One of the many memorable references in the classic 1999 film Office Space refers to “flair.” A restaurant employee is approached by her manager about needing to accessorize her uniform with as many additional buttons and adornments as possible. “We want you to express yourself,” the manager says.
When I see a vehicle with lots of accessories, I think of it as having automotive flair. Case in point:
The Pick of the Day is a 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe four-door sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Chino, California. (Click the link to view the listing)
It takes more than a passing glance to appreciate everything that this car has going on with it. From front to back, the exterior is complemented by chrome bumpers, a hood ornament, fog lights, a sun visor, wheel skirts, whitewall tires, and plenty of other trim.
The interior is similarly decked out, complete with a radio, a woodgrain dash, a compass, and a traffic viewer. The name of that last feature was new to me, so I had to look it up. A traffic light viewer was a sort of prism that attached to the top of the instrument cluster. It allowed the driver to see the intersection lights without stooping or squinting.
The Chevrolet Deluxe rode on the General Motors A-body platform and was marketed for about a decade from 1941 through 1952 – therein spanning periods of time both before and after World War II. According to the listing, today’s featured car has been fully restored, and based on the photos, the work appears to be of high quality throughout. The colorful red accents which are featured on the brightwork and the steel wheels add a neat contrast to the otherwise monochromatic look.
Power comes from a “Victory Six” 216cid inline-six that was rated at 85 horsepower. The only available transmission at the time was a column-shifted synchromesh three-speed manual. The seller says that the electrical system of today’s car was upgraded from the original six-volt system to a 12-volt setup.
Does this car have too much or too little “flair” for your tastes? I like the look, but perhaps that’s because my grandpa’s former 1950 Buick Special had similar accessory treatment.
“Rest assured, beautiful classic,” the listing concludes. The asking price is $39,500, which includes a magazine article about the car.
To view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com, see the listing here.
What’s the deal with the steering wheel?
I do not understand why a restoration of a nice car like this would also include lowering it such has been done here. If the owner wanted to sell it, why do that and possibly drive potential buyers away?
Steering wheel–looks like the restorer tried to reinforce the wheel as it is non-power steering and a heavy car?
I’m sure he built it for himself. This is not unusual at all.
The intended customer for this type of vehicle will find it.
The steering wheel is a very rare accessory and is correct for the car. It was a very well thought out version of the Neckers Knob. Nice 41
That steering wheel is a factory upgrade steering wheel, and it is very rare, so the person who said that he tried to reinforce the steering wheel, no.
It is a beautiful piece of automobile design and history! It is lovely, except for cutting down the original spring height. Great trim, paint and 1930s design.