1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe

Description

This 1938 Chevrolet business coupe is exactly how you build a great resto-mod. All-steel and very original on the outside, a long list of upgrades underneath, an ideal combination. Turn the key, hit the road, and start having fun in one of the best '30s coupes we've seen in a long time.

GM's mid-30s coupes were the talk of the industry, particularly with the all-new "turret top" that eliminated the cloth inserts that were formerly common. Sleek curves, some budding aerodynamics, and that dramatic slash through the door make the Chevy easy to spot and none of the original sheetmetal was altered during the build. In fact, it was rather nicely restored about five years ago, and while it's no longer perfect, it has a great look that stays under the radar until you look at it a little more closely. The charcoal gray finish is something that would have been on the original 1938 color chart and it's highlighted by a red beltline molding that really makes this car pop. A few bits of trim have been shaved, most notably the trunk handle, but details like the original taillights and distinctive bumpers remain in place, giving this car a very strong sense of identity. There's also a beautiful chrome grille up front, a pair of accessory side mirrors, and ornate hood grilles that are as beautiful as they are functional.

The interior has been recently freshened, starting with a pair of handsome leather bucket seats with burgundy cloth inserts that match the exterior color scheme. There are also matching gray carpets, simple door panels, and a nice blend of original and modern components. The dash is beautifully finished with custom billet aluminum inserts, with a set of TPI Tech gauges in front of the driver and a polished glove box lid for the passenger, behind which you'll find the Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit. Vintage Air supplied the A/C system, which uses clean billet vents for a very integrated look and a Lokar shifter preserves the old-fashioned feel behind the wheel. And speaking of the wheel, it's a handsome banjo-style piece that looks right and it's fitted to a polished tilt column. Push a button and the trunk pops, and inside you'll find the battery and plenty of space for your gear.

You don't need to go radical to have a great-running rod, and this Chevy uses a simple 350 cubic inch V8 with a handful of upgrades to make it competent. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and Performer intake manifold help build horsepower and an HEI ignition system reliably lights the fires. It's functional rather than showy, but a few chrome dress-up pieces make it worthwhile to show off under the hood and a proper detail will really make it sparkle. Upgrades like power steering and power disc brakes come from a modern front subframe and the transmission is a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive so it's an effortless cruiser. A great-sounding dual exhaust system has a bit of an edge so it's definitely a hot rod, but it quiets down on the highway so you can take long trips with ease. And to reinforce the traditional look, steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings are wrapped in wide whitewall radials that look pretty correct on the vintage Chevy.

You couldn't come close to building this car for the asking price. Built with a lot of respect for the original design, it delivers a modern driving experience with a grate vintage look. Call today!