Classic/Antique Car Repair: What type of gasoline to use?, chevy coupe, unleaded gasoline

Question
I recently purchased a 1952 Chevy Deluxe. Just wondering if unleaded gasoline should be used in that motor. Your reply would be appreciated.

Thank You,
MAx March  

Answer
Unleaded gas is the only gas you can buy, legally, these days, so you don't really have a choice.  The so called "lead substitutes" in a can help only by lightening your wallet so the car doesn't have to work so hard - in other words, I don't recommend them - I think it is a scam on us old car owners.

Running on unleaded gas will not hurt your engine unless you are pulling a house trailer at 80MPH plus across the desert in 120 degree heat with the AC on full blast - in otherwords it is perfectly safe to use for normal use of your car.  Someday, hopefully years in the future, you will wear your engine out and have to have it rebuilt.  At that time, if you want to spend a few hundred extra dollars, you can have hardened valve seats installed in the head, and that will let you pull that trailer across the desert!

Good luck with your Chevy - I drove a 51 Chevy coupe all through my college years (52-56) - it was comfortable and nice looking - a great car, and I'd buy it back in a flash!

Dick