Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
1949 Chevrolet Deluxe Convertible Nicely Restored Car in Excellent Running Cond
The Chevrolet Deluxe is a trim line of Chevrolet automobiles that was marketed from 1941 to 1952, and was the volume sales leader for the market during the 1940s. The line included at first a 4-door sedan, but grew to include a fastback 2-door "aerosedan" and other body styles. The 1941 Chevrolet was the first generation that didn't share a common appearance with Chevrolet trucks, while the Chevrolet AK Series truck did share common internal components.
It was with this generation that all GM vehicles experienced increased width dimensions to accommodate three passengers on the front bench seat and an additional three passengers on rear bench seat installed vehicles. This was accomplished with the deletion of running board thereby adding additional room inside the passenger compartment.
The original series ran from 1941 to 1948, after which a new body style was introduced for 1949, running through 1952. During the post-war years and continuing through the early 1950s, the Deluxe range was Chevrolet's sales leader, offering a balance of style and luxury appointments unavailable in the base Special series; and a wider range of body styles, including a convertible, Sport Coupe hardtop (starting in 1950), two- and four-door sedans and four-door station wagons.
In 1949, all the Chevrolets got the first new styling after the war. The Deluxe was the brand new upper-end model for Chevrolet. The cheapest Deluxe was the Deluxe Styleline 6-passenger sedan, costing $1,492. Brakes were 11-inch drums. It had full instrumentation. The front suspension had stabilizers and the grille incorporated five "teeth" and had round parking lights in the center of the grille.
This very nicely restored example has been in the current owner's car for roughly 25 years. The car was restored about 20 years ago and is used on sunny Summer days for local cruises and shows. The car is in very good to excellent condition in about every area- the paint, chrome, top and interior are all very nice with no flaws noted really anywhere-only upon close inspection can you see a few areas of crazing in the paint. This is really barely noticable and would need to be pointed out to 99% of the population, it was near impossible to photograph. That's really the only thing I should mention, everything else is just wonderful- particularly the Steering Wheel. This is flawless original translucent Plastic wheel that is just a joy to put your hands around.
The car runs and drives very well and needs nothing to be pressed into immediate service. The top works very well and all the gauges and accessories work well with the exception of the original radio, an after market unit has been added. The car has been converted to 12 volts, had a later '51 steering box installed , and a 3.54 to 1 Rear End installed in place of the original 4.11 to 1 (which is included with the car), as well as a nice set of Diamond Back Radials.
This is a really stand up car that will provide years of driving and showing enjoyment to the lucky new owner. I would not hesitate to drive cross country in this lovely example.