1949 Chevrolet Fleetline

Description

1949 was near the end of the line for GM's fastback coupes, but this gorgeous 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline got a whole new lease on life when it was rebuilt a few years ago. All the usual custom tricks plus all the luxury features you'd expect make for one exceptional rod that drives so well you'll want to take it to work every day.

Sometimes modern colors just don't work on vintage sheetmetal, but the brilliant copper finish on this fastback definitely works. Taken from the late-model GM color pallet, it give the sleek little Chevy an elegant look without being too over-the-top about it. And you should see it out in the sun! Fit and finish are excellent throughout, with great gaps and a great deal of time invested in subtle modes like the shaved door handles, molded-in fenders, and shaved deck lid. You'll also dig the flush-mounted LED taillights and the nosed and decked hood that don't erase the Fleetline's personality but definitely removes the things that hold up the eye. The original bumpers were restored and tucked in close to the body for a clean look and the original Chevy grill is highly recognizable, even 55 years later.

Tasteful is the best way to describe the fully reupholstered interior. Low-back buckets wear pleated leather seat covers that hang on to the '40s design while being thoroughly modern. Custom carpets and mats with the Chevy bowtie emblem add a sophisticated contrast and the door panels were made to match. Even the dash was painted tan instead of body color to keep everything clean. The round factory instrument pod is now filled with Dakota Digital instrumentation and a custom center console was created to house things like the Vintage Air HVAC controls, a Sony AM/FM/CD stereo head unit, and a pair of cup holders, so the dash retains a totally smooth look. Even the billet steering wheel was wrapped in matching tan leather, and we remain very impressed by the workmanship. And even with the fastback profile, the trunk is quite spacious and is outfitted with matching carpets.

The engine is a 350 cubic inch V8 that fits quite neatly under the Fleetline's long hood. The firewall was custom made, as were the inner fenders, so the shiny polished engine is beautifully highlighted and most of the plumbing and wiring is cleverly hidden out of sight. Billet valve covers and a matching air cleaner give it a clean, uncluttered look and with a big aluminum radiator up front, there are really no worries about overheating. The transmission is a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive, so this is a rod you could drive every day if you wanted to and there's really no downside. A custom front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering and A-arms means that it handles and rides like a new car and the burbling Flowmaster exhaust always gets attention. There's a heavy-duty Ford 9-inch rear end on air shocks, so you can fine-tune the ride and attitude regardless of the baggage and with an undercoated chassis, you should have no qualms about putting this one on the road. Beautiful polished billet wheels and 245/45/17 front and 225/45/17 rear Kumho radials round out the package.

This is a fully sorted car that drives every bit as great as it looks. If you're looking for something a little beyond the usual Tri-Five, perhaps this sleek Fleetline will fit the bill. Call today!