What is the wheelbase of a 1948 Chevy?
In brief, the standard wheelbase for most 1948 Chevrolets was 112 inches (9 feet 4 inches). This distance between the front and rear axles defined interior space and ride characteristics for Chevrolet’s 1948 passenger cars, and most body styles on the 1948 chassis shared this baseline, including the Fleetline variants.
Baseline wheelbase for 1948 Chevrolet passenger cars
The 1948 Chevrolet passenger-car lineup was built on a single chassis with a wheelbase of 112 inches. This baseline underpinned sedan, coupe, and Fleetline configurations, while styling differences could affect the overall length but not the fundamental wheelbase.
Key body styles in 1948 that used the same baseline include:
- Fleetline Aerosedan and Fleetline fastback variants — wheelbase: 112 inches
- Styleline sedans and coupes — wheelbase: 112 inches
- Master Deluxe and Special Deluxe sedans — wheelbase: 112 inches
In practice, the wheelbase remained 112 inches across the major 1948 Chevrolet passenger models, with exterior length variations arising from body styling rather than changes to the chassis length.
Why wheelbase mattered for 1948 Chevrolets
The wheelbase influences handling, ride quality on imperfect roads, and interior legroom. For a postwar market prioritizing comfort and practicality, a stable 112-inch wheelbase provided predictable driving characteristics and ample interior space for most buyers.
For restorers and collectors today, the 112-inch baseline serves as a reference point when matching parts, aligning suspension components, and authenticating models from the era.
Notes for enthusiasts
While the wheelbase was largely uniform, some variations existed in overall length due to body style and trim. When precise measurements are critical for restoration or parts fitment, verify the specific body style against factory documentation or period literature.
Summary: The wheelbase of most 1948 Chevrolet passenger cars was 112 inches across the main body styles, providing a consistent chassis foundation for the year’s lineup. This baseline informs interior space, ride quality, and restoration accuracy for enthusiasts today.
