A business coupe is one of those bygone auto designs, like two-door station wagons, that are unlikely to ever make a comeback. A curious find these days, those unfamiliar with the concept probably wonder what the lack of a backseat and a trunk-installed package ledge were all about. If the concept is unknown to you, here’s a great example in the form of a 1937 Chevrolet Master Business Coupe. It’s located in Grain Valley, Missouri and is available, here on craigslist for $29,950. Thanks to T.J. for this discovery.
The listing for this car is pretty detailed in a sales brochure sort of way. Best of all, it’s a study in originality. It has been repainted once, 48 years ago but it retains its original hue though in this case, it has a satin finish – a result of the passage of time perhaps? The seller adds, “complete exterior and interior trim, no rust on body floor frame except surface rust“. The body appears to be straight with no sign of crash damage, the trim is intact, the chrome looks strong and the prominent grille is minus any dented or misaligned teeth.
There is no claim to the 49K mile recording but it’s not beyond the realm of possibility based on the overall exterior presentation. That said, it’s not necessarily in keeping with a Business Coupe’s mission in life. They were the province of traveling salesmen and generally rolled a lot of miles in any given year. There are always exceptions, of course. The interior mostly supports that reported usage as the original mohair upholstery shows little to no sign of use. There is some staining on the door panels, around the window cranks and release levers, but that’s to be expected. The head-scratcher is the dash panel, the paint is seriously deteriorated and peeling – it’s out of character for the rest of the car’s bearing. There also appears to be some coiled wire hanging below the dash – wonder what that’s for.
Behind the very obvious grille is an 85 gross HP, 216 CI, in-line six-cylinder engine said to be original and having been rebuilt somewhere in the past – same treatment for the three-speed manual transmission. The seller states, “starts runs stops“, a rather generic assessment.
The completeness and originality of this Business Coupe are remarkable, even the original package tray is still perched in the trunk. It would be interesting to know more about this car’s past – it’s logical to believe that it has been used sparingly and probably stored for a long period of time (note the dusty engine compartment). There’s really nothing that needs to be done here, other than maybe refinishing the dash. But, will that be this car’s ultimate fate? Business Coupes are popular with hot-rodders, resto-modders, etc. so this car’s originality may not hold sway in the future. I like everything about this ’37 Chevy, except the price. What do you think, priced right, or not quite?
Sure, the price seems high, but as they say, try to find another one in as good a condition.
For that money you could get a similar body style Packard. Ask the man who owns one….
Wow! A little on the high side, like a friend once said to me, there isn’t many people left that cares about that type of car being original, the majority are dead.
You’ll get some argument on that one, considering that the AACA is by far the largest vintage-vehicle group.
Someone is really dreaming at that price. Maybe $10,000 – $15,000
$10 to 15,000. you are dreaming. Get a rust bucket for that kind of money.
Agreed, we like everything except the price
Basic transportation of the time. A traveling salesman in those days didn’t require much luxury. He just need a place to store his wares and the trunk was designed just for that purpose. Chevy and Fords were low priced cars of the day and provided all the vendor needed for their trade. I like this old relic, it’s a lot like me, passed its due date, but still interesting and useful. $30 grand does seem a bit optimistic, but that might be to keep it out of the hands of those who would build a Hot Rod out of it. The best to all.
God Bless America
P.S, I had to cancel my credit card Jesse. As soon as I can I will use a better method of payment.
Love the ’37 / ’38 coupe. This is a beauty
and I badly want one… for just abit less.
I understand why the dealer wants what they are asking, but this car needs lots of work and is probably worth in the 10K range as it sits. It is a really nice example ready for restoration.
I like it but not for $30 large. I agree with others it looks to be a $10-15k max on this old girl. My first car back in 1964 was a ’40 Chevy business coupe, and the car I learn to drive the manual 3 on the tree vacuum shift. Good times back then!
I’m a big fan of business coupes. I really like the proportions that the longer rear deck gives them in comparison to their sedan counterparts even two door club coupes like my 1952 Plymouth. I’m a total nut for post war Mopar business coupes especially the rarer ones like Chryslers. These cars will always command a premium over the sedans. There’s a lot less of them left for one thing. That being said the price of this one is very optimistic IMHO. And I agree with the fact that interest in the cars of this era is waning as older enthusiasts like me fade into the sunset. I still get a lot of thumbs up and interest in my ‘52 but not many of these folks actually want to own one.
Had one. Bought it from a guy who was going to turn it into a stock car. He welded the driver’s door shut. Then changed his mind. Had it for 15 years, went to restore it, found a cracked head. Could not find a replacement any where in the US. A guy came by and made an offer and at that time I needed money to buy a coal stove. A couple of months after it was sold, cylinder heads started poping up all over the State.
Wow. About $19,995.00 to high. 30k will get you a restored one.
I bought one of these 37s in 1963 for $55.00 and a case of beer. Since I was 16 at the time I had to borrow the case of beer from my dad.