Frame Off Built Fleetline Special 350 V8 700R4 Ford 9"

When you think the words “different” and “Chevrolet”, what comes to mind? It's most likely NOT the acres of tri-fives, Camaros and Chevelles sitting at the local swap meet. What about when you think the words “cool” and “Chevrolet”? Well, that's pretty much all classic Chevys, so I guess I need to be more specific. What happens when you think “Chevrolet”, “different” AND “cool”? Chances are something akin to this custom '49 Fleetline rolls through your mind. Being a fastback Bowtie, it's certainly different. And being a real-deal, all-steal Special makes it super cool. But what makes it both different AND cool is the fact that it's been finished to the nines with modern paint, a custom suspension and a supple leather interior; and its four-lane offensive powerplant has been swapped for 350 cubic inch high output crate engine. If you're looking for an awesome weekend cruiser, your custom has arrived! Sign the papers, toss three of your closest friends inside, crank up the air conditioning and head out!

Built to turn heads and tear up the road, this rare '49 Chevy is the kind of fully-sorted hot rod you won't be afraid to drive anywhere. It's brilliant and smooth Copper Metallic paint combines with original chrome and stainless to provide serious character. Its unique and distinctive body, which was extremely solid before the high quality restoration began, was stripped to bare metal and tweaked with a variety of customizations that aid in both appeal and streetability. And its profile, which mixes a gracefully arced roofline with a shortened windshield and integrated rear fenders, reminds us just how cool 40s metal can be!

Officially kicking off the brand's emphasis on style, Chevrolet's 49-52 Fleetline found an audience with buyers who wanted more than just utility. For that reason and GM's willingness to take a few chances with its aesthetics, many enthusiasts cite the car as the beginning of Chevy's golden age of design. At the front of this vivid classic, an original chrome grille hangs crystal clear parking lights between two frenched headlights and an original, wrap-around chrome bumper. At its sides, original stainless trim spears flow through shaved doors to prominent rear fenders. At its top tinted greenhouse glass, which is fronted by a curved one-piece windshield, rides inside of fresh stainless frames, bright stainless wipers and correct chrome mirrors. And at the back of the car, a shaved decklid is centered between two frenched tail lights, a second original chrome bumper and a slick pair of Megs exhaust tips.

Pop the car's domed hood and get a good look at its stout and reliable 350 cubic inch, 330 horsepower high output crate engine. Air and fuel are supplied by a polished breather, which seals around a reusable filter element, and a chrome Edelbrock Weber 4-barrel carburetor that's equipped with a Lokar throttle cable. That perfect mixture of elements flows into a polished Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap intake and modern center bolt heads which are capped by polished valve covers. Fires are ignited by fresh MSD Super Conductor plug wires that are connected to a modern HEI distributor via simple black looms. Heat is suppressed by a heavy duty aluminum radiator that's equipped with a small electric pusher fan, a polished overflow tank and a polished cap. And spent gases are jettisoned through a slick set of ceramic coated block hugger headers that are ready to rock and roll! The motor keeps spinning thanks to a polished serpentine system which turns everything from the car's AC compressor to its chrome alternator. The compliments keep flowing thanks to a highly detailed, well-executed engine bay which features a smoothed firewall and an impressive coat of Copper Metallic paint. And everything from the car's polished power steering reservoir and bowtie branded oil cap to its silver engine block and trick dipsticks is fully sorted, ready to show and ready to hit the road!

Take a look underneath the car; instead of a heavy, loose and wallowing postwar chassis, you'll find a roster of modern pieces which work seamlessly to provide a confident driving experience. Up front, a full Mustang II suspension, which is complete with tubular lower control arms, power rack and pinion steering, a front sway bar and power disc brakes, is light years ahead of the stock parts it replaced. In the middle of the floors, a modern 700R4 automatic turns the engine's thrust into a liquid-smooth torque band. And out back, there's a Ford nine inch rear end that's fitted with passable 3.25 gears. A deep, vintage soundtrack is provided by a fresh dual exhaust system that rumbles through welded Flowmaster mufflers and stylish Megs tips. The floors are solid and covered in thick undercoat that'll ensure this bruiser can drive through the worst Mother Nature has to offer. And at the corners, stylish 17 inch Billet Specialties wheels wear versatile 215/45 front and 225/45 rear Kumho Ecsta SPT radials.

Pop open this intelligently designed cruiser's electric doors and check out its supple leather cockpit. While most customs strive for form over function, (i.e. they're beautiful but unable to be comfortably piloted by anyone other than an undersized 11-year-old) this Chevy is both good looking and completely livable. Want to drive it to work every day AND be the carpool guy? No problem! You've got plenty of room, modern comforts and a quiet, isolated ride. Top dead center, re-stitched late model Trans Am buckets offer up soft surfaces over OEM quality seating. At the front of the car, a tilt column puts the wheel anywhere you need while Dakota Digital gauges keep an eye on what's happening under the hood. In the middle of the car, a custom center console props controls and for the car's Vintage Air climate system between a modern Sony CD player, switches for the car's power windows and two cup holders. Behind you, a cushy back seat is large enough for four; and you'll definitely appreciate the custom carpeting, door panels, and headliner that trim everything out. Planning a trip on the Power Tour? Pop the car's electronic decklid and you'll find a completely finished trunk that, even with its custom panels and Sony Xplod CD changer, is large enough to stow cargo for two.

If you're looking for something a little different than a run-of-the-mill Chevy, this awesome '49 Fleetline is a fantastic choice. Distinctive, comfortable and professionally built, it's simply spectacular on the road; and with its overdrive transmission and mild gearing it'll even knock down good MPG figures. Few cars make us want to just punch out, grab the keys and run. This is certainly one of them!