Cruisin Classics Auto Sales

3575 Fisher Road, Columbus, OH 43228
4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars
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Used 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline

For Sale:$41,995
Estimated payment:$952/mo.
$0 trade-in, 10% down payment, 48 months, Great credit score
  • Coupe
  • Condition
    Used
  • Transmission
    Automatic
  • Exterior Color
    Orange/Cream
  • Interior Color
    Black/White
  • VIN
    -

Engine

350ci

Message from the seller

$41,995 Cruisin Classics is proud to present this very cool 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline street-rod. This '48 Chevy has undergone a pretty radical transformation from its stock form, courtesy of a restoration that we believe happened between 2008 and 2013. Starting with the exterior, it's an all-steel body, not chopped, with nearly all stainless trim removed. It's been coated with a very glossy two-tone paint scheme - Orange Creamsicle on the bottom and Creamy White up top (PPG basecoat/clearcoat). The paint still presents very well, save for some minor touch-ups and imperfections. Up front, you'll find a one-piece hood with no center trim, a painted '48 grille with a new chrome t-bar in the center, round Halogen snake-eye headlights in painted bezels, and a bright chrome bumper. There is a hidden power shut-off switch hidden behind the lower left side of the grille. The sides of the car have been given a smooth look, with shaved door handles, trim removed, drip rail removed, door fender bumps welded and smoothed in, and smoothed in rear fenders. Ahead of the windshield, the cowl vent has been removed and smoothed in as well. A custom-made single-piece windshield replaces the traditional factory split glass type. All of the other glass has been replaced with new pieces from Vintage Glass, and it's now lightly tinted. The only bright elements on the sides of the car are dual chrome swan-neck side mirrors, window trim, and chrome exhaust tips that peek out at an angle behind the rear wheels. Two six-button Dakota Digital key fobs come with the car, and they control the door locks, poppers, both door windows (up and down), and the power trunk lid. On the passenger side of the car, you'll find a spring-loaded gas cap on the rear fender and a power antenna on the front fender that sits completely flush with the body when down. Around back, the rear fenders feature frenched taillights from a '59 Cadillac - a very cool look. Also in the rear, beneath the trunk lid, is another gleaming chrome bumper. This Fleetline sits atop a staggered set of American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels (17X8 - front / 20X8 - rear) all wrapped in Nitto 555 tires. The stance of the car is completely up to your preference, thanks to an Air Ride system with a five-gallon tank and two compressors. Under the car are yet more extras that are sure to please any street rod enthusiast. The stock frame has been modified with a Heidt's Mustang II front cross-member with power rack & pinion steering, Air Ride Technology tubular upper and lower control arms, Ride Tech Shockwaves, and Ride Pro e2 ride height sensors. In the rear is an Air Ride Technology triangulated 4-link set-up with 12-way adjustable Shockwaves and ride height sensors. The floor has been tunneled for drive-line room when the air ride is lowered. Other highlights include a frame-mounted 12 heat sink transmission cooler and a newer 14-gallon fuel tank from Tanks. Lift the bulbous hood to reveal an immaculately clean and organized orange engine bay. The hood is equipped with both a custom prop to hold it open and a light under the nose that's switch-operated. At the center of it all is a 350ci V-8 with a hydraulic cam topped with cast heads, chrome valve covers, a chrome Weiand Action Plus intake, an Edelbrock AVS2 4-barrel carburetor, and a chrome Chevrolet air cleaner. Ahead of the hearty V-8 is a polished aluminum front-runner serpentine belt system that powers a Sanden compressor for the Vintage Air system, a Power Master Alternator, and a GM type II power steering unit. Quick, crisp starts are no problem for this Chevy thanks to MSD ignition with a Pro Billet distributor, a Pro Blaster coil, and MSD plug wires. Keeping things cool is a Walker radiator with an electric pusher fan and a polished aluminum overflow tank. Other highlights include an Edelbrock fuel pump, a braided steel fuel line, and a stainless steel radiator hose. Adding to the clean, sleek look of the engine bay is a smoothed fire

1948 Chevrolet Fleetline: A Style Icon of Post-War America

The 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline stands as a significant milestone in American automotive design, representing the culmination of Chevrolet's pre-war styling while boldly hinting at the future. As the final year for the popular "fastback" body style that had defined the Fleetline nameplate, it holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and automotive historians. More than just a car, the '48 Fleetline embodied the optimism and burgeoning prosperity of post-war America, offering a stylish and relatively affordable means of personal transportation.

Design and Styling:

The defining characteristic of the 1948 Fleetline is its iconic fastback silhouette. Unlike the more upright, "notchback" sedans of the era, the Fleetline featured a dramatically sloping roofline that flowed seamlessly from the windshield to the rear bumper. This gave the car a sleek, aerodynamic, and decidedly sporty appearance, setting it apart from much of its competition.

  • Exterior:

    • Fastback Roofline: The signature element, creating a smooth, unbroken line from the front to the rear.
    • Grille: A distinctive horizontal grille with chrome accents, characteristic of Chevrolet's styling for the late 1940s.
    • Headlights: Integrated into the front fenders, a common design trend of the period.
    • Chrome Trim: Generous use of chrome was a hallmark of American cars in this era, with chrome detailing on bumpers, grille, window surrounds, and along the side of the body.
    • Body Styles: While the Fleetline name primarily referred to the fastback style, Chevrolet offered it in several configurations:
      • Fleetline Aerosedan (2-Door): The most popular and visually striking version, a true two-door coupe with the iconic fastback.
      • Fleetline Sedan (4-Door): A less common variant that also featured the fastback roofline, providing more practicality for families.
    • Rear End: The sloping roofline met a relatively flat rear deck, often with simple taillights and chrome trim.
  • Interior:

    • Seating: Comfortable bench seats, upholstered in durable fabrics or vinyl, typically accommodating up to six passengers.
    • Dashboard: Functional and straightforward, featuring a central instrument cluster with essential gauges like speedometer, fuel, and oil pressure.
    • Materials: While not luxurious by today's standards, the interior was well-appointed for its time, with attention to detail in materials and construction.

Powertrain and Performance:

The 1948 Fleetline was powered by Chevrolet's reliable and well-regarded "Stovebolt Six" engine. This inline-six cylinder powerplant was known for its durability and smooth operation.

  • Engine:

    • Type: 235.5 cubic inch (3.9 L) Inline-6 cylinder.
    • Valvetrain: Overhead Valve (OHV) – a significant advancement that contributed to its efficiency and power.
    • Horsepower: Approximately 90 horsepower.
    • Torque: Around 174 lb-ft.
    • Fueling: A single-barrel carburetor.
  • Transmission:

    • Standard: A 3-speed manual transmission.
    • Optional: Chevrolet's "Powerglide" automatic transmission was not yet available for the 1948 model year.
  • Performance: While not a powerhouse by modern standards, the Fleetline offered adequate performance for its era, capable of cruising comfortably on highways and navigating city streets with ease. Its focus was on reliability and fuel efficiency rather than outright speed.

Chassis and Suspension:

The Fleetline was built on Chevrolet's robust body-on-frame chassis, a common construction method for American cars of the period.

  • Suspension:
    • Front: Independent coil springs provided a more comfortable ride than older solid axle designs.
    • Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs, a tried-and-true system for durability and load-carrying capacity.
  • Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels provided effective stopping power for the time.
  • Steering: Traditional recirculating ball steering provided a reasonable feel and control.

Significance and Legacy:

The 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline holds a special place in automotive history for several reasons:

  • Last of the Fastbacks: It marked the end of an era for Chevrolet's popular fastback styling, making it a sought-after collectible.
  • Post-War Appeal: It symbolized the return to normalcy and a sense of renewed optimism in post-war America. Its stylish design offered a touch of flair and aspiration.
  • Affordability and Popularity: Chevrolet was known for producing affordable and reliable vehicles, and the Fleetline was no exception, making it a popular choice for many American families.
  • Design Transition: The '48 model served as a bridge between the pre-war styling cues and the more modern, streamlined designs that would emerge in the early 1950s.

In Conclusion:

The 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline is a classic American automobile that continues to captivate enthusiasts. Its distinctive fastback design, reliable "Stovebolt Six" engine, and embodiment of post-war optimism make it a cherished piece of automotive heritage. Whether admired for its historical significance or enjoyed for its timeless styling, the '48 Fleetline remains an enduring icon of American automotive ingenuity.

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Listed on March 27, 2026 (13 days ago)
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This Used 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline is available for drivers in Columbus, Westerville, Dublin, Grove City, Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, Delaware, Pickerington ...