Elite Dealer

1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster

Michigan

$9,295

Vehicle Details

Make

Chevrolet

Model

Fleetmaster

Year

1946

Mileage

3,000 miles

Body Type

Coupe

Transmission

Automatic

Drivetrain

RWD

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Engine

with headers

Condition

Fair

Description

This 1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster coupe is a solid hot rod foundation waiting for a passionate builder. The car is powered by a 350 engine fitted with headers and backed by a rebuilt TH350 automatic transmission. Disc brakes handle stopping duty up front, with drums managing the rear, though the brake lines need attention before road use.

The project presents an opportunity to complete a classic with modern mechanicals while preserving the character of the post-war Chevy platform. The car requires finishing work but the mechanical backbone is in place for someone ready to bring this vintage coupe to life. This is a genuine hot rod prospect for the builder with vision and commitment to see it through.

Chevrolet Fleetmaster Buyer's Guide

Full guide

Mike Sullivan

Muscle Cars

1946–1948

~3 min read

Updated Apr 2026

The best postwar Chevy before the all-new 1949 redesign — the Fleetmaster offers authentic late-1940s style with a hot rod pedigree that never gets old.

This guide covers

✓ 8-point inspection checklist

✓ Common issues & what to avoid

✓ In-person inspection guide

✓ Market pricing by year & condition

✓ 3 FAQs answered

✓ History & fun facts

Read the Full Fleetmaster Buyer's Guide

Chevrolet Fleetmaster Market Overview

Based on 16 Chevrolet Fleetmaster listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

Listed Now

$30,896

Avg. Asking Price

1937–1948

Year Range

Price Position on Our Site — Average Range

This car: $9,295

Low: $3,995 High: $82,995

Transmission Distribution

Automatic 63% ◄

Manual 13%

Condition Distribution

Excellent 19%

Good 6%

Fair 6% ◄

Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 16 listings →

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What is this car worth?

Check sold prices for the 1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster

Valuation Tool →

Chevrolet Fleetmaster Buyer's Guide

The Chevrolet Fleetmaster is the top-of-the-line postwar Chevy for the years immediately following World War II — a time when any new car was a treasure in a nation starved for consumer goods. Built from 1946 through 1948 on prewar tooling with modest updates, the Fleetmaster sports, convertibles, and fastbacks represent the last gasp of genuine prewar American styling before the all-new 1949 designs swept the market clean. These are approachable, affordable classics with enormous custom potential.

What to Check Before Buying

✓

Probe floor pans under carpet and verify quality of any previous repair work —

✓

Test cooling system — thermostat, water pump, hoses, and radiator core —

✓

Inspect convertible top bows for rot (wooden frame) and canvas condition —

✓

Check brake master cylinder for leaks and verify all four wheel cylinders —

✓

Inspect Fleetmaster-specific chrome trim — hood ornament and body molding condition —

✓

Verify engine identity — Stovebolt six or SBC swap (impact valuation accordingly) —

✓

Check windshield seal condition — leaks cause dash and floor rot —

✓

Inspect firewall for rust and verify wiring harness condition —

Common Issues

Floor pan rust is nearly universal — expect it and evaluate repair quality. The Stovebolt six overheats with neglected cooling systems. Convertible wooden top bows decay over decades. Brake system seals age and the master cylinder needs rebuilding on most unrestored cars. Missing Fleetmaster-specific trim is common and can be expensive to replace.

What to Look For

The ideal Fleetmaster buy is a southwestern survivor with original paint oxidized to a beautiful patina, a freshly rebuilt cooling system and brakes, and complete Fleetmaster trim. These cars are increasingly acquired as preservation-class originals rather than full restorations — a well-documented, running original commands strong respect at shows and auctions. For hot rod buyers, focus on structural integrity over cosmetics — a solid Sport Coupe with rotten trim is worth more than a flashy one with questionable floors.

Price Guide

Aerosedan stock driver: $12,000–$22,000. Sport Coupe in correct colors: $18,000–$30,000. Convertible (original): $30,000–$55,000; restored: $55,000–$85,000. Custom/hot rod builds: $25,000–$45,000 depending on quality and execution.

Did You Know?

The Fleetmaster name was chosen to evoke prestige and confidence in the postwar consumer market — 'fleet' suggesting speed and efficiency, 'master' suggesting mastery and quality. The 1946–1948 cars were literally sold before they were built in many markets, with dealers taking deposits a year or more in advance. The 'Stovebolt Six' nickname for Chevrolet's inline six-cylinder came from the stove-bolt screws used extensively in its construction — it became a term of affection.

Elite Dealer

$9,295

1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster

Michigan

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