1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aero Sedan

The 1948 Chevrolets wore pre-war styling from 1942 for one last time. The other firms in the 'Big Three' did the same, while the independents (Studebaker, Nash, Packard, and Hudson) offered all-new Models. Chrysler, Ford, and GM introduced their new models in 1949.

The Aerosedan was Chevrolet's most popular model in 1948. They had a 116-inch wheelbase, a base price of $1,434, and over 211,861 examples were built. Despite the fastback roofline, it offered good headroom for the rear passengers and opening rear quarter windows.

Neither Chevrolet nor Fisher Body offered a 'woodie', however, rumors say that one was designed to compete with the Ford Sportsman. Chevrolet management, however, was unimpressed with the idea. Reputedly, Engineered Enterprises of Detroit produced 'Country Club' wood panels and applied them to the metal body of the Aerosedan. The wood was ash and mahogany. They were applied to the sides of the Aerosedan and were not applied to the rear of the vehicle as on competitors from Chrysler and Ford.

This particular example is a Country Club Aerosedan. It is finished in charcoal gray over a tan cloth interior. Options include the accessory windshield sun visor, whitewall tires, driving lights, left-hand outside spotlight, rear fender skirts and stone guards, front and rear bumperettes with front override bar, radio, clock, and a Chevrolet Super Deluxe heater. Power is from a 216.5 cubic-inch overhead valve six-cylinder engine offering 90 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2016