This "Super" script is the difference between the two years. Marc already pointed that out in his reply :TU:
Marc I'm confused (doesn't take much I assure you) ou: The 'Super' in script on the lower fender tells us it is a 48, but it has the off white with copper rings instruments which tell us it is a 47. It isn't an automatic. Maybe the dash/instrument panel has been replaced at some point?? The plot thickens.
Since it's right hand drive, it's conceivable that they used a spare dash cluster they might have made up from 1947. I guess the best way is to look up at Erik's post and work out the serial numbers. But it definitely is not an early 45-46 model. Now to add to the confusion; the release dates in those days were blurred; they weren't as set in stone as they are now. So it is conceivable that your car is a 47 with some 48 trim on it, particularly if it is a rebadged left over. 1947 was also the last year for standard transmission only, in 1948 they introduced the Dynaflow to the Roadmaster and the Super lineup, but I think those ended up being US sales only, they weren't available overseas for at least another year. So in essence, who knows...yours could be a 47 with the Super badge added, a lot of people did that then. Maroon is a fantastic colour for that bodystyle, as is black. Mind you, that off-white that yours is in isn't bad either. If a car looks good in white, then it'll look good in any colour. Either way, I'd just settle in and enjoy it. I was glad to have mine, but never really got to enjoy it much. It was a totally original car, never had been pulled apart, so I didn't really trust it. I rescued it from a 10 year stint in open storage on a used car lot (welfare clunker lot) about 14 years ago and got it running top notch. But, it was just at the cusp of wanting a major and total correct restoration which I couldn't give it, so I wound up getting rid of it to someone who could save it. One thing you'll want to check before you drive it any distances is if the rear wheel bearings had been repacked recently. Usually they were done whenever the brakes were re-lined. Most existing cars have not had that done since the 70s. That style of "serviceable" rear axle went the way of the Dodo in about 1950 with the advent of the sealed system. The rear axle is that car's Achilles Heel, so you want to make sure it's well looked after.
Sadly the '48 that I had came to an unhappy and permanent end. It's the only car that I have ever rolled. The big Super fastback held up well and was even still driveable after it's inversion, but the sheet metal was so wrinkled that it was beyond economical repair. I drove it to the junkyard. This was about 1963.
