Owner: Junior Machado

Car: 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aero Sedan

Engine: 235

Color: Verde Chiaro

Upholstery: Imitation Mohair

 

After nearly four war years in which no civilian passenger cars had been produced, Detroit was faced with an unprecedented demand for new vehicles. With such short supply of materials due to the war efforts, the 1946, 1947, and 1948 Chevrolet Stylemaster, Fleetmaster and Fleetline were warmed-over versions of 1942 cars, but that hardly mattered to a car-hungry public. The shortage of critical materials (mainly sheet steel) and an Auto Works strike made for a minuscule number of Chevrolets rolling off the assembly line to start. Once production picked up, Chevrolets sold like hot cakes. Especially, the Aero Sedan which was easily Chevys most popular model with 211,861 sold in 1948. Minor modifications in trim were made for the 1948 model but sustained demand made substantial changes unnecessary. Not until the 1949 models appeared would there be a “true” postwar Chevrolet making the 1948 models the last glimpse we have into the pre-WWII Chevrolet body style.

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This 1948 Chevrolet was found sitting in a barn in Wisconsin after 30 years. Junior swapped the original motor for a 235 straight 6 inline. The rear end was also upgraded to a 1954 Chevy powerglide, that way it could "fly" on the freeway. The front end was upgraded to a Mustang II, with disk brakes so it could have stopping power. The car was also upgraded with air ride suspension for a smoother ride. The interior was completely redone with original pattern and wood grain on the dash. Below you'll see a picture Junior provided showing how the vehicle was found.  Come see this Fleetline at  Glendale Cruise Night!