1952 Styleline
Australian specification '52. They were manufactured as 4 doors only and retained the same dash layout as the '49. Unique to Australia was a utility version (aka Pick Up in North America)

This car was re-registered in June 1998 and has full NSW registration. It is driven regularly on weekends and public holidays, although heavy rain is avoided (those vacuum wipers...)

It still sports a 6 volt system and the original 216ci six cylinder dipper lubricated engine as per original specification, although initially we ran an 8 volt battery for a while.

When Lynne first revealed that she was going to inherit this car, I was somewhat bemused. Where were we going to keep it anyway? Besides Des was fit and well and he wasn't leaving us in the medium term.

Sadly, Lynne's father died unexpectedly in December 1995. Early in 1998 we went out and fetched the Chev from the family home. It occurred to me that there was only one thing to do. Des restored the vehicle himself, from the upholstery to the paint work. It was his ghost. For him and Lynne I would get this car on the road and drive it.

First task was new tyres. That was ok, but the front suspension proved problematical. It had to be restored. It was in the workshop over a month as parts were hard to come by. It was finally ready and I picked it up, only to arrive home with no brakes.

I booked it in for a blue slip inspection and made arrangements for a tow truck. I had to cancel at the last minute as the battery went flat. After sorting out the battery, it was down to the workshop for repair and inspection. All new wheel cylinders and brake lines were fitted, but waiting for parts meant she was in the shop for several weeks.
Finally in June 1998 she was pronounced roadworthy and was registered. Since then the gear box has been rebuilt and the radiator replaced, but she's ticking along nicely. And our cocker spaniels love riding in her.