About this vehicle
This 1948 has a known history and still wears its original paint. It was bought new by the Federal US Government, Bureau of Reclamation, and was one of a fleet of similar cars used maintaining the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state. It was car #88-161. It was sold in the early 1950’s when it became surplus. It was then privately owned in Oregon. The Licence Plate that came with the car, GTA 942 was issued in 1963 and bears a 1968 renewal sticker. After 20 years of service, it was put in long term storage until purchased by the current owner a dozen years ago.Seller's Notes
The current owner had the woodwork repaired, retaining as much of the original ash framing as possible and replacing the panels with new mahogany plywood. We saved the old front door plywood, because you can see the faded outines of the original Crest logo of the department of the Interior, and the lettering “BUREAU OF RECLAMATION”. The number 88-161 is painted on the upper drivers window frame, and also appears on a brass tag on the center of the upper tail gate, right below the handle. The brakes were professionally rebuilt, with new wheel cylinders, master cylinder, hoses, shoes and drums sourced from Chevs Of The 40’s. The gas tank was cleaned, new fuel lines, new fuel pump, carb was rebuilt. A new 6 volt battery was installed November 2025. The car starts and yard drives.Vehicle Details
This is an original service car that was worked hard and yet, it got a lot of care and was lucky enough to have been carefully stashed away for almost 50 years. When the current owner got it, the seats had been recovered by the previous owner, and the woodwork was mostly intact, but falling apart. The lower tailgate was completely rotted away. The previous owner claimed the engine ran well when parked, but there were no receipts for engine work. The previous owner mounted new white wall tires, which are now 20 plus years old and will need to be replaced.
Exterior
The third to last photo is an image of a different car, to show how the rear bumpers and tailgate mounted spare originally mount. These rare parts are included but not mounted. Also included are the hard to find drip rails that frame the vinyl roof, that remains undone needing to be replaced. The last two photos are how the car was found with the deteriorated original panels.
Interior
The roof slats were mostly intact, but you can see that some are newly replaced. The rear metal section is imperfect but usable. It will need to be covered with fabric, padding and a new vinyl top. The floors are quite good, with minor thin areas and some rust perforation in a few areas. Floors were treated with POR-15 black paint. The body has never been removed from the frame. The frame rails are sound and original.
The front bumper is new, as are the hubcaps. The long horizontal stainless trims that run under the doors are intact, good rare pieces that are only attached with baling wire at this time. We also have a video of the engine start and running, and driving, backing up, yard driving. Bruce 8o5 55o 2l51
Engine
The engine starts, runs, does not smoke or rattle. Will yard drive, stops fine. Emergency brake is not adjusted. Wiring is mostly intact, but very frayed. No lights work. Not road worthy, needs a new wiring harness, new tires, etc. I include a Monopoly game that celebrates the history of the Bureau of Reclamation, see photos.
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