This is bizarre, but I need to give my insurance agency an estimate of how much my 1950 46S (special fastback) went for on the dealership showroom. They seem to have a problem with older cars and need a code. In lieu of a code.. they want to know how much the car was when it was new. Any ideas? It can be a rough estimate.

Deuce, the base list price on the 4-dr sedan jetback model 43 was $1909. The other Specials ran from approx. $1800 to $2000. Your 2-dr 46S probably sold for a bit less than the model 43. Cars with automatic transmission probably sold for $150-200. more.

If the agent just needs the insurance symbol letter, those are given in the NADA Official Used Car Guide pricing booklets. The August, 1950 edition shows a symbol of "H" applies to all 50 Specials.

Thanks! Damn.. you guys are a wealth of knowledge! Where did you find that? Well. I'm driving it full-time now. It's a little rough.. but all original. I need new dash lights, interior lights, etc. Is there a reliable spot on the net where I could find 6V lights, etc? Auto-Zone had the turnsignal bulb.. that was lucky. Again, thanks for all the great advice and help (you guys helped me out about 2 months ago) and as soon as the cretin down the street returns my digital camera.. ill post a few pics of the beast!

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proud owner of a 1950 fastback daily runner

The pricing info came out of a book called The Complete History of General Motors 1908-86 and a Cars & Parts magazine article on a 50 Super conv. from 94. The insurance info came out of the 1950 used car price guide (bought a pile of these at swap meet over 10 years ago; they sure came in handy tonight). Glad to get you working again with the insurance agent.

On the light bulbs, these are just about all still in production. The lamp numbers are industry standards- such as 44, 51, 81, 93 etc. Lots of the 6V dash lights are the same as those used as radio and TV pilot lights for years. Some bigger ones are used in high intensity desk lamps. One of the 6V sealed beam spotlights is still in use as a stage light for disco use. Tractors still use the smaller 6V sealed beam headlights.

Newark Electronics, Allied Electronics, maybe even Radio Shack carry lines of these miniature lamps. The manufacturers websites such as GE, Sylvania/OSRAM, Chicago Miniature, etc. are useful as well. As far as auto supply chains, I would think NAPA would carry a complete line of all automotive lamps.

I have even typed in the lamp number and the word LAMP into search engines with success. It will generate listings for bulb wholesalers all over who show the bulb on their site. If all else fails, report back here for help.

Good luck with the car, do post some pix.

[This message has been edited by TODD (edited 10-11-2001).]