Chassis No. Z1FKH37086

Engine No. FAA49179

As Americans returned home from World War II, they not only had families and bought homes-but they also returned with a sense of adventure. As industry returned to peacetime production, The Big Three were ready to satisfy that demand with an almost endless array of vehicles. From sea to shining sea, Chevrolet's Fleetmaster "Woodie" Station Wagon was designed to transport the biggest families with a large helping of style. With steel in short supply, the Station Wagon featured a fantastic blend of fine joinery for the rear and roof, with U.S. steel comprising the remainder of the car. The combination of utility and sophistication has never been inexpensive, and that year, the Woodie Station Wagon was not only the costliest Chevrolet but the rarest too, comprising just four percent of Fleetmaster production.

The full and comprehensive restoration began with separating the wood structure from the frame. Once the steel bodywork was metal finished and ready for paint, the wood structure, with its charming split drop and lift rear tailgate, was test fit. With everything aligned, the body received a finish in period-correct Sport Beige along with renewed brightwork and trim. The exterior has been "dressed to the nines" with an accessory windshield sunshade, body-color roof rack with a wooden surfboard, driver-side spotlight, fog lights, and a rear continental kit. The rear spare and all four steel wheels are painted in a delightful contrasting red adorned with bright finished hub caps and trim rings and shod with wide whitewall tires. The completely refreshed interior features dark brown upholstery that complements the interior wood headliner strips, structure, and trim. The dashboard was refinished, along with the optional AM radio and heater. The Station Wagon's 216.5 cu-in "Thrift-master" inline-six received maximum effort as well with a full overhaul to factory specifications and is mated to a three-speed manual transmission. A peek at the underneath reveals that the undercarriage is just as detailed as the top.

Today, the scarcity of well-restored examples makes this Fleetmaster Woodie not a compelling find, but a smile-inducing experience for everyone around. It benefits from recent service work, which includes a tune-up, rebuilding the carburetor, installing a new fuel pump, and addressing a minor fuel leak by the current owner's in-house mechanic. With its proven practicality and ample space with seating for eight, this comprehensively restored 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Woodie Station Wagon is ready to transport those primed for adventure in charming style.