I’m going to run with the assumption this this 1937 Chevrolet Master sedan is a survivor. The listing states, “This vehicle was recently acquired from an Auto and Warbirds museum, where it was one of the center showpieces, kept in a climate-controlled, clean environment“. There’s no mention of a restoration having occurred and it does have an original bearing about itself. It’s unusual to find such a car from this era that is this clean without having undergone a redo – definitely a rare find today. This well-over-three-quarters-of-a-century-old (87 years!) Chevy is located in El Paso, Texas and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $10,600 with the reserve not yet met.
By 1937, the cudgel of the great depression had largely lifted and cars were starting to sell in more robust numbers though Chevrolet lost some ground with over 100K fewer units than delivered in ’36. Still, they managed to maintain a second-place finish in the domestic production race. One of the facets, among others, that kept Ford in the top slot between ’34 and ’37 was its flathead V8 engine, a configuration that the Bowtie wouldn’t employ until 1955. I think about this aspect between the two marques as the seller suggests, “Have you ever wanted to own one of the cars that fled the FBI across state lines after a bank robbery”? Well, according to bank robber extraordinaire, Clyde Barrow, that honor did, in fact, belong to Ford – and Clyde sent old Henry just such a letter attesting to the V8 Ford’s speediness. Chevrolets, such as this Master Sedan, had to make do with an 85 gross HP, 216 CI, in-line six-cylinder powerplant. The seller does state, however, “It has one of the smoothest running straight 6 engines you’ll find anywhere, with a three-speed synchromesh transmission that slips smoothly into each gear“.
As stated often in the past, while I’m not a great fan of brown, as a car color that is, this hue is pleasant enough and presents well with its nice depth. Of course, one would expect that quality with a museum piece, but that’s not all. The prominent grille shines nicely with no evidence of having been kissed. Ditto the bumpers, they’re straight and true with a nice luster. The seller claims that the floors are free of rot.
Inside, we’re told that the environment rates a nine out of ten, and just like the exterior, is in a similar fine shape. The upholstery is a camel hair velvet-like material, as is often found in cars from the thirties, and it shows no indication of wear or dirt. The mileage recording is 61K but those seem to have been gently generated miles. The instrument panel is very clear and legible, always a nice surprise for a non-restored car of this age.
The seller suggests of the interior, “(it) will seat up to five passengers, or three with several briefcases full of unmarked bills and gold bullion“. Well, if I had that kind of dinero hanging around, I would probably set my sights on something a bit higher than this old Chevrolet sedan. But I don’t, and reality tells me that if this car’s reserve is reasonable, it could be a good buy. Four bidders are angling for this car so that indicates that there still is some interest in these thirties vintage rides. And I imagine this Chevy’s stellar condition will help to send it off to a new caretaker very soon, wouldn’t you agree?
Nice old car. Had a ’39 two door for a while that I was building an Oldsmobile drive train for but got side tracked when a ’53 Studebaker coupe popped into my life. Did almost come up with a beautiful ’39 4 door street rod years later that I should have bought but didn’t. Something about the late ’30s Chevys just appeal to me I guess.
I’m right with you Bob I had a 39 Plymouth suicide doors four-door back when I was a kid in high school Love it.
For being nearly 90 years old I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a `37 Chevy so original. usually the interior fabric dissolves over time, but this looks excellent. I’m not even a Chevy fan & I like this! GLWTA!!
To be drivable, it needs the passenger side taillight and turn signals. Otherwise, leave original… please.
Not correct. At least in WI. You can leave it in its original condition and drive it. One tail light and no turn signals are fine it it came that way. We have a couple ’49 trucks that way and no problems. I like it and if I bought it I would leave it alone. I might put a star on the doors, flags on the front fenders and some script on the hood, etc. Just sayin.
You are correct.For My 1940 Hudson ,turn signals were an option and here in Maine it’s ok to operate any vehicle as originally equipped .
I don’t think that they teach hand signals anymore, lol
Looking at the heater box under the dash reminds me of my early childhood when few cars had defrosters. I remember my dad keeping a rag hanging over the steering column for wiping the windshield so he could see where he was going. He also kept a flashlight with a attachment device connected to the bottom of the steering column for nighttime breakdowns or flat tires. The seats were what was referred to as Mohair in those old cars, my 35 had them. Turn signals were not required as you had to use hand signals even into the 60’s when I first took my drivers test in California. I wish I could get this old car, but it’s not in the cards right now.
God Bless America
Very nice 37 Chevy. I have a similar two-door and it is comfortable at 60 mph on secondary hi-ways but NOT suitable for freeways.
The mention of Clyde Barrow’s preference for Fords was appropriate when he was operating in 1933 and 34. At that time Ford V8s were good for 85 Hp against the Chevy’s 60 Hp. But by 1937 Ford was still at 85 Hp and Chevy had come up to 85 Hp. And Chevys had hydraulic brakes from 36 on vs the Ford mechanicals until 39.
When we were cash-strapped teenagers in the 1960s, we considered any I-6 inferior to any V8, and flat-head Ford V8s were plentiful and therefore preferred. But anyone with a little extra cash went for a 55, 56, or 57 small-block Chevy from a scrap yard. Overhead valves were considered superior to flatheads. Anyone with a pre-1939 Ford changed the mechanical brakes to 39 or later hydraulics.
This 4-door Chevy is likely to be preserved as-is because the resto-rod people prefer 2-doors. It will be a very nice Sunday driver for the new owner.
$13,200 reserve unmet as I write this. It really does look like a great survivor that has spent a significant portion of its existence indoors in a climate controlled environment. It has been bid way past what I would pay but I am going to watch it to see if it sells and for how much. If a pre-war sedan is your delight then you would be getting a really nice example with this one. I do like vehicles of this vintage but prefer post-war to late sixties cars. GLWTS.
GLWTS??. I will watch also.
I bought this 37 4 Dr as a parts car for a 37 sedan delivery, but decided it was too nice to part out. Metal very solid but interior is complete but upholstery all shot. Will probably sell it as I’ve found a couple more 37 – 38s that are more parts cars. The listed 37 looks like a nice car. They are fun to drive if you can stay off freeways or busy roadways.
…just wondering why the warbird museum let it go….
Probably because someone offered a more era correct representation car for a display they were setting up or changing. Would be my guess.
No doubt, I think any of us would enjoy this high 90% grade heavy weight piece of American motorcana. I know I would.
I have numerous childhood memories of many cars from this era. What a beautiful time in history gone by.
I find only one question within the ebay description write-up. I’m 70, and don’t recall ever hearing about or seeing “metallic” paint until the 60s era cars. I’m hoping someone can tell me when metallic paint was first available on factory order autos.
Graham promoted “iridescent” paint, as it was termed, in the late 1930s.
My mom had a ’37 Chevy. I got my parents through WWII and they kept it until they traded it in on a new ’47 Dodge. There was a small fan attached to the steering column that served as a defroster.
My parents had a 1936 Chevy Master 4 door sedan that served them through WW2. I recall what seemed like a full days drive to my grandparents’ home during the war (years later, I found a handful of unused OPA ration coupons and tokens left over from the war). The car had a vacuum
operated fan to clear the driver’s side of the windshield. I don’t recall if it was dash or A pillar mounted. For some reason, my dad kept the fan when he traded the car after the war. I found it neatly stowed away with tools when he passed.
During my college years, I was the proud owner of a 1936 Chevy
Master 4 door sedan. I bought it out of a farmer’s field for $100, It ran fine. It some surface rust on the exterior, but the mohair interior was in great shape. Tinkered with it for a year or two, but never really got it on the road. The knee action front suspension was shot, leaking fluid down over the front brakes and all over my Dad’s garage floor. Repairing it was over my head, so I sold it for what I paid for it. Would like to have it back again today.
I grew up from age two on with a ’37 Buick Special 4-door in GunMetal Gray and it was a very nice warm gray and was definitely metallic. I taught myself to drive in it in our 100 foot long driveway. It would Idle down to 3 MPH in top cog and pull away smoothly, believe it or not.
Smooth, powerful, capable. I’d be comfortable cruising it up to about 70. Pop said he had it topped out on US1 in central NJ at 85.
Why everyone is afraid to run these old cars the way they were intended is beyond me.
And 12v. over 6v.? Most of what you hear is just old wives’ tales. The real reason is that you can run the same amps for cranking or lighting using thinner wire. It’s nickel ‘n dime stuff, that’s all.
Lots of 1937 action on the Cold War Motors You Tube channel. Even the same color? Best car channel you will ever subscribe to.
War Eagles, Santa Theresa, NM downsized it car collection. The museum is not climate controlled as stated. Museum pieces often require rather extensive work to be road Worthy. Certainly all new tires, belts, hoses. It will need the carburetor and fuel pump rebuild. Perhaps the entire fuel system will need cleaning.. these Chevrolets had a hydraulic shock absorber front suspension which usually have failed. The car sold at the Ear Eagles auction for something like $15,000 which seemed strong. An internet search will provide the auction details. The museum is certainly worth looking at if you’re driving on I10 west of El Paso.
Nice original car! Takes me back to when these were new on the roads in the late ‘thirties. I hope the new owner will keep it just the way that it is, not attempt to “upgrade”, update, or restore it. I agree that it needs some mechsnical attention to be road-ready — but, other than cleaning and making all components reliable for ready use, I wouldn’t touch it: leave it totally 1937! And I do love four-door sedans — my personal favourite kind of car (smile)