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3011 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405
4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars
2views

Used 1951 Chevrolet Master Deluxe

For Sale:$100,000
Estimated payment:$2,268/mo.
$0 trade-in, 10% down payment, 48 months, Great credit score
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1951-chevrolet-master-deluxe-ex-greg-noll-tin-woody.jpg
1951-chevrolet-master-deluxe-ex-greg-noll-tin-woody.jpg
1951-chevrolet-master-deluxe-ex-greg-noll-tin-woody.jpg
1951-chevrolet-master-deluxe-ex-greg-noll-tin-woody.jpg
  • Wagon
  • Condition
    Used
  • Transmission
    Automatic
  • Exterior Color
    And Wood Grain
  • Interior Color
    Tan
  • VIN
    -

Engine

V8 5.7L

Message from the seller

1951 CHEVROLET TIN WOODIE + 1946 GAR WOOD WOODEN BOAT POA About the Woodie. If you’re into surfing, then you’ll appreciate this wagon. Previously owned by the incredibly famous surfer, Greg Noll. He is the person who holds the unofficial world record for surfing off the biggest wave ever, by paddling into it on 12-04-1969 at Makaha, Hawaii and then riding it, without the assistance of any motorized vessel like jet skis as they do today. He also had in 2005 a movie released about his life: “Riding Giants” by Stacy Peralta. His nickname given him by his friends was “DABULL” as apparently that was his approach to surfing. It also happens to be the license plate for this Woody as well; “DABULLL” We have a copy of the title issued in Gregg Noll’s name. The Woody itself is a fine example that drives brilliantly. It has been upgraded mechanically to a small block Chevrolet V8 coupled to a Turbo 350 automatic transmission and the brakes were upgraded to power assistance with a dual master cylinder. The car has a really nice interior with newly upholstered seats and new German style carpet. The paint is in good condition as is the Faux Wood, which is done superbly. Wheels are painted to match the car with Moon caps and trim rings, and it has been lowered a little to give the Wagon a great stance. Finished in a Cranberry Red colour with a Tan interior. About the boat. 1946 Gar Wood model “627”, an 18’ 6” Deluxe utility that was built in 1946 by the Gar Wood boat company. Garfield Wood the owner was an accomplished boat racer and held many boat speed records. His boats were the Cadillac of wooden boats built in Michigan. This boat is the 40th one of 84 built and one of only about ten that we were able to locate during its restoration. It was shipped from the factory January 9th, 1947 and was sold to the Lake Washington Yacht Basin in Seattle, Washington. This boat is the last model designated as a 1946. For about 35 years this boat sat locally here in a garage in Santa Monica Canyon having been owned by a prominent Santa Monica family by the name of Nettleship. Sadly Mr. Nettleship was killed in a plane crash and the boat lay in their garage until the time came to sell the mansion. I acquired the boat February 25th, 2000 and then spent 5 years restoring it. Restoration was carried out by Roy Domke of Runabout Reflections in Sonoma County, California. The hull was re-corked and only 3 planks were replaced so this boat as you see it is almost 100% original first generation Mahogany. The interior was completely restored along with the instrument cluster being rebuilt. The engine is an original Chrysler Crown 6-cylinder flat head. It will run out to about 35 MPH. Now it is an exquisite example of a very rare and sought-after boat. Like Wooden cars they are scarce now as so many hit the fireplace. This boat gives pleasure to all those that have been in it and to those that just see it. The tandem axle trailer was custom built for the boat by Ellis Trailers in Sylmar, California at a cost of $4,643.56 in November 2002 with the quality still showing. Both owned personally for about 20 years.

1951 Chevrolet Master Deluxe

The 1951 Chevrolet Master Deluxe represented a significant evolution for Chevrolet's popular mid-range offering, bridging the gap between the more basic Styleline and the more opulent Fleetline models. For 1951, Chevrolet continued to refine its "Advance-Design" era styling, presenting a car that was both modern for its time and emblematic of post-war American optimism and prosperity. The Master Deluxe served as a cornerstone of Chevrolet's sales success, offering a compelling blend of style, comfort, and value that appealed to a broad spectrum of American consumers.

Styling and Design

The 1951 Master Deluxe adopted Chevrolet's distinctive "Advance-Design" aesthetic, characterized by its integrated fenders, a rounded, somewhat bulbous greenhouse, and a prominent, waterfall-style grille.

  • Exterior: The front fascia was dominated by a substantial, chrome-plated grille with horizontal bars, flanked by large, rounded headlights. The fenders, now more smoothly integrated into the body, flowed elegantly into the doors. The hood was long and relatively flat, leading to a wrap-around windshield that offered improved visibility and a more contemporary look. The side profile was clean, with a subtle character line running from the front fender to the rear. Chrome trim was liberally applied, accentuating the body lines, window surrounds, and bumpers. The roofline was substantial and offered good headroom.
  • Interior: The interior of the Master Deluxe was designed for comfort and practicality. It typically featured a bench seat upholstered in durable fabric or a combination of fabric and vinyl. The dashboard was a prominent feature, often painted to match the exterior or trimmed in chrome. It housed a single, large instrument cluster with speedometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure, and temperature. Controls were generally straightforward, with a central radio speaker and a heater/defroster unit. The steering wheel was large and two-spoke. Overall, the interior conveyed a sense of solid construction and modest luxury.

Powertrain and Performance

The 1951 Master Deluxe was powered by Chevrolet's renowned "Stovebolt Six" engine, a testament to its reliability and efficiency.

  • Engine: The standard engine for the Master Deluxe was the 216.5 cubic inch (3.5-liter) "Victory Six" inline-six cylinder engine. This overhead-valve engine was known for its smooth operation and durability. For 1951, it produced approximately 90 horsepower. While not a performance powerhouse by modern standards, it provided adequate power for everyday driving and touring.
  • Transmission: The primary transmission option was a 3-speed manual gearbox. Chevrolet also offered the innovative "Powerglide" automatic transmission as an option, which was a significant advancement for buyers seeking a more effortless driving experience.
  • Chassis and Suspension: The Master Deluxe rode on a traditional body-on-frame construction. The suspension system typically consisted of independent front coil springs and a solid rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs. This setup provided a comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections well, and contributing to the car's overall pleasant driving characteristics. Drum brakes were standard on all four wheels.

Body Styles and Trim Levels

The Master Deluxe was available in several body styles, catering to different consumer needs and preferences:

  • Master Deluxe Sedan: The most popular body style was the four-door sedan, offering ample passenger space and practicality for families.
  • Master Deluxe Coupe: A two-door coupe variant was also offered, appealing to those who preferred a sportier or more personal vehicle.
  • Master Deluxe Convertible: While less common than the sedans, a convertible version provided open-air motoring, adding a touch of luxury and sportiness.
  • Master Deluxe Station Wagon: Chevrolet also produced a wood-paneled station wagon, known as the "Woody," which was a practical choice for carrying cargo and passengers, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

The "Master Deluxe" designation itself signified a higher trim level within Chevrolet's lineup compared to the base "Master" models (which were discontinued in 1951, with "Master Deluxe" becoming the standard for this mid-range offering). This meant it typically featured more chrome trim, improved interior appointments, and potentially additional creature comforts over the very basic Chevrolet models.

Market Position and Legacy

In 1951, Chevrolet was a dominant force in the American automotive market, and the Master Deluxe played a crucial role in its success. It competed directly with other manufacturers' mid-range offerings from Ford and Plymouth. The Master Deluxe was praised for its reliability, fuel efficiency (relative to the era's larger V8 engines), and affordability. Its stylish design, comfort, and the availability of modern features like the Powerglide transmission made it an attractive proposition for a wide range of buyers.

The 1951 Chevrolet Master Deluxe is remembered as a classic example of American automotive design and engineering of the early 1950s. It embodies the optimism and forward-looking spirit of the post-war era, offering a solid, stylish, and practical mode of transportation that cemented Chevrolet's position as America's favorite car.

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Listed on February 23, 2025 (a year ago)
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