1949 Chevrolet Deluxe Sedan

Chevrolet overhauled its entire lineup in 1949, moving from prewar designs to brand new cars with modern full-width bodies and pontoon fenders. The division offered Special and Deluxe models in both Fleetline and Styleline series. Buyers could buy a bare bones business coupe for as little as $1,300, or could pony up $2,200 for an eight-passenger station wagon. Virtually every body type and price level was offered in between. The only powertrain available was a 216-c.i. six-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission. New for 1950 was the debut of the Bel Air two-door hardtop, which would be a mainstay of American design for 50 years, and the second was the Powerglide, two-speed automatic transmission. Cars with the automatic option received the 235-c.i. truck engine with hydraulic lifters, while cars with three-speed transmissions kept the old 216-c.i. engine. Visual changes were minimal from 1949, although the wood-clad station wagon was retired in favor of the steel-bodied wagon that first appeared in 1949. Still sold as Specials and Deluxes with Fleetline and Styleline designations, Chevrolet's car production of 1.5 million units was the brand's best ever.

For consignment, a 1949 example of the Chevrolet Deluxe 2 door sedan with a nice respray in the original color. Now all buttoned up showing nicely in its pontoon styling with a lightly modified look for the body, a newer engine and a whole bunch of suspension and electrical upgrades. A fine example with over 30 trophy wins and looking fabulous to round out the forties.

Exterior
Mayland Black paint which was an earlier respray has some of the issues in the form of some paint cracking, dimpling and just a few dents, but remains shiny overall. A nice patina which surely will pass for an older restoration but retains its original charm. Those being the points of this car that can be dealt with or left alone, and either would be a good decision. Chrome is all looking very nice, mirror-like with no dimples or signs of any rust. There is definitely not a straight line on this car, and all the trimmings are closely adhered to the original steel body, which shows no real rust. From its thin bar front grille wrapped in big chrome and fashioning the 3 tiered grille with wrap around bumper below, and the ever-present trim spear that starts just above the grille and runs back then melting into the trim dividing the 2 piece windshield, she's really showing off that great designer's pen. In the rear quarter a rounded bump out fender complete with a chromed mid trimming and stainless plate in front of the bump-out. The pontoon styled curved rear is sculpted with the fenders and appears to have the car in motion, even when sitting still. On the back, a large bumper protects all this curvaceousness, small tail lighting, trunk handle and badging. Black painted steel wheels with chrome lug nuts and brushed aluminum trim rings adorn all 4 corners and are wrapped in wide white rubber.

Interior
With a swing of the doors, we see tan broadcloth door panels that show some wrinkling. Knobs, pulls, and cranks all are looking shiny. Inside, a light tan broadcloth with a simple ribbed pattern covers the front and rear bench seats. These sit within upholstered tubs which have a shiny chrome adjustment lever. The metal dash remains like original and sports a dark brown dash front, and tan dash top, all adorned with plenty of chrome ribbed accenting, and nicely aged bakelite knobs. A 12-volt booster switch is on for the turn signals, horn, and AM/FM/CD stereo. The original steering wheel is wrapped in a two-tone leather covering with its original tan spokes attaching a chrome half circle horn ring which fronts this nice dash. On the floors is some thin pile black carpet in and tan rubber protective floor mats. A tan mohair headliner showing very minor water damage is above and remains tight to the ceiling.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a restored inline 6-cylinder engine in 235ci size topped with a 1-barrel carburetor and has a nice chrome valve cover and air cleaner assembly to compliment the blue painted block. The engine had a recent complete valve job with new valves, springs, and seats. Bolted to the back of the mill is a 3-speed manual transmission and way in the back is a 4.11 geared axle assembly.

Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust, although all is structurally sound for the frame, body hangers, floor pans and rockers, as well as the wheel wells. Independent coil springs are upfront, and leaf springs are on the back with new kingpins, A arm bushing and shocks being done on the front end. Completely new drum brakes are all around and have also had the lines replaced. A new exhaust snakes its way from front to back starting with a Fenton header then splitting off to dual Flowmaster exhaust. As an add on exhaust cutouts were added to provide that open header sound. A new fuel tank and fuel lines have been added recently.

Drive-Ability
This car cranked right up, and on the test track performed beautifully. It ran smoothly, shifted nicely, and had decent braking for non powered hydraulic drums. All was functioning well, and it was a great cruiser, able to get up to highway speed and feel stable.

For the Chevrolet enthusiast who appreciates clean, well-maintained, and beautifully kept originality, this example of post-war streamlined design would be hard to beat. It would be a surefire head-turner in any car show or even cruising down the highways and backroads of the good old USA. A fun driver for this pre mid-century pontoon design car.

VIN DECODE
1GKF41791
1-Flint, MI Assy Plant
GK-Fleetmaster
F-June Build
41791-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 49 1011-Deluxe 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO F7377-Flint Body #
TRIM NO 153?
PAINT NO 385-Mayland Black

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.