If you tried to remember all of the events that have occurred in the past sixty-one years that have shaped our society, the list would be enormous. Throughout those decades, this 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe has sat in this barn. It missed all the hype and excitement as it patiently waited for someone to drag it out into the light of day. That has finally happened, and it is ready to head to a new home where a new owner can return it to its former glory. If you feel up for the challenge, you will find the Chevy listed here on Craigslist in Indianola, Iowa. With an asking price of $5,000, it could be an affordable project for the right person. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this gem for us.
The history of this old Chevy is largely unknown, although the seller confirms that it drove into this barn in around 1961. It seems the previous owner may have experienced some dramas behind the wheel because the panels sport minor dings and dents on the corners. This may have been the result of difficulties getting in and out of their garage because the extent of the damage suggests they were low-impact accidents. All appear to be easily repairable, and none justify panel replacement. The Black paint is worn and tired below the dust, and a wash revealed surface corrosion. However, penetrating rust seems minimal. The seller identifies some areas in the running boards and spots below the bumper on the rear valance. They say the floors and frame are sound, suggesting the buyer will face little grinding and welding to address the issues. The glass looks pretty good, while most of the trim is present and restorable.
If this Chevrolet springs a surprise, it is when we open the doors and examine its interior. It is complete, and its condition is serviceable. It will require a deep clean, but its original mohair upholstery has a single tear on the rear seat. Otherwise, there is no wear or signs of significant problems. There is a tear in the headliner near the back window, but it seems that may be repairable. The wheel is badly cracked, and is probably beyond salvation. Locating a replacement may require patience, but fitting a wrap would improve comfort until the buyer strikes gold. Some painted surfaces sport surface corrosion, but if the buyer chooses the preservation path, this interior appears up to the task.
The seller supplies one engine shot that doesn’t reveal much. The Master Deluxe rolled off the line featuring a 216.5ci six-cylinder engine that produced 85hp in its prime. The power reached the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. While the power figure may not seem that impressive by modern standards, it was only 5hp short of the number produced by Ford’s V8. That allowed the Master Deluxe to virtually match its competitor’s performance figures. The seller indicates the previous owner drove the Chevy into its hiding place in around 1961. It hasn’t fired a shot since, and while the engine turns freely, they haven’t tried coaxing it into life. If a careful inspection reveals no problems, returning the car to a mechanically roadworthy state could be an achievable short-term goal. That would allow the new owner the chance to enjoy the classic motoring experience relatively quickly while considering what path they will follow with the project moving forward.
Its lack of rust makes this 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe a strong contender for an enthusiast considering their first restoration project. If the floors and frame are as solid as the photos and listing suggest, it will require a minimum of cutting and welding. With its panels straight and a fresh coat of paint, the new owner could slip behind the wheel with their head held high as they indulge in the classic motoring experience. Alternatively, they could patch the rust, revive the drivetrain, and drive it as an original survivor. Either path would gain attention, but which would you choose?
Bought this same car as a rolling chassis while in college to put my Olds engine and transmission into. Paid $40 for it. Body and frames on these cars are hefty and when cleaned up make good looking cars. One is being used in a Mexican beer commercial these days. Never got to really get started on mine as a ’53 Studebaker coupe came into my life that I wound up building my car around. Chevy went to a guy who had a complete ’50s V8 running gear that he put into it. After seeing what can be done with these cars I’ve been drooling over them ever since. Almost bought a maroon 4 door street restomod but had too many cars at the time.
Nice stovebolt, could go either way, hot rod or stock, these are really neat cars. HOWEVER- Adam says that the 216 splasher mill is only 5 hp less than the Ford Flathead V-8. No Comparison, and Clyde Barrow chose a Ford V8 over all of em. The V8 has a Pressurized oiling system and the later mills had insert bearings.; the 6 has a splasher non pressurized system and babbitts.. The Garage I worked at used to tell me the new york city folks used to run them locally then hop on the Taconic state parkway and blew them. He use used to be a whiz with the babitt engines. Good guys to learn the business from! Good luck and happy motoring.
Cheers
GPC
Has the rare “butterfly” steering wheel, a seldom seen factory 39 option. You used to find them like this, while in high school I dealt on a much straighter mate to this car in it’s original light gray paint. The farmer wanted $100, I only had $85 so I had to pass on it! At the same time, I pestered a young fellow for his ’39 sedan delivery. I was able to buy that one for $65, but only after he took out the ’62 409 that he was installing. I didn’t want that boat anchor anyway. Sigh. I still have the delivery, in a few months I will have owned it for 50 years.
Hard to say this `39 has been sitting for 61 years when it wears 1968 IOWA plates!
plates were cheap and i bet they were thinking they would drive it and would buy plates for it but never did drive it. and 68 was last year they got plates.
that steering wheel has lots of rust on it, just odd being dash looks so nice.
I love that steering wheel, I wonder if that guy on tv that restores stuff could redo this one, you know the guy in Las Vegas, he seems to be able to restore anything that comes to him. It would be worth the price to have it done since you don’t see many of them. This car has so much potential to be a factory correct example. For me it wouldn’t be a highway cruiser anyway, just to a few shows around the area I live in. That old 6 cylinder would be just fine. Hope it finds a great home.
God Bless America
When the babitt bearings went out on the Ts I drove, I put in leather from belts I no longer used. Worked fine.