1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Coupé
Coachwork by Fisher
Registration no. XBV 961
Chassis no. 0R0772604F54Y

America's best-selling auto maker at the time, Chevrolet re-organised its line-up for 1949, rationalising the range into two Series - Special (basic) and Deluxe - both of which featured Styleline (notchback) and Fleetline (fastback) body styles. This distinction would last until the end of the '52 season, when the fastback model was dropped altogether along with the 'Styleline' name. Chevrolet's sole power unit at this time was the famous 'stovebolt', 216.5ci (3,549cc) overhead-valve six. The latter had continued unchanged for many years prior to the introduction of GM's Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission in 1951, when a 235.5ci (3.9-litre) version became available. For the Styleline's final year there were no fewer than six different body styles offered in Deluxe form, the Convertible, priced at $2,113, being the most expensive after the Station Wagon. The disappearance of the Styleline/Fleetline at the end of 1952 marked the end of an all too brief period when Chevrolet produced some of America's most elegant cars, a fact reflected in their increasing popularity with collectors.
This is a rare opportunity to own a fully specified, ready-to-rally Chevrolet in excellent condition. The current owner (a veteran Peking-Paris entrant) has spent in excess of £160,000 with Rally Preparation Services (RPS) to make this car a true contender (all bills available). Completed to the highest of standards in 2019, the rebuild included a complete restoration of the bodyshell; full rebuilds of the engine and gearbox; under-sealing floors and fitting internal sound deadening; complete braking system overhaul, with new master cylinder, linings and drums; and fitting up-rated suspension front and rear. The full specification is too long to list here but does include:

RPS hand-crafted wiring loom
Up-rated Dynator and starter motor
Cockpit Vision tachometer and speedometer
Separate 90-litre and 60-litre fuel tanks with separate gauges
Oil pressure and water temperature gauges
Fenton manifolds
Up-rated air filters
Silver Top Fuel Pump competition kit, including inline filters
Avanti 18" rally map light
Monit rally trip meter
Corbeau leather bucket seats with TRS four-point harnesses
Fire extinguisher

Ready to rally, this fully specified Chevrolet is offered with a V5C registration Certificate and the aforementioned restoration invoices.