Description
Collectors Cars', Motorcycles & Automobilia Auction
27 June 2021, 2. 30pm NZST
Auckland, New Zealand
Estimate: $10, 000 - $20, 000
Buyer's premium 15%
Chassis no: 6-1019-55988
Engine no: 3699374
This vehicle will be sold unreserved, unregistered and as seen
Due to their later entry into World War II the United States automobile industry was able continue development longer than their British counterparts. American styling advances and developments learnt from aircraft production had a profound effect upon the design of cars of the late 1940s. Although regarded as somewhat conservative in style, the Chevrolets of 1946-1948 were considered well in terms of value for money, with technical progression around the use of safety glass and sealed beam lights being indicative. With 684, 145 units produced in 1947 Chevrolet was the leading American marque for this year.
The years immediately after the War meant that cars were in short supply with priority given to supplying businesses and the government. Petrol rationing remained in place until June 1950 thus further restricting the private motorist.
This Fleetmaster was supplied to the Railway Hotel at Ngahere near Greymouth on 21 May 1947 and was used to move visitors around the area. The model also saw regular use in Auckland commonly for taxi and police fleets. It should be noted by former purchasers that this vehicle will be sold “as is where is” being minus both a current registration and a WOF. The subject of a two year restoration project completed in August 1994, six Fleetmasters of this era were in fact bought in order to make this specific car. The 1947 configuration was chosen for the end result as in this post war year General Motors in Canada produced the smallest number of RHD vehicles. It is furthermore understood that in the course of the restoration more than 2, 500 hours of labour were employed with as much originality as could economically be accommodated. Contrary to this mantra, the automobile has power brakes, 12v electrics, indicators, a retractable aerial and a modern stereo. It is not known if all of the foregoing are functional as it is understood that the brakes are grabbing, new tyres are required and there is some minor chassis rust beneath the bonnet. Despite such shortcomings the car presents itself well and could be bought up to a roadworthy state as a consequence of attending to the work outlined.
