Barn Find: 1937 Chevrolet Business Coupe

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Chevrolet would invest a bundle in getting its most altered cars in eight years to market in 1937. Available in either Master or Master DeLuxe trim, production would exceed 815,000 units, keeping Chevy in first place behind Ford and the others who were on a comeback after The Great Depression. This 1937 edition (Master or Master DeLuxe, we can’t tell) has been sitting for many years and has the dirt and grime to prove it. Much work will be needed to get it going again, though these things were built like tanks. Located in Lake Park, Minnesota, this old Chevy is available here on eBay where $6,100 has yet to trigger the reserve. Thanks for the cool find. T.J.!

The 1937 Chevies would feature a trend-setting highlight, a body crease that started in the valley between the engine compartment and front fender and extended across the cowl and onto the front door. It would be dubbed the “Diamond Crown Speedline” by chief GM designer, Harley Earl. Smaller  16-inch wheels were used to help create q lower profile for the automobile. A reinforced box girder frame was used with bodies that were wider and roomier than previously and the overall weight of the cars was reduced by 150 pounds.

Not much information is available about the seller’s find. It appears to be a 2 to 3-passenger business coupe which sold 4,683 copies in 1937 in Master trim, or 56,166 units badged as a Master DeLuxe. Either way, the most the car cost was $685 when new (plus the appropriate taxes and fees). Finished in ancient Black or Toronto Blue paint, this car looks like a true barn find and has been out of commission for ages. The body has its share of dents and dings, but rust appears to have been held at bay, at least what we can see.

The engine should be Chevy’s new-for-1937 216 cubic-inch inline-6 (85 hp) which will need some attention to get running again, starting with a complete flush and revival of the fuel system from the gas tank to the carburetor. No mention is made if the motor is the reason the car went into hiding way back when. The interior has seen better days as well and the car has that “bootlegger” look with a racing-style steering wheel. The front bench seat has been replaced by something from the 1970s or 1980s automobile. Since no warranty is offered, I’d be inclined to do a personal inspection before placing a bid. BTW, here’s a photo of what the Chevy might look like restored.

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Comments

  1. Rw

    Needs you be 60s see style hot rod.

    Like 0
  2. Michelle RandStaff

    Wasn’t the business coupe popular for running moonshine? This one is too late for Prohibition, but it sure evokes that feeling…..

    Like 2
  3. Ike Onick

    Business in the front, Party in the back!

    Like 1
  4. Terry J

    Those old Chevy sixes wore out pretty fast. Then after they were worn out, they would last forever. :-) Terry J

    Like 7
  5. Ray

    At least hose the poor thing off.
    🫃🏻

    Like 5
    • Ike Onick

      That’s what she said!! bada-bing!!!!

      Like 2
  6. charlieMember

    One taillight, no stainless trim, not a Deluxe, just a plain Jane, Master.

    Like 1
  7. Bakes

    Sooooo many of these got chopped up into modified stock cars in the Northeast. This one looks like a good candidate for something fun and roadworthy.

    Like 1
  8. mike

    Are you sure that this car is restorable. It looks pretty bad.

    Like 0
  9. RC Graham

    Picture this as a red convertible, and that was my mother’s first car. She had so many stories about running all over Los Angeles in it during WWII. I wax nostalgic. Were it a convertible in that condition, I would do what it took to purchase it.

    Like 2
  10. Greg

    It’s not a $10,000 car as the guy thinks the reserve might be. Old coupe, but nothing really special.

    Like 0
  11. bone

    1972 plate on the front, 1937 plate on the rear, 50’s style whitewall tire ,60s-70s steering wheel and 80s looking velour seat – when did this car finally get parked ?

    Like 0

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