Ron Thronson's 1951 Chevrolet

As it appeared in Car Craft January 1958. Photo by George Barris.

Photo by George Barris.

Photo by George Barris.

Photo by George Barris.

Photo by George Barris.

1951 Chevrolet 4-door Fleetline restyled by Branson's Custom Shop in Artesia, California for Ron Thronson of Costa Mesa, California. Ron's Fleetline featured no door handles, all 4 doors were electrically operated. The hood had been welded into one piece and peaked, it also featured rounded corners, and 64 louvers. A 1949 Mercury grille shell was molded installed, making a new smooth grille cavity. A typical George Branson trademark was the hand shaped front pan, featuring push bar bumpers, cut from driveshafts, then chromed. A 1953 Chevrolet grille was mounted from the rear, giving the illusion of a floating grille. The rear bumper was discarded as well, and all the seams were filled. It also had a set of 1953 Oldsmobile taillights and license bracket was installed in the extended rear pan. Once all the bodywork was done, it was painted Bronze and fit with a white and brown interior. The stock 216 engine was replaced by a full-house flathead Mercury. In order to get the right stance, the frame was C'd, and 3 coils were cut up front, and the rear springs were de-arched. Oldsmobile Fiesta hubcaps wrapped up the style.

Magazine Features and Appearances

Car Craft January 1958