A friend of mine sent me the following email along with these photographs. The story is absolutely amazing. Does anyone out there know if this story is true?
1950 Chevrolet Club Coupe
437 original, actual miles
Purchased new by Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Trueblood of Modesto . Shortly after purchasing this car, Mr. Trueblood took a day off to go fishing. While waiting for the "big one" to bite he witnessed a woman fall out of her boat. Mr. Trueblood jumped in to help only to fall victim of a fatal heart attack. Mrs. Trueblood returned the car home and placed it in the garage for the next 12 years. The odometer reading at that time was 413 miles.
Mrs. Trueblood lived next door to a used car lot owned by Mr. William E. Wilson (now 81 years old). Mr. Wilson spoke with her frequently and often told her he would like to buy the car for himself to keep. In 1962 the time had come. Mrs. Trueblood told Mr. Wilson she needed a car for her bookkeeper who didn't really care for the ol' Chevy and would prefer a Rambler. No problem. Mr. Wilson went down to the local Rambler dealer and bought a brand new one for $1,650.00 ($100..00 over cost) and made the swap.
He then took the car home and parked it with 433 actual miles. And there it sat for the next 45 years, occasionally being started and moved in and out of the garage. In 2007 Mr. Wilson decided to sell the car and started spreading the word around Modesto that the ol' Chevy with 433 miles on it was for sale. Many had heard about the car, but hardly anyone had ever laid eyes on it. In fact, according to Mr. Wilson he believes he only showed the car to about 5 people in 45 years. Word spread quickly about the car and soon a buyer arrived ready and willing to pay the $60,000 asking price. When Mr. Wilson told me the story of this car he complained heavily of the "capital gains" tax he was required to pay and wished he had never sold it. As of this writing, Mr. Wilson is still alive and well in Modesto and can verify the miles and originality of this car. Simply put, this is a true 100% factory original survivor (that includes the air in the tires). This ol' Chevy now has 437 original miles and is most likely the world's lowest mileage 1950 Chevy.
Everybody is posting this, but nobody has any confirmation yet. I searched for about an hour, and nothing concrete is out there. I'm sure some magazine would be all over this if it were really as advertised. It's a hoax to me until I learn that someone verifies it. Cool story though.
ReplyDeleteGreat post on the Branson museum!
I agree have you seen an honest used car sales man and if you look at the left fender below the gas cap it looks like a rust through or something
ReplyDeleteand it is easy to make up a story
I would like to think that this is a true story but I have had over 45 years experience with "NEW,VINTAGE, & ANTIQUE CARS".
ReplyDeleteI don't think the engine compartment represents a 1950's car with approx. 440 miles. The firewall looks rough. The engine valve cover appears to be quite rough, The carburetor appears to stained with varnish from gasoline, the remote oil filter housing does not appear to be like a filter housing with less than 500 miles on it. There appears to be some sort of blemish or possible rust above the left side fender skirt. The seat covers do not seem to be original but aftermarket.
This is strictly my own observance but I have my doubts about the validity of the story.
This car should be in immaculate condition for only 400 some miles. It should be "SHOWROOM QUALITY" & in my opinion it is not.
Bill