The seller of this Millville, New Jersey domiciled 1937 Chevrolet Master Coupe opens the listing with, “Guys and Gals here is your next project. You decide if you’d like to build this awesome rod.” So that bit of information gives us an idea of where he was going with this car before he “came to the realization that I do not have the time to build another car.” After nineteen years of ownership, his time with this coupe is up and it’s now available for someone new to take over. Worthwhile project? Let’s find out.
It’s suggested that a ’37 Chevy coupe, in this condition, is a difficult find. It is one of over 100K assembled but I imagine they’re seldom seen today, 87 years after the fact. The listing claims, twice, that all of the parts are present along with new sheet metal to repair the rotted trunk floor. The body panels show pretty well so this seems to be a good basis for a rod-o-rama or something similar. The concern, especially when you’re told that it’s all there is whether all of the necessary parts are in fact, actually there – something always seems to go missing! The seller clearly had an interest in progressing this project as he went to the trouble and expense of medium blasting the front fenders, rear fenders, hood, grill shell, and trunk lid and applying epoxy to the rear fenders and trunk lid. Rounding out all four corners are Chevrolet’s ubiquitous rally wheels – they get stuck on everything wearing a bowtie but they just don’t seem right on this coupe.
Originally equipped with an 85 HP, 216 CI, in-line, six-cylinder engine, there appears to be something newer, though still a six-banger under the hood. The seller claims, “It runs and moves on its own power. It does not have brakes.” OK, well that’s a bit of a problem, hopefully not a major one. A three-speed manual transmission handles the gear-related activities. There is an included running video in the listing, be sure to check it out.
The interior is, well, it’s all inside and that’s about all that can be said. It shows as original looking, and complete, and the bench seat would seem to be wearing a seat cover though the listing mentions that the padding is deteriorated – no surprise there! The seller does mention that ” The floors are in good shape looks like someone painted the floor inside and under the car.”
To cut to the chase, this Chevy is going to go V8, I can’t imagine an enthusiast leaving that six in place. A traditional small block, LS or LT, it doesn’t matter it’s just the logical move. Those with an interest in this Master Coupe can find it here on eBay where it’s available for $4,150 with three bids tendered so far. If you were interested in this old Chevy, what mods would you apply?
Well, without brakes it will get better gas mileage, until it runs into something. And the six that’s in it is a 235, not exactly a spring chicken either. At least its paint is newer. The wheels? I mildly disagree, they look pretty good on this coupe, certainly better than the majority of aftermarket rims would. I’m thinking for the work this car needs, it’s already bid beyond it being an economical restoration investment.
Probably true regarding the price, but you know someone will just want it enough to pay too much. Have always liked these and it could be a fun project. Could go fast enough to get a speeding ticket with the six in a row and get plenty of attention at cars n coffee as well
For the amount of money you’d spend, even if you did all the work yourself, to get it up and running you could have a car that would be fun to drive to and from the coffee n cars.
Steve R