Car: Chevrolet Deluxe Coupe
Year: 1952
What makes it special: The Chevrolet Deluxe was a trim line marketed from 1941 to 1952. The line included, at first a 4-door sedan, but grew to include a fastback 2-door “Arosedan” and other body styles. During the post-war years and continuing through the early 1950’s the Deluxe range was Chevrolet’s sales leader, offering style and luxury appointments unavailable in the base Special series; and a wider range of body styles, including a convertible, Sport Coupe hardtop, two- and four-door sedans and four-door station wagons.
What made it famous: The other change was the availability of Powerglide, a two-speed automatic transmission, exclusively in the Deluxe and Bel Air models. It was powered by a 235-cubic inch six-cylinder engine developing 105 horsepower and had a 3.55:1 rear differential; the engine went on to become the “Blue Flame six.” Models sold with the standard 3-speed manual transmission got the usual 216.5-cubic inch engine, developing 92 horsepower. Many comfort, convenience and styling options were available, including tinted glass which was introduced in 1952, the final year for this style. After the end of the 1952 model year, the old nameplates, Special and Deluxe, were retired, and changed to 150 and 210, respectively, with trim similar to their respective former series.
Why I would want one: The Deluxe is a very popular model for street rod material.
Fun fact: Popular Mechanics rated fuel economy of 20mpg at 50 mph.