Chevrolet reworked its automobiles in 1937, using what would be called “Diamond Crown” styling with straight side fenders. More trunk space was added so that the spare tire could be mounted internally. There were two trim levels, the Master and Master Deluxe, and the 3-passenger business coupe was available in both series. The seller describes this ’37 Business Coupe as a barn find and it looks to have been sitting for quite some time. Needing a complete restoration, this project can be found in Lake Park, Minnesota, and is available here on eBay where $6,800 has yet to crack the seller’s reserve.
By selling more than 815,000 automobiles in 1937, Chevy would continue to be the industry’s volume leader. More than 60,000 of the cars would be business coupes in either Master or Master Deluxe trim. We’re not sure which one the seller’s vehicle is, but one out of every 12 Chevies to leave the assembly line that year would be this body style. They were popular with traveling salespeople because of not only a huge trunk to store things, but there was also the space behind the front seat because there were no accommodations for passengers in the back.
Under the hood of this once road warrior is likely Chevy’s 216 cubic inch Inline-6, which hasn’t run in ages. With a low compression ratio of just 6.25:1, the engine only produced 85 hp and was probably considered fuel-efficient for the day with its single-barrel carburetor. The gears would, of course, be shifted with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission.
Few details are offered about this automobile, probably because no one knows. The seller bought it to turn it around and says the car is complete as best as he can tell. The body looks okay, but rust must be there somewhere, and the interior may need lots of work as the little bit we see doesn’t look too promising. But we’re told the title is clear, so that should present no obstacles. The mid-1930s were “in-between” years for car makers like Chevrolet. The Great Depression was in the rear-view mirror and some new cars were being sold. Yet, World War II was looming, and production would soon shift from building cars to supporting the war effort.
High school friend had one and I remember being impressed with how smooth it ran and how nice it rode.His had a floor shift,long floor shifter:-)
All published Chevy literature depicts a floor shifter for 1937.
Not a 3 on tree, but a 3 on the floor.
Correct. Column shifters were first introduced to the US market in 1938.
This beauty is screamin’ Straight axle Gasser. Leave the body as is and put some old 50’s 60’s vintage stickers, maybe some bogus class winner stickers in the quarter windows. Or a 327 4 speed for the street…. Says it sold for 6800. Good luck and happy motoring.
Cheers
GPC
Didn’t make his reserve at 6800 So relisted at buy it now for 9000
Does it have a straight axle in front ?
Relisted with a buy it now of $9000. The reserve was not met at $6800.
It’s got a lot of holes for $9000.
Had a ’39 decades ago. I prefer the roofline
of the ’37 / ’38. A friend gave me the ’39!
Like most say… wish I still had it.
Bought one just like it for $65 in 1962. Inflation, maybe?
Mom bought one new in 37, she gave it to her dad when she got married. I inherited it in 57. My dog would ride on the back shelf. Never failed me.
Looks like someone who owned this car didn’t take care of it too well. There is rust everywhere. It might be a good parts car, but it’ll cost a bundle to make this car into something to display at a car show. I realize that it is over 80 years old, but along the way somebody could have at least straightened the back bumper, cleaned up the car a little to make it look presentable if they are trying to sell it for $9,000. Bidders wouldn’t go over $6,800., at which time the owner should have taken the $6,800. and ran off into the woods. That rust bucket is gonna cost a lot to rebuild the engine, transmission, and the restoration could bankrupt the new owner, since it won’t be worth that much when he finally has a presentable, so-so restoration, let alone a real quality one.
Did these come in anything like a sea foam green? I’ve seen one locally with that color green and light cream upholstery. Shweet.
The first car I rember growing up was a 37 Chevy 2 door sedan in black. It had a 3 on the floor. Very fun to take this trip down memory lane.
this car has been floating around on the internet for a while now.