to have been more recently redone while the grille appears to be original, displaying a thinner dulled finish. Fit is generally consistent with original construction with some areas showing signs of age when viewed up close. The doors open and close properly with the driver’s door sitting slightly proud of the surface when shut. The hood and rear door have good fit and latching to the body.

Outfitted with dark silver metallic slotted GM “Rallye Rim” steel wheels, GM “disc brake” center covers and polished trim rings, BF Goodrich 235/60R15 radial T/A tires are mounted up front with Firestone Redhawk Indy 50 235/60R15 tires on the rear. The stance is purposeful and clean, reflective of the simple lines and honest durability of these American workhorses. The trim, while sparse, is in generally good condition including the aero-themed sculpted hood ornament, chrome bumpers, headlight rings, and nicely polished belt line trim separating the two-tone paint.

The interior sports a cloth and vinyl covered bench seat in very good condition, while the overall interior presents as a comfortable and usable driver level car with trim and features consistent with factory applications. The door panels are finished in matching fabric with lower vinyl kick panels, the matching brown carpeting extends to the rear of the vehicle, and the rear interior side panels have been stitched with Chevrolet bowtie emblems on both panel interior sides. The dashboard features a pair of Dakota Digital instruments, nestled into the original dashboard which retains the chrome waterfall theme. Directly below the waterfall, a custom-made center console with side mounted speakers, wood finish fascia, and a hinged cup-holder door houses a small cubby to store the stereo remote. The stereo unit also serves as a screen for back up assistance via a rear mounted camera. The interior is a satisfying combination of period details and modern upgrades including a contemporary steering column and steering wheel. The rear compartment area has been finished with matching materials and two rear speakers mounted in the rear interior panels. Storage for the spare tire resides under a wooden hinged rear floor panel.

Under the hood, the engine bay is finished in gloss black with generally presentable features and accessories. The modern 350 V8 engine is outfitted with an Edelbrock intake manifold, Quadrajet carburetor, finned valve covers, modern AC, power steering, and a modern polished 12V alternator. Exhaust manifolds are stock cast iron type, consistent with later year GM engine castings. A modern Wizard Cooling aluminum radiator and electric “puller” type fan and shroud have been installed along with a power brake booster. A chrome plated pie plate type air cleaner finishes off the engine compartment. The undercarriage is generally clean and dry with a combination of original finishes and updated components installed during the build. The Holly electric fuel pump and a late model remote transmission cooler are both visible when viewing the undercarriage.

This Sedan Delivery starts, runs, stops, and drives consistent with restomod-type vehicles that have been updated with modern features. The automatic transmission is smooth and consistent. The engine has good power off the line and the V8 keeps up with modern traffic. The power assisted disc brakes are quite good overall and a vast improvement over the original non-power drum brakes. Power steering and cold AC are added benefits to summertime cruising and the convenient back-up camera makes parking less stressful. Highway ride is typical for cars of this period but offers easy cruising manners with the result being a pleasant nostalgic engagement that can be enjoyed as a trackside support car or painted to reflect a local small business. Highly suitable for hauling swap meet parts back to the homestead, the rear compartment can also serve as sleeping quarters when your partner discovers, yet again, how much you’ve spent at the swap meet.

Items Included with the Car

The Sedan Delivery is offered with a pair of Chevrolet branded rubber floor mats, a very helpful and detailed wiring schematic, a user manual for the stereo/back-up camera, 5 meters of white LED strip lighting, misc. packaged electronic parts.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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