1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster

Description

The reason a lot of guys build resto-mods like this 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster 2-door sedan is simply to make them easier to drive. While they're not exactly trucks, adding things like power steering and power brakes, plus a bit more horsepower to make it more comfortable on today's crazy highways, probably isn't a terrible idea. So here you have a '47 Chevy that can actually be driven daily if that's your thing.

Cars of the '40s, even the entry-level Chevys, have a great look that's unique and easy to spot at a glance. Rounded fenders, big, roomy bodies, and a classic old-fashioned look that still attracts a lot of attention. The two-tone burgundy and white combination on this '47 Chevy looks great, highlighting the car's very best features, including the fenders that sweep into the doors and the sleek almost fastback roofline. The paint is fairly recent and looks great, and someone has clearly spent some time color sanding and buffing the surface to bring out the shine, but if you really want to step it up, hit the edges with a little more detail and watch this car really pop. Doors fit well, the fenders snug up nicely to the bodywork, and it doesn't look like this car came from a rusty hulk, but rather a car that's led a pretty easy life. The custom touches do give it a unique look but don't erase its personality, and we love the satin silver grille and bumpers, which have a classic look that's both low maintenance and somewhat traditional.

The red vinyl interior neatly bridges yesterday and today, offering upgrades where they'll be useful but keeping the stock equipment where character matters. That means original bench seats with room for six, nicely finished door panels that use the stock handles and garnish moldings, and the original dashboard. It still uses the factory speedometer, but it's joined by a set of aftermarket auxiliary gauges in a neat panel that integrates everything nicely. Under the dash you'll find an AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo head unit in the original radio's spot, and a modern tilt column carries a steering wheel that looks very much out of the 1940s. The feel from behind the wheel is quite modern but the view over that pointed hood is completely vintage, and you'll always enjoy climbing behind the wheel for a cruise. Road trips are a great way to enjoy this car, too, thanks to a giant trunk and easy road manners.

A familiar 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 lives under the hood and transforms this coupe from around-town-commuter to do-anything-cruiser. It's a clean fit and they obvious were aiming to make it look as OEM as possible. Factory parts ensure reliability and easy service, so there's a heavy-duty air cleaner and a modern power master cylinder up top, along with a 4-core aluminum radiator and electric fan to keep it cool. Cast iron exhaust manifolds feed a brand new dual exhaust system that has a bit of a rumble but mostly keeps it quiet for easy cruising. A 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission and a 10-bolt rear end with highway gears inside makes this an effortless high-speed cruiser and the soft suspension certainly helps. Disc brakes have been retrofitted up front and it sits on steel wheels with Oldsmobile wire hubcaps and staggered 195/65/15 front and 205/75/15 rear blackwall radials.

This is a car that will always be welcome at local shows, and at this price, it's a very affordable way to get into the game. Call today!