Like the other marques of the “Big Three” for 1948, Chevrolet continued to offer warmed-over pre-war styling from 1942 for one last time. It was the independents—Studebaker, Hudson, Packard, and Nash—that got the jump and offered all-new models. GM, Ford, and Chrysler would have to wait until 1949 for their turn. Chevrolet’s offering featured new grilles, while Fleetline Aerosedans continued on 116-inch wheelbases. The Aerosedan was Chevrolet’s most popular model by a wide margin, with 211,861 sales. Base price before options was $1,434. The dynamic styling of the Aerosedan gave the impression of movement, even when the car was at a standstill. Surprisingly, the rear seat offered good headroom and opening rear quarter windows despite the fastback roofline.

Though Chevrolet or Fisher Body never offered a “woodie,” rumors exist to say that one was designed to compete with the Ford Sportsman; however, Chevrolet management was unimpressed with the idea. Reputedly, “Country Club” wood panels were produced by Engineered Enterprises of Detroit and applied to the metal body of the Aerosedan. The ash and mahogany applique was made exclusively for the Aerosedan and was used only on the sides of the vehicle and not applied to the rear of the vehicle as on competitors from Ford and Chrysler. Whether this was available from Chevrolet dealers or bought from the outside accessory firm continues to be the subject of much conjecture.

This Country Club Aerosedan has been in the consignor’s collection for about three years. He notes that while driven infrequently, perhaps 150 or so miles, it has been started regularly and has been very reliable with no mechanical issues and has been recently serviced. It has been stored in a climate-controlled garage and shown only at local events. He adds that it is equipped with an unusual radiator overflow underhood and describes the chrome as being in excellent condition. Most recently, the laminated mahogany woodgrain has been carefully removed and replaced with new.

Finished in charcoal gray over a tan cloth interior, the vehicle is very tidy both inside and out and is nicely detailed underhood. It is equipped with numerous options, including the accessory windshield sun visor, whitewall tires, driving lights, left-hand outside spotlight, rear fender skirts and stone guards, front and rear bumperettes with front override bar, radio, clock, and a Chevrolet Super Deluxe heater. A 1948 shop manual, 1948 Kansas license plate, and an unusual period rear window blind are also included.

This is a most unusual and seldom-seen example of high-style post-war Chevrolet with the rare Country Club exterior trim. No doubt it will be the hit of Chevrolet local events and car shows wherever it will appear.