The Chevy Suburban, then known as the Chevy Carryall Suburban, debuted for the 1935 model year as the first production all-metal bodied station wagon. The Suburban name has been in continuous use longer than any other, with the only civilian production hiatus occurring during World War II. From 1943 to 1945, the Suburban was built for the United States military as a transport vehicle.
In 1947, the Chevy Suburban received a restyling for its third generation. Based on the Chevrolet Advance Design pickup series, the Suburban shared much of the Advance Design styling and architecture. This would eventually be the inspiration for the 2006-to-2011 Chevy HHR.
Our feature 1948 Chevy Suburban has been tastefully restomodded into a people-carrying hot rod. Resplendent in what appears to be Chevrolet Crystal Red Metallic, this rust-free Arizona Suburban has had much of its exterior trim painted for a smoother look. Windows are deeply tinted, and the chrome bumpers and trim are quite brilliant. Brake lights and turn signal lenses are in fine condition. The running boards have been smoothed and painted. The overall look is quite clean.
Inside the Chevy Suburban, the upholstery has been updated with two-tone light and dark gray cloth with seats sourced from a modern Chevy Tahoe. The traditional twin round gauges have been replaced by digital units. Just beneath the dash is the climate control system from Vintage Air, complete with modern air conditioning. The Suburban is equipped with power steering, power brakes, cruise control, and what looks to be a tilt steering column from a 1970s-era Chevy Camaro.
Powering the Chevy Suburban is a 350 cubic-inch Small Block V8 crate engine backed by a three-speed automatic transmission that sends power to a Camaro differential. The front suspension also comes courtesy of a Camaro, and there are disc brakes all around.
This slick Chevy Suburban will cross the auction block at the Mecum Auctions Glendale, Arizona sale March 16th through the 19th.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Suburban news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
A CUV before CUVs were a thing.
I see my Cardinal Red HHR ‘s great-grandfather.
I’ve owned 20 Suburban from 2017 back to 55. The late model is real nice but I drive my 66 2 door Carryall more than the 17.
I have a soft spot for HHR’s.
Well done. A+. Suggest future Suburban restorations be equipped with a diesel engine. Very cool.
This, although expert rebuild, is why I don’t enjoy ‘Cruise Nights’ anywhere near as much as I used to…. I look at these things and ask “What have you got? A car which is neither new nor old”.
I can see replacing the PITA 10,000 mile ignition systems with a more modern electronic ignition, but only to minimize the routine service required. An Aluminized Exhaust system is another maintenance saver.
But its healthy to have a hobby as they say, so different people have a different calling with these vintage vehicles…. But I’d think the car would be more valuable if it was much closer to the original.
Bill, If you love the old school look but want it to run an drive excellent, Resto-mod or pro-touring is the only way to make it happen.
Dave –
While I admit this ‘resto’ wasn’t nearly as outlandish as some of them, this did go somewhat beyond what was necessary for reliability….
To your point though – there will come a time when 1948 original parts simply will be unavailable, and SOME modernization will be necessary just to keep the car running….
My point about “Cruise Nights” still stands as the changes typically seen are off the wall. Again not here, and there is personal preference involved, but some items, like a digital dashboard – you have to admit are not absolutely necessary at this point….. Mechanical Speedometers and Odometers, – or at a minimum – Mechanical ‘Looking’ Gauges are still commonplace.
I just bought this 48 Suburban – unfortunately there is no history with it! Can anyone tell me who built it, when and where? Would like some history on the Camaro front end trans and rear end. Engine does not appear to be a crate engine at all – looks to be a rebuild – seems to run well but crate engine it is not! Thanks
Bill: Join and blog with members of the GM truck club for answers to your 1948 Suburban questions.
Thanks Dave – I joined last night.
You’re welcome. I love vintage Suburbans. Very rare and hard to find in restorable condition. Bill Harrah, RIP, in Reno, loved them too. Bill had the finest auto museum in the USA in Sparks, Nevada before it was sold off by the purchaser of his casino-hotel business.