In the years immediately following the Second World War, Chevrolet used much of its prewar tooling in its model range, including the Fleetmaster line. Options and amenities generally increased, but the well-designed Chevrolets were largely unchanged during the late 1940s as business boomed with a car-starved American public. According to period records, this model was powered by a 90 horsepower 216.5 cubic inch “Thriftmaster” straight-six. The transmission is a column-shift three-speed manual. Chevy offered several body styles, including a coupe, town sedan, convertible and two-door fastback sedan. Commercial vehicles built on this passenger car chassis were popular then and now, but rarely seen today.

The utility vehicle has been an important part of motoring’s history. Whether it is a large truck for heavy transport and lifting, or a small pickup truck; the truck platform was the machine that was utilized by service professionals to come repair your home’s appliances in period. Repairmen would make their welcome housecalls many times in the Sedan Delivery; they offered spaciousness for tools and parts, plus they had car-like qualities that made the time on the road all the more comfortable and productive.

This nicely restored 1948 example is the uncommon Stylemaster Sedan Delivery, a spacious, panel-sided wagon with large single rear door at the back of its Fisher-built body. According to the window sticker seen in the photo-array above, the Chevrolet was sold new at Sloate Chevrolet Co., Inc. of Hartford, Connecticutt and came with bumper guards, grille guard, heater and defroster. Finished in black, it is dressed with chrome hubcaps, trim rings and wide whitewall tires. Red pinstripes add a subtle touch of understated style. Although designed as a work vehicle, the importance of styling was still paramount in this period and Chevrolet offered up long and graceful sweeping front fenders that pushed the car towards the styling that the 1950s would bring, while retaining the bulbous and efficient rear cabin.

This example is reported to have been the recipient of a full restoration that has returned it to “like new” condition. It’s finished in gleaming black and the paint is very nicely presented. There is no shortage of chrome styling elements on this platform and it sparkles as when new. The front end displays enough of these touches that many period cars would likely be put to shame.

The two factory seats are black and, as a delivery vehicle, there is nothing behind them except for a cavernous and endlessly usable storage area that has thick gray carpet on the floor, panel walls and a defined headliner. The dashboard is well-detailed to go along with the strong overall presence. Whether it is used as an uncommon alternative to touring with plenty of room, or rolling into a local car show, the Sedan Delivery almost always generates many stories that are recalled from past experiences and the vehicle’s novelty of design. Many businesses have been represented on the sides of the sedan delivery body type in the era of this vehicle, as on the HHR’s and similar vehicles to this day.