Back in the 1930s, Chevy didn’t have snappy names like Apache or Silverado for their trucks. They just went by “Master” and payload capacity. New for ’38 was the 216 cubic inch inline-six which powered trucks like the seller’s Master HD (which stood for ¾ ton). The seller’s pickup looks like a long-forgotten truck that has recently been rescued from a barn or some other structure and is available now for someone to take on a challenging restoration. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, this Chevy transport is offered here on eBay where just one bid for $3,100 has been submitted.
The Chevy truck lineup was expanded in 1938 to include both ¾ and one-ton platforms. The former rode on a wheelbase of 122 inches, 10 more than the traditional ½ ton edition. These trucks shared their styling with the company’s passenger cars, so the family “look” was present. Besides Chevrolet Black, Chevrolet Green was a popular color on these trucks, which is what the seller’s pickup appears to have once worn. This truck probably has an interesting story to tell regarding its 84 years on Planet Earth, but alas no history is offered by the seller.
We’re told the motor is “loose” and the truck is largely complete. It was retrieved from a setting in the western part of Nebraska (don’t know why that would be important). It hasn’t run in quite some time, so a tear-down of the engine and three-speed manual transmission is likely in the cards. The body is rough, with perhaps more dents and dings than rust, but the undercarriage doesn’t look too bad. The interior represents a clean slate as no signs of any upholstery remain.
Presumably, the truck will roll on and off the buyer’s trailer as it did for the seller. The tires hold air, at least enough to perform that task. Online price guides suggest that $20-30,000 could be top dollar, although pristine examples at the fancy auctions houses can go for considerably more money. Maybe this is one of those trucks that you fix just what has to be fixed and use it as-is for a while.
Actually, according to my sources the 216 came out in ’37. That’s when they went to 4 mains but still used that anemic oil pressure feed to the mains and valve train but the throws were good ol’ splash. I do have to say that a ’38 Chevy pickup is rare compared to other years. But then ’38 was a recession year too so maybe that’s to be expected…
Challenging job here but not impossible. You’re going to need to source out a grill because I don’t think there’s enough of this left to fix. But I’ve seen miracles happen. There’s enough sheet metal to hammer out and fix. There’s also an excellent parts source so you could make this one look new again. If this were to come my way, it would get the driver quality restoration treatment. Enjoy it all you can before if falls victim to the torch…
I agree with your driver-quality approach, Geo. Notice the “farmer fix” patch and weld on that driver’s side front fender? I’d want to fix this old truck up but I kind of like those scars.
4 speed I see the reverse lockout lever on the shifter. Same setup my 42 has.
Oy,,,well, you wanted a project. You know, I see quite often, trucks like this going by my little world ( Hy.50, a major E-W highway)on the back of some trailer, and I think, somebody still has enough ambition to take on projects like this. Not sure where the 12v came from, something like this is almost too far gone for most today. It requires a well stocked shop and/or a bottomless pocketbook. It’s why the appeal today for these is a resto-mod, it’s the only way to get your money back, if that’s an issue. They are still out here, I see them once in a while, but as is, interest-wise, it may as well have stayed out in the field.
A western Nebraska truck would generally be in better condition due to the elements and winter salt than an Eastern Nebraska truck.
Needs Brakes. Best offer
The bid ended at $3,1001 . Hope someone enjoys working on it. These are nice old truck. I have a 41 . Hopefully when it starts warming up. I,ll get on it. Would like to find a front fender for it.
Looked on the E-Bay ad at some of the other stuff this guy has for sale. He has everything. CHHRISTMAS Underwear to Ford Sun Visors. Who ever got the truck GOOD LUCK
If you have a Chevrolet truck this vintage, be sure to check the transmission oil regularly as it leaks down the driveshaft into the differential and out the axles.
That’s good advice. I’ve got a ’49 that does the same thing…