Description

Country of Origin – India
• Body Style – Sedan
• Engine – 6 Cylinder 3540cc; 3-speed Manual
• Petrol
• Right Hand Drive

• Assembled in India by General Motors India
• In older restoration, well presented condition
• Comfortable, and easy to use

The volume brand of American automotive behemoth General Motors was Chevrolet – lovingly known as Chevy. With well over a century in the market, Chevrolet cars are synonymous with value for money yet stylish cars. The mainstay of the fleet launched in the 1940s was the Deluxe line, starting with the Master Deluxe Special Deluxe in 1941, which later evolved to the Fleetmaster models that we know so well in India, being built in General Motor’s sprawling facility in Bombay at the time. For 1949, the model line was completely redesigned.

The new Styleline range was the first of the new postwar designs, and were a marked departure from the outgoing pre war bulbous and heavy designs. Sleeker lines and pontoon fenders gave the car a much lower and wider stance. Power continued to be offered by the tried and tested straight six ‘valve-in-head’ engine, with improved performance. Transmission was via a three speed column shifter, or ‘three on the tree’. The generous proportions meant the car could comfortably seat 6 – especially useful for large Indian families travelling together at the time.

Minor facelifts were introduced each year, with the final one in 1952. For Indian assembly though often some features in the interior were carried over from older model years, making these Bombay-built cars unique. General Motors wrapped up Indian operations shortly after.

The car on offer is the last of the line 1952 Styleline De Luxe. An older restoration, the car is complete and original in all respects, and finished in a classic single tone white paint scheme. While presentable, it makes for a perfect candidate for light cosmetic mechanical and electrical attention to the new owner’s choice, to turn the car concours. A reliable runner, the Chevy is a surprisingly easy to own classic, with light controls and very comfortable in modern traffic. It had proved to be a true workhorse, with these models running long distance all over India by families on holiday. A perfect opportunity to own a genuine chrome laden yank tank without breaking the bank.