1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Sedan Restomod

1941 marked the last year of full production before World War II. Spencer Tracy was selected as America's favorite movie star and given a new 1941 Chevrolet as part of a promotional contest. That year saw restyling virtually across GM's entire lineup — increased compression ratio, flat top pistons, a smaller combustion chamber, redesigned rocker arms, and improved ignition points.

Longer, lower, wider bodies were mounted on an improved chassis with a wheelbase stretched three inches. Headlights were now blended into the fenders, chrome moldings decorated the front fender tops, and concealed safety steps replaced running boards. The Special Deluxe added chrome block letters on the rear hood sides, a deluxe steering wheel with horn ring, stainless steel hood and window reveal moldings, and a chrome-plated license plate lamp.

Specials are rarely seen today as few were ordered new. This rare example is the proud recipient of a complete body-off-the-frame restoration totaling over $75,000 by Abacus Racing in Norfolk, Virginia, documented by a large file of invoice records. It wears high-gloss black paint with a correct OEM front sun visor, factory bumper guards, rear fender skirts, and wide whitewall tires with red script hubcaps.

The cabin was overhauled by Paul's Custom Interiors of Virginia Beach ($8,500+), with power steering, Vintage Air A/C, Pioneer stereo, restored woodgrain dash, and Ididit steering column. Under the hood, a GM crate 350 cid V-8 with Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection, March pulley system, Be Cool aluminum radiator, custom stainless steel headers, and a Turbo 350 automatic transmission.