How much is a 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster worth today

As of late 2025, most 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster sedans and coupes trade between $12,000 and $30,000, with exceptional restorations reaching $35,000–$45,000. Convertibles typically command $40,000–$90,000 depending on condition, while authentic wood-bodied station wagons (“woodies”) can range from roughly $80,000 to $150,000+, with standout examples higher. Values vary widely by body style, originality, documentation, quality of restoration, and current buyer demand; below is a detailed look at today’s market and how to estimate a specific car’s value.

What drives the price

Fleetmaster values hinge on far more than their model year. Buyers and insurers weigh condition, body style, and history heavily, and the market has diverged: well-documented, correctly restored cars remain strong, while average 1940s sedans are steady to slightly soft. Understanding these levers helps frame a realistic price range.

The list below outlines the primary factors that influence what a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster is worth today.

• Body style: Convertibles and factory wood-bodied station wagons bring the most; sedans and business coupes are more affordable.
• Condition tier: Project, driver, very good/excellent, and concours levels can shift value by multiples.
• Originality: Matching-numbers drivetrain, correct trim, and period details typically outperform non-original or heavily altered cars.
• Documentation: Provenance, restoration receipts, and judging sheets add confidence and value.
• Mechanical health: Reliable, road-ready cars with sorted brakes, cooling, and electrics get stronger offers.
• Cosmetics: Quality of paint, chrome, wood (on wagons), interior materials, fit/finish, and authenticity matter.
• Options and trim: Accessory heaters, radios, fog lamps, wheel trim, and rare period options can add appeal.
• Market venue and timing: Top-tier auctions and private sales to marque enthusiasts may realize higher prices than generic classifieds.

Individually these factors can move a sale price modestly, but together they determine whether a car lands at the bottom, middle, or top of its range.

Current market ranges by body style and condition (late 2025)

The figures below reflect typical asking and sale ranges seen across insurance price guides, specialist dealers, major classifieds, and public auction results over the past 12–18 months. They are directional, not a formal appraisal, and exceptional cars can sit outside these bands.

Sedans and business coupes (Fleetmaster 2-door/4-door)

These are the most common Fleetmasters and provide the baseline for the model’s market. Condition is the principal driver of value.

• Project/Fair (needs major work, incomplete, non-running or significant rust): $4,000–$9,000
• Driver (presentable paint/interior, runs and stops, older restoration or sympathetic preservation): $12,000–$20,000
• Very Good/Excellent (quality paint and chrome, strong mechanicals, largely correct): $22,000–$32,000
• Concours/show-quality (fresh high-level restoration, judged, highly correct): $35,000–$45,000

Well-sorted drivers with tasteful period accessories tend to sell fastest; concours cars are fewer and take longer to match with the right buyer.

Convertible (Fleetmaster Convertible)

Open-top Fleetmasters are far scarcer and more desirable, with wide spreads between project and show-ready examples.

• Project/Fair: $18,000–$30,000
• Good driver: $40,000–$60,000
• Excellent (correct, fresh cosmetics, strong mechanicals): $65,000–$85,000
• Concours/show-quality: $90,000–$120,000

Original drivetrain, correct top mechanisms, and high-quality interior work meaningfully improve outcomes in this category.

Station Wagon (“Woodie”)

Fleetmaster wood-bodied wagons are among the most valuable Chevrolets of the era; the condition of the wood and the quality of restoration are decisive.

• Project/Fair (wood repair needed, incomplete): $35,000–$60,000
• Good driver (sound wood, presentable cosmetics): $80,000–$120,000
• Excellent (documented restoration, correct details): $130,000–$170,000
• Concours/show-quality: $175,000–$200,000+

Because professional wood restoration is costly, buyers pay premiums for wagons with documented, expertly completed woodwork and correct hardware.

Modified/Restomod builds

Period-looking cars with modern running gear appeal to a different buyer set; values reflect build quality rather than originality.

• Mild upgrades (12V conversion, radial tires, reliability mods): $18,000–$35,000
• Quality restomod (modern V8/I6, auto, disc brakes, AC, updated suspension): $35,000–$65,000+
• High-end pro build (show-quality, custom metalwork/interiors, dyno-tuned): $70,000–$100,000+

Receipts, photos, and a recognizable builder’s name can greatly influence prices in the modified segment.

How to estimate what yours is worth

Arriving at a realistic figure for a specific Fleetmaster requires documenting the car and then triangulating from current, relevant comparables.

1. Identify the exact body style and trim, and note any rare options or accessories.
2. Evaluate condition honestly across body, paint, chrome, wood (if a wagon), interior, chassis, and drivetrain.
3. Gather documentation: ownership history, restoration receipts, judging sheets, and photos.
4. Pull comparables from multiple sources (e.g., insurer price guides, Classic.com sale histories, Bring a Trailer and Hemmings results) within the last 12–18 months.
5. Adjust for differences in condition, originality, mileage, and venue; prioritize comps closest to your configuration.
6. Consider a pre-sale inspection or appraisal if aiming for the top of a range or selling at auction.

A well-documented car with recent, relevant comps will appraise more cleanly and attract more confident offers.

Recent market signals (2024–2025)

Broader collector-car trends over the past two years help contextualize Fleetmaster pricing and momentum.

• Mainstream 1940s sedans and coupes: generally stable to slightly soft, with buyers prioritizing turn-key drivers over projects.
• Top-quality open cars and woodies: continued strong interest, with best-in-class examples achieving premium outcomes.
• Originality premium: correctly restored or well-preserved examples often outpace modified cars dollar-for-dollar.
• Restoration economics: rising labor and materials costs favor buying finished cars over taking on major projects.
• Usability factor: discreet reliability upgrades (cooling, braking, electrics) can improve liquidity without hurting value.

In short, quality and documentation remain the clearest differentiators in this slice of the market.

Bottom line

A typical 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster sedan or coupe changes hands around $12,000–$30,000 today, with excellent, highly correct examples reaching the $35,000–$45,000 bracket. Convertibles usually command $40,000–$90,000, and wood-bodied wagons sit higher still, often $80,000–$150,000+. For a precise number, anchor your estimate to current, configuration-matched comps and the car’s documented condition and originality.

What size engine is in a 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster?

The Fleetmaster, which replaced the “prewar” Chevrolet Special Deluxe, was powered by a 216.5 cu in (3.5 L) Straight-six engine driving through a 3-speed manual transmission. It was offered in 2-door Town Sedan, 4-door Sport Sedan, 2-door Sports Coupe, 2-door Convertible and 4-door Station Wagon models.

How much is a 1948 Chevrolet?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,250 for a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline in good condition with average spec.

How much is a 1948 Chevy truck worth today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $25,150 for a 1948 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1948 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $121,000.

How much is a 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $26,000 for a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster in good condition with average spec.