Lot Ended
Description
Ex-South African Air Force; lovely RHD '41 Chev for summer 'cruisin';
comfy seating for six; loads of recent work and rust-free; driven 50+ miles to
the sale; nicely original and ready to go
The Special Deluxe from
Chevrolet was their last non-military model introduction during WWII,
featuring new lower, wider bodywork. It retained the bomb-proof
straight-six 3,549cc engine and three-on-the-tree gearchange.
Chevrolet
passenger car production ceased in February 1942, a mildly facelifted
model being re-introduced in 1946 as the 'Stylemaster'.
This
car was assembled by GM South Africa using a Fisher bodyshell and
produced in RHD. It was sold straight into the South African Air Force,
with correspondence on file confirming this, although the SAAF weren't able to
shed much light on its history with them - presumably as some form of Staff
Car.
It is interesting to note that the chassis is stamped
SAAF/SACM 85 - an Air Force internal code which proves its early
involvement in the War effort. The window winders even have embossed
Springboks jumping in a blue roundel which mirrors the SAAF Insignia of the
time.
The rest of its history in South Africa remains unclear, so we
don't know when it was demobbed, but the previous owner discovered it in
Paarl, a town North East of Cape Town in 2020. The car was in lovely original
condition, even down to the interior.
He imported
it and UK registered the car in 2021. It was improved with some
new grille parts and some fresh carpets and passed to our vendor in
2022.
He has greatly enjoyed the car, improving and
maintaining it, turning it into a reliable proposition with many
long-distance journeys to its credit. The brakes have been overhauled with new
cylinders, a new stainless exhaust downpipe fitted and the carburettor
given a full overhaul - with invoices to show the parts involved. It was driven
over 50 miles to the sale.
The arrival of a Chrysler 70 in the garage has
meant something has to go, this extremely nicely presented Special Deluxe
being closest to the door.
Unusual in being RHD, it's new owner will be
able to enjoy comfortable 6-up holidays, trips to the pub or for the
military enthusiast, the chance to dress as the senior officer and enjoy the
salutes!!
Contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com
* All charges are subject to VAT