We don’t see a lot of 1930s pickups here on Barn Finds, and it’s hard to believe this 1938 Chevrolet Master HC 1/2-Ton Pickup is almost 90 years old now! I’m guessing there are Barn Finds readers who are in their 90s, and it would be fun to hear from them on this one. The seller has this nice-looking truck posted here on craigslist in Denver, Colorado, and they’re asking $19,750. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Mike F. for the tip!
This 1938 Chevy truck is laughably light, as in being just under 3,000 pounds soaking wet. In comparison, a 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 (half-ton) weighs at a minimum 4,400 pounds. I know the new one is loaded with safety, comfort, technology, and all that, but man, 1,500 pounds heavier? Another surprising dimension difference, is this ’38 Master HC (half-ton) pickup is 58 inches wide, and a 2025 Silverado is 81 inches wide.
Last one: the shortest Silverado available is 211 inches long, and this ’38 pickup is 186 inches long. Enough of that. This truck, I believe, was originally what Chevy called “Export Blue“, as seen under the hood. It’s a bummer that it’s been painted, but they did offer a silver color called Aluminum, so the person who repainted this one at least kept with a factory color. It looks great, other than a few dings here and there, which is certainly understandable for an 87-year-old truck. As a general reference, Hagerty is at $14,200 for a #3 good-condition truck.
The interior looks perfect for this truck. Of course, I’d like to see it looking like new, but that’s doable for the next owner if they want to. I think I would restore the gauges, the heater, and maybe put new rubber flooring in, and that’s it. The heater was optional, but I hope this one isn’t driven in the snow and salty slush. Speaking of rust, the underside has heavy surface rust as expected, but I don’t see any glaring rust issues on this truck.
Here’s that beautiful blue color. I’d go back to that in a heartbeat, not that I don’t like the current black over silver look. The engine is Chevrolet’s Blue Flame 216.5-cu.in. OHV inline-six, which had 78 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque when new. It’s backed by a floor-mounted three-speed manual with a 4.11:1 final gear ratio sending power to the rear wheels. The seller says this truck runs, has no rust, and I would love to own this one. Are you a Chevrolet or a Ford pickup fan, or are you like me and like both makes?
Sweet truck.
I think this seller is very much like most BF folks-they have a collection of more than just 1 brand of old pickups and cars there. This one does appear to be in a little bit better condition than the other ones but IDK that I’d push any of them out of the driveway…
The 100 MPH speedo is a little tongue in cheek with 4.11’s being pushed by a Blue Flame 6😆
I’d buy this in a minute if my CFO issued a PO but that’s likely a no-go..oh well.
yes, I’m a blue oval guy with appreciation for the 30s to 70s Chev and GMCs with a 6.
No problem with keeping a 216 but no one would no by looking if it had later 235 in it. Would be an upgrade and still look original to most. Nice truck.
Sigh,,, I try so hard to ignore the elephant in the room, the price, and how it immediately overshadows the writers great posts. $20 grand,,jeez Louise, not worth that with 15 “Grover Clevelands” in the box. I know, I’m still groveling over those $28 wiper blades for the Jeep, “well let’s forget all that”( Jim Croce) I can only assume these will surface for many years to come, if the young un’ can start/shift it. It took a “knack” to co-ordinate the start pedal( next to gas pedal, a what grandpa?) gas, choke, clutch and still hold the brake. A procedure many just have no connection with. It’s a fantastic find, for my Wally mart runs, be a hit, but certainly nothing for any road use. I was reminded of how inept the Jeep was on a small trip.
I read, this truck cost $680 new, and was a relatively modern truck for the time. It was about $150 more than a Ford farm tractor, 2 of the most expensive pieces for a farm. Got a snowballs chance in Hades it will remain like this, resto-mods of these Art Deco types is big, and sadly, appeal for these, as is, wanes with every funeral.
I’ve owned over 65 cars and trucks in my 60+ years. 95% of them have been FoMoCo. I’ve owned GM, too. But, the big money always goes to the Blue Oval. This is a nice truck, but not at that ask.
NICE 38. I was 6 years old when this one was new. I want a 38 CHEV hot rod this one is too nice to ruin.
Sounds like you’re still growing strong like this truck. Glad to hear it. Hope you find that hot rod.
Definately a great truck to clean up, drive to cars and coffee, local cruise ins, and local car/truck shows.. It would be very welcome at both ATHS and ATCA national shows just as it is!!!!!!! BUT, a little far to drive!!!
WWWAAAYYY too much asking price for this Chevy truck! $2500.00 big bucks at the most! Why do sellers want more for their old cars/trucks than they are worth? Guess somebody encourages them to sell for hugh amounts of money…..