1946 Chevrolet Stylemaster

The United States entrance into World War II brought civilian automobile production to a halt early in 1942, and when peacetime resumed, manufacturers scrambled to resume production. Like many automakers, Chevrolet offered a slightly updated version of its pre-war product and quickly resumed its role as America's best-selling car. While designers and engineers worked on a brand new model (introduced in 1949), buyers fell in love with the conservative styling of the 1946 to 1948 Chevrolet. They were durable, reliable, and affordable.

The 1946 Chevrolet lineup included the entry-level Stylemaaster Series DJ, the mid-level Fleetmaster Series DK, and the range-topping Fleetline. All three of these models rested on a 116-inch wheelbase platform with an overall length of 207.5-inches and powered by an overhead-valve, 216.5 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine with solid valve lifters, four main bearings, a Carter one-barrel carburetor, and delivered 90 horsepower at 3,300 RPM. The engine was backed by a three-speed manual transmission and the list of optional equipment included a radio, heater, spotlight, fog lamps, cowl windshield washer, heater and defroster, wheel trim rings, and Deluxe steering wheel.

Each of the three 1946 Chevrolet models offered a Sports Sedan, with the Stylemaster being the most popular with 75,349 units sold, followed by 73,746 of the Fleetmaster, and 57,932 of the Fleetline. The Stylemaster and Fleemaster both had a sport coupe, town sedan, and sport sedan. Additionally, the Stylemaster had a business coupe and the Fleetmaster had a convertible and a station wagon. The Fleetline and a two-door aero sedan with a fastback GM 'Sport Dynamic' body shell and a Super Deluxe level of trim.

The three 1946 Chevy models were distinguished by the level of trim and interior accouterments. The Stylemaster had a three-spoke steering wheel, minimal bright metal trim moldings, pile fabric upholstery, painted window sills, a single left-hand sun visor, and rubber floor mats. The Fleetmaster (which replaced the prewar Special Deluxe) had two sun visors, a two-spoke Deluxe steering wheel with a 'bird' horn button insert, front-seat armrests, woodgrain window sills, richer upholstery trims, and additional body moldings on the sides of the hood. The Fleetline wore 'Fleetline' lettering along the hoodside, triple Speedline moldings on the sides of all fenders, distinctive bright metal windshield surround, and special non-pile 'Fleet weave' fabrics.

Prices on the Stylemaster ranged from $1,020 to $1,125; the Fleetmaster ranged from $1,130 to $1,600, and the Fleetline was priced at $1,165 for the aero sedan and $1,225 for the Sport Sedan. The Stylemaster was the most popular with 169,963 units sold, accounting for nearly 43% of Chevrolet's total automobile production. A total of 162,632 examples of the Fleetmaster Six were built in 1946 and 65,433 of the Fleetline.

Within the Stylemaster Six model, the business coupe was priced at $1,020, the Sport Coupe at $1,060, the two-door Town Sedan at $1,070, and the Sport Sedan at $1,123. The Sport Sedan was the most popular with 75,349 units sold, followed by 61,104 of the Town Sedan, 19,243 of the Sprot Coupe, and 14,267 of the Business Coupe.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021