Description
In 1949, Chevrolet introduced an all-new design for its best-selling Deluxe models, which had originally been launched in 1941. Offered as the entry-level Special or as the more upmarket Deluxe, it came in a wide range of body styles, from two- and four-door sedan to a station wagon and a convertible.
All were powered by Chevrolet’s famous 3549cc ‘Stovebolt’ straight-six engine, which drove through a three-speed manual gearbox. From 1951 onwards, the Deluxe and Bel Air variants were also offered with a larger 3849cc engine that was mated to a two-speed Powerglide automatic.
The final year of production was 1952, after which Chevrolet reorganised its line-up and the Deluxe morphed into the 210, while the Bel Air became a model line in its own right.
Imported from the USA and first registered in the UK in May 2016 by ourselves, this 1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Coupe was totally rebuilt by Rally Preparation Services in anticipation of entering the 2019 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge to our usual proven specification.
The work is fully catalogued via a wealth of invoices in the car’s history file and is far too extensive to list here, but it included the restoration of the bodyshell, a freshly built RPS specification 3849cc engine – including the addition of a Fenton manifold and twin carburettors – an upgraded gearbox, uprated suspension all round, twin fuel tanks, and a thorough rebuild and upgrade of the braking system, again all to our specification.
Inside, new dials and instruments were fitted, including gauges for oil pressure and water temperature. A Monit trip meter was installed, along with an Avanti 18in map light, Corbeau leather bucket seats, TRS four-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher. Sound-deadening was also specified, and the floors were undersealed.
The work was carried out by our own experienced build technicians to the very highest standard for an owner who was a veteran Peking to Paris entrant, and who spent more than £160, 000 in order for the Chevrolet to be a genuine contender on that most gruelling event. As it turned out, the car wasn’t used on the Peking-Paris in 2019 and is now being offered for sale at a fraction of its original build cost – and having covered only a limited number of gentle use road miles since being completed.
It has never been used in a rally and is in truly exceptional condition throughout. Not only is it a stylish American classic with great presence, it is a fully specified, superbly prepared, ready-to-use rally car that is eligible not only for the Peking to Paris rally, but numerous other great events hosted by Rally the Globe, Regularity or Bespoke Rallies.
The car is currently residing with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, RPS Storage Ltd and available for inspection.
All viewings and test drives welcomed through direct contact with Rally Preparation Services.
All email enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone +44(0)the details below
Images subject to copyright – Rally Preparation Services Ltd
Specifications
Date of original registration: 1952
Rebuilt Endurance Rally Spec engine
Uprated cooling system
150 litre long range custom fuel tanks with twin system
Twin RPS Spec ignition system
Bespoke rally exhaust
Tremec 5-speed gearbox
Uprated rear axle
Uprated competition dampers
M&S Tyres
Corbeau sports seats
TRS RPS Spec Full Harness seat belts
Drinks holders and storage
Monit Trip meter
Map Light
Fire Extinguisher
Twin Fuel Gauges
Hi Output Dynator
Hi Torq Starter Motor
