Jean-Daniel Mottier's 1951 Chevrolet Fleetline
1951 Chevrolet Fleetline owned and restyled by Crazy Cruisers member Jean-Daniel Mottier of Geneva, Switzerland.
Background
In 1998, Mottier acquired a 1951 Chevrolet Fleetline located in Marseille, France. The vehicle had recently arrived from Texas and was described as being in largely original and complete condition at the time of purchase. The car was transported to Geneva, Switzerland, where it underwent a full frame-off rebuild.
Modifications
The Fleetline was completely dismantled and rebuilt with period-inspired custom modifications. The rear was fitted with frenched 1959 Cadillac taillights, while the front headlights were also frenched into the body. The fender skirts were extended downward, and newly fabricated lower aluminum bumpers produced by Briz Bumper were adapted and installed.
Additional bodywork included the removal of the roof gutter, exterior badges, selected chrome trim pieces, and the rear trunk lock. The hood was welded into a single panel. Side trim from a 1956 Chevrolet Two-Ten was installed along the body.
The suspension was modified using dropped spindles at the front and lowered springs at the rear. The original drivetrain was replaced with a Chevrolet 283 cubic inch V8 engine sourced from a 1962 boat, paired with a Turbo-Hydramatic 350 automatic transmission. A rear axle from a 1978 Chevrolet Malibu was also installed. The completed vehicle was approved for road use in Switzerland.
Ownership History
Mottier retained ownership of the Fleetline for approximately ten years before selling it to an owner in France. Over the following thirteen years, the car had two owners and was driven infrequently. In 2024, the vehicle was purchased by Vince and Marilyn, members of the same car club community, and returned to Switzerland, where it remains in use.
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