1939 Chevrolet Master Sport Sedan

This particular example is a 1939 (Series JA) Master DeLuxe Sports Sedan - and has lived the majority of its life outside of the USA. Its right-hand-drive configuration suggests that it was always intended for export.

Little is known about the car’s early life, but it appears to have spent a large proportion of its time in the sunny, dry climate of Mediterranean Europe, judging from the various titles and registration documents present in the history folder from Spain and other places.

Imported into the UK by a previous owner and registered in April 2019, we understand that it has been used exceedingly sparingly since, although owners have spent a good deal of time, effort and money to make it as usable, reliable and enjoyable as possible.

Our vendor is only its third UK owner. He bought the car from us just over a year ago hoping to have a car to tinker with and drive to local shows and evening meets. He has carried out a number of minor improvements but health issues have meant that he’s been unable to drive the Chevrolet and is regretfully calling time on his ownership.

He believes there’s very little else that needs doing - driver side window winder, fitting of a new temperature sender and gauge (already bought), headlamp reflectors, some carpet in the front and a bit of paintwork to touch up.

Still striking an impressive presence to this day with its rounded-off curves and art-deco inspired styling, this Sports Sedan is a masterpiece in pre-war American automotive design.

The bodywork is very straight throughout, with only the usual minor door and bonnet fitment issues, which are typical on cars of this era and shouldn’t be too difficult for an enthusiast to adjust, should they wish to do so.

There are, of course, a few ripples and minor dents, along with some more significant wear to the paintwork such as chips, scuffs and scratches, which have all been documented in the photo gallery.

Elsewhere, the various chrome details and trims wear a light patina, as you’d expect on a vehicle of this age. There is some slightly heavier pitting and what appears to be corrosion noted around both front quarter-lights, though this does not seem to affect their operation.

All four wheels are shod in matching period-correct whitewall tyres, and show only some minor wear consistent with the rest of the vehicle’s condition.

With its full-width velour bench seats, chrome details, metal dashboard and stylistic dials, the cabin of this Master is every inch the classic American automobile experience, and transports its occupants back to a time where style was the key for any manufacturer wishing to make a statement.

Both the front and rear seats are in very good shape, with no sign of any sagging to the cushions, or heavy wear to the velour covers. The door cards are also in good order, but show some typical patina to the chrome touch-points, and the window winder for the driver’s door is missing. The steering wheel is also significantly worn with its cover coming away in a few places.

Since the photographs were taken, the loose gear knob has been replaced by an 8-ball pool ball type, and the vague shift mechanism sorted.

Up above, the headliner is in good order with no major sagging, although there is some light staining around the lower edges where it meets the roof line.

Under foot, the rear carpets are present and show a little wear around the edges of the door lip. The front carpets are missing and the floor shows evidence of previous water ingress, but according to the vendor this has been fixed by the cowl vent now being resealed.

Some of the original orange-backed dials on the dashboard are inoperative, though this has been rectified by the fitment of two aftermarket gauges underneath the dash for the fuel level and water temperature. Whilst not original, these gauges are likely to provide a much more accurate reading than the original items, increasing the confidence the next owner can have in using the vehicle.

In the front, the 3.5-litre inline-six engine presents well, showing plentiful signs of care, attention and remedial work, as evidenced by the accompanying paperwork in the car’s history folder.

Looking around the engine bay, the block is remarkably clean, though there is some light misting noted around the lower edge of the block where it meets the sump, whilst there is significant staining around the radiator cap, though this looks to be old residue rather than evidence of any ongoing issues. The brand-new Holly-type single barrel carburettor looks fantastic.

Underneath the bodywork, the chassis frame and suspension components appear to be in good shape, with evidence of under-sealing and painting, with only some typical ‘bloom’ around exposed components being particularly evident and no signs of any major issues as far as we could see.

The floor of the boot or trunk at the rear is carpeted and in good order and contains a spare wheel and tyre stowed against the rear bulkhead, along with the starting handle and a modern scissor jack.

The Chevrolet has neither current nor historical UK MOT certificate. It is of course exempt by virtue of its age although it is nice to see owners of classic vehicles get independent assessments of roadworthiness each year.

The history file includes a reprint of the Chevrolet service handbook and manual and also contains documentation and invoices covering its export from Spain to the UK and some of the expenditure since. Highlights of work done previously include:

• Numerous invoices totalling over £5,000 worth of work in the last few years, including numerous diagnostic processes, carburettor work, a new clutch, a reconditioned fuel tank, new gaskets, fitment of the push-button Hi-Torq starter motor and general engine maintenance and servicing
• Brake hoses
• Fuel tank and pipes flushed

More recent work undertaken by the current owner includes:

• Reinstate manual choke
• New 12V battery, isolation switch, voltage regulator and ignition switch
• Cowl vent sealed
• Fabricate new air filter adaptor
• New thrust bearing to gear lever and pool ball gear knob
• New throttle pedal and pedal rubbers
• New electrical temperature sender and gauge (not yet fitted)
• A costly two-speed electric windscreen wiper conversion carried out

Representing the glorious era of American automotive design before austerity measures kicked in, this pre-war Chevrolet Master is the more desirable DeLuxe model, in practical and usable Sports Sedan form, allowing the whole family to enjoy a slice of six-cylinder Americana.

Offered in good condition throughout, mechanically sound and with recent investment and attention, this 1939 Chevrolet Master Sports Sedan is ready to use and enjoy as it is. Alternatively it would provide an excellent platform for someone looking to restore the bodywork and take its aesthetics to the next level.

We think it will sell for something like £6,000 to £7,000 - giving plenty of headroom for additional improvement. It’s also offered with NO RESERVE so whatever your budget, it is worth trying a bid.

Opportunities like this don’t come up very often - a handsome and unmolested pre-war American family sedan in right-hand-drive - perfect for our UK roads!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.