1938 Chevrolet Master Coupe

Lot details
Registration No: 950 XUV
Chassis No: XGCAB80592
Mot Expiry: March 2011

Chevrolet spent a staggering $26,000,000 on developing its 1937 line-up. Styled by Jules Agramonte, the incoming models sat on strengthened box girder chassis frames and carried wider, roomier all-steel bodies that were some 150lbs lighter - like for like - than their predecessors. Powered by a fresh four-main bearing, 216.5 cu in (3.5-litre) OHV straight-six engine allied to three-speed, synchromesh manual transmission, the newcomers further benefited from an improved hypoid bevel back axle and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Available in either Master or Master Deluxe guises (each range boasting six models apiece) the '37 Chevys outsold their Ford counterparts. Sitting on the same 112.3-inch wheelbase as their forebears the '38 Chevys were visually distinguished by a smart new diecast grille, featuring horizontal rather than vertical bars, which was the work of Franklin Q. Hershey. While, 'under the skin' they boasted the addition of a voltage regulator, improved water pump, stronger clutch, broader 59-inch rear track, worm-and-roller steering and heavier valve springs. Despite an average 4.5% price increase across the board Chevrolet managed to stay ahead of arch rival Ford in the sales stakes. Though, for many late 1930s Chevys will forever be synonymous with the exploits of Juan Manuel Fangio who used a Master 85 Coupe to record his first race victory on the gruelling 1940 'Gran Premio Internacional del Norte' (the great man taking the chequered flag after almost 5,000km and 109 hours of racing).

Finished in metallic red with grey leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, three-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Purchased from J.S. Mellet Esq of the Zimbabwean Air Force by Roger Kennedy Esq. of Ilford, Essex for $3,500 in late 1982, the Chevy was subsequently imported to the UK and treated to a 'ground up' restoration. Mooneys Antique Parts of Goodrich, Texas and Kanter Auto Products of Boonton, New Jersey supplied many of the replacements parts, while ARC-Rite Autos and Grange Motors (both Essex based) undertook much of the labour but the Coupe still required fettling by the time Anthony Sullivan of neighbouring Romford acquired it in May 2005. An accompanying handwritten note suggests that between them Messrs Kennedy and Sullivan spent over £26,000 refurbishing the Chevrolet (excluding the cost of re-trimming its interior). Certainly, numerous invoices on file confirm that considerable attention was paid to the car's bodywork, paintwork, chromework, suspension, steering, engine, gearbox, brakes and wheels / tyres. A veteran of numerous historic rallies, the vendor informs us that his navigator "bought the Chevy with a view to preparing it for 12,000km of gravel strewn wilderness". However, upon inspection it was decided that the car was far better suited to shows than rallies! Riding on steel wheels, this stunning Coupe is offered for sale with history file and MOT certificate valid until March 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until March 2011.