As time marches on, the value of a never-restored vehicle increases, and this 1935 Chevrolet Standard Coach (two-door sedan) in Pineville, NC may be one of the most presentable survivor cars around. Currently owned by its second family, the “Standard” (base trim level) stayed in one family until the current owner spotted it here on Barn Finds back in 2012. Coming full-circle, the car now appears for sale here on our own BF Classifieds where $14,500 will transfer the Mantle of Preservation to your head.
Attractive without being flashy, the five-passenger Standard Coach was Chevy’s most popular model in 1935, selling over 126,000 units according to autogallery.org.ru. While Chevy’s fancier Master Deluxe gained an all-steel roof, the Standard made due with the older-style canvas panel, no-doubt contributing to its lighter weight. Generally speaking the Standard models were about 500 lb lighter than their Master Deluxe counterparts.
While many entry-level cars of the era made due with a four-cylinder engine, budget-minded Chevy owners enjoyed an inherently-balanced and torquey inline six making 74 HP. One interesting feature is the “Octane Selector,” a switch on the distributor to match the timing advance to the quality of gasoline in the tank. Thanks to oldcarbrochures.org for some details. The 55,000 miles on the engine would support the car’s overall great condition. I’m certain the builders of this car never imagined it would be in never-restored, running condition some 85 years later!
Original upholstery and painted wood-grain on the dash punctuate the time-capsule nature of this well-kept Chevy. Seat belts were added later, of course, a wise addition for any classic driven on today’s roadways. With Pebble Beach and others hosting “Preservation Class” judging for survivor cars, this Standard Coach may represent a unique opportunity to purchase an automobile that is revered for its incidental wear and tear rather than being criticized for it. If you want a perfect Day One car, move along, because this one should go to someone who will preserve it more-or-less as-is for years to come. Is this your kind of classic?
Me likey. An economical collector car that is easy to work on.
Needs some period-style seat covers, preferably in red or green plaid, so you can conserve the original mohair and still use the car.
I’d be too sorely tempted to discard the fixed fabric insert in favor of a full-length rolltop sunroof, though.
The buckets in this car are nicer then the chairs in my living room!! This is a car that many of them did not survive!! This should be kept just the way it is!!!
The real Stovebolt. Well, actually, I think that title belongs to the ’29-’31 models but this also deserves some recognition. This was the 206 and ran only THREE mains. But it had a forged steel crankshaft and held up quite well. Chevy (and other GM divisions) loved its babbitt-pounders and this one was no different. If you don’t mind 15 psi lube pressures then this one would be a good choice. Myself, I sure wouldn’t turn it down…
This is a cool old car. After reading the write-up from 8 years ago, and reading the buyer (now seller’s) comment that he was looking forward to preserving and driving it, I have to wonder what happened? The odo reads the same as it did 8 years ago.
Life got in the way of what I’d rather be doing, Grant.
Since it did not look like I will have enough time to give this car the exercise it deserves anytime soon, I decided to pass it along with the hope that I can resume my enjoyment of old cars again in the future……..
My late dad had a similar ’35 Standard. I remember the top speed in high gear was about 45mph. It was dangerous on a highway with modern traffic!
I have driven it 50-55 mph comfortably and had it up to 60 without complaint.
wound not take this or any similar car on Interstate highways, but would be OK driving long distances on the state or US highways.
I have driven 50-60,000 highway miles in mostly stock Model A Fords, this car would be a better and more comfortable touring car…….
The ’35’s have the superior X-member frame compared to a ’34. This looks like bargain.
I agree. Yet, if I were to get it, I would have to have a temperature controlled building. Not happening in this neighborhood. Oh, some of the mistakes I’ve made.
Very nice car Chris! I wish a fair deal to both you and the buyer. Peace to all!