Regular readers will look at this 1939 Chevrolet Master ½-Ton Pickup and recognize why I find it so appealing. The seller has returned this classic to a roadworthy state and only made changes to ensure that it is safe and reliable. However, he has treated the interior to a birthday that offers a striking contrast to its exterior. He feels that the time is right for a new owner to experience the joy that this beauty offers, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. The Pickup is located in Newport, Washington, where bidding has rocketed beyond the reserve to $18,800.
The history of this Pickup is unclear, but it is evident that it is no trailer queen. The numerous dings and bruises indicate that it worked to earn its keep, but these imperfections add to its character. There’s no doubt that some panelwork and a fresh coat of its original Boatswain Blue paint would restore it to its stunning best, although I won’t be surprised if the next owner leaves it untouched. It has no immediate needs because, apart from surface corrosion, there’s no penetrating rust demanding attention. The lower cab corners, rockers, and floors are all prone to problems, but those areas are rock-solid in this classic. The exterior trim is presentable for a workhorse of this age, while the foglights on the front are a sign of an owner willing to think outside the square. The seller wanted to add turning signals but couldn’t locate front lights with the right appearance. Therefore, he adapted vintage foglights to fill that void. He says that the original bed timber was rotten, which is no great surprise. He addressed this issue utilizing cedar timbers and the original joining strips, and the bed now looks stunning. He admits the glass has accumulated some cracks and cloudiness, but since it doesn’t impede the driver’s vision, it is another aspect that doesn’t require immediate attention. Rounding out the exterior is a nice set of artillery wheels with shiny hubcaps and chrome trim rings.
Okay, we’ve reached the point in this story where regular readers may gain an understanding of why this Pickup appeals to me. I have often talked about the striking contrast an original, and unrestored exterior can offer if the owner treats the interior to a serious dose of TLC. That is the approach followed by this owner, and it looks terrific. The seat wears new padding and a fresh Black vinyl cover. He refreshed the painted surfaces and added a new rubber floor mat, a headliner, and new windlace weather stripping around the doors. With a wrap on the wheel and a heater to improve comfort on colder days, the interior needs nothing. Everything inside the Pickup works as it should, including all the lights and gauges. If the weather is too warm for the heater, occupants only need to crank open the windshield to enjoy the benefit of flow-through ventilation.
The owner indicates that the Pickup’s mechanical components are original, and he fitted any replacement parts to return the vehicle to a reliable and safe condition. The engine bay houses the factory 216.5ci six-cylinder engine that delivers 78hp and 170 ft/lbs of torque. Feeding the power to the rear wheels is a four-speed manual transmission with the “granny” low gear. The owner claims that the odometer reading of 48,000 miles is genuine, although he doesn’t mention verifying evidence. The Pickup retains many of its original features, including the vacuum wipers and 6-volt electrical system. For those seeking a turnkey classic, this one delivers. The motor starts easily, while the transmission and brakes work perfectly. He supplies this YouTube video of the Chevy in action, and it scoots along the road quite nicely.
In a parallel universe, I would have no hesitation joining the bidding war on this 1939 Chevrolet Master Pickup. It ticks the right boxes for me, and I would enjoy driving and showing the vehicle as it stands. You have to think that it would attract plenty of attention at a Cars & Coffee, and the thirty-one bids already submitted suggest that I’m not alone in my feelings. Sadly, it will never find its way into my garage. However, the same may not be true for you. Are you tempted to drop a bid or three, hoping that you can drive away in this classic? If you do and are successful, I don’t mind admitting that I will envy you.
This truck would be right at home parked on Main Street in Archer City TX, or a dozen small towns in MT. Of course I can’t help but think about the old Chevy truck that Timothy Bottoms drove in THE LAST PICTURE SHOW. I wonder if Hank Williams could still be heard on the radio?
Hello, my friend, well, we finally can agree on a good movie, Last Picture Show, and you know why? It depicted actual life, and not disembowling zombies. My kid finally got out of that drek, and is working on an American history story, which she and I’m much happier with.
This is a great find, by ’39, these were actually somewhat modern,
,,HOWEVER,,,let’s call a spade a spade, it’s shortcomings, while state of the art for 1939, will put some off, a new Silverado, it ain’t. That “crashbox” will stymie most younguns today. You rarely mention prices, which I think is admirable. Naturally, I think this is way out of line for this, someone unfamiliar with these, will plunk down a chunk( to me) and will be in for rude surprise, I can hear it now, “there’s something wrong with the transmission, it just grinds”,,don’t laugh, I had some young punk test drive my Peterbilt,( while I sat in the jump seat listening to this moron) and couldn’t shift it ( 13 speed) and said the transmission was shot,,,anyway, a cool truck.
You know, I was in Archer City about 8 years after they did that movie and the town wasn’t any different, other than in color. But they didn’t have to go anywhere to hire extras; they had plenty of them right there.
Yes, teaching someone to operate a non-synchronized transmission; it’s actually quite comical. Grind me a pound while you’re at it!
I had the pleasure to own a 1940 version of this truck. My friend and I swapped out the 216 for a 1957 235 cu. in. 6cyl. with dual carburetors on a Offy intake. The mild cam put the power thru the original 3sd tranny (went thru 3 of these) torque tube driveshaft and 4.11 or something equivalent rear gear. It was my daily driver! We drove it to a non-sanctioned 1/8 mile dragstrip outside Lawence Kansas and disconnected and wired-up the exhaust and let all but 12lbs of air out of the 16.00×6.00 rear tires. I won the FS/6cyl class trophy! Drove it back to Independence, Missouri and to work the next morning! Drove it with the trophy on the seat and white shoe polish FS/6 on the window for a month at least. Sold it when I went into the Corps and the new owner put a SB Chevy and a 4spd in it out of a Nova. It’s so missed….thanks for giving me a fond memory!!!
i along with most every kid in the family learned how to drive in a 39 chevy. double clutching all day long.i was the last one to drive it .drove it to the farm junk yard. then about 15 years later i wen back and brought it to billings tomake a rod or something out of it, that never got done infact i trailered it back to that junk yard where im sure it remains today!
im suprized none of us were killed or seriously injured we drove the wheels off that little pickup, kids falling out the back all the time!!!
Is it forsale?
I like it too, but my neice and SIL wouldn’t. It really sucks to have a
vision problem that keeps you from
driving. If I could see, I’d be tooling
around Winter Haven in it like the good Lord intended. At least I can
still see well enough to make a print
of it if anyone wants one.
I don’t use the word “regal” too often but it works for this truck. Nice!
I like it just the way it is. Sounds and looks, per the driving video link, that it runs and drives honest as well. The seller took care of miscellaneous things and appears to be turnkey for the next owner to enjoy as is.
Actually a beautiful survivor.
It’s said that beauty resides in the eye of the beholder. And my eye, like yours, sees in this charming old truck a simplicity and practical elegance that has long passed from the automotive scene.
Agreed and it is sad. Too many spoiled, people that don’t appreciate real trucks that don’t have power steering, brakes, ac, etc. A lot of profilers out there.
Nice old truck,but wadrer price for it. The asking price for parts for these is outrageous. To have this looking nice again–if a person buys the parts–is gonna pay out a bundle. This price is way over its real value.
This truck would be perfect for me. My current truck only gets used as a truck a few times each year to haul bark, rocks, lumber or to help a kid move. It’d be like that utility trailer you keep around, except besides its hauling duties, it would be a joy to look at and a blast to drive. This truck needs to be stored indoors though, and our garage only has room for my wife’s car, and my tools, bikes and motorcycles.
What a great looking old truck. I wouldn’t change a thing. Perfect as a weekend cruiser on country roads just taking your time and enjoying the scenery.
Someone did this old girl right without screwing it up in any way. IMO. I’m sure it will bring the price it does and make someone very happy. Great find
the beauty of this gem is the simplicity and beautiful aged condition Notice I didnt use the P word. And I agree that a kid could destroy that 216 and the crash box Right quick! Good luck and happy motoring!
Cheers
GPC
Yes I am pretty sure there are some parts that interchange with the 1940 model BUT there are also some parts that are 1939 specific & yes, that can get expensive quickly! Still a very nice pre war style though regardless.