Although I have been fortunate enough to slip behind the wheel of many classics in my time, one experience remains on my automotive Bucket List. I have never ridden in a rumble seat. However, with my body becoming less flexible with age, I can’t think of any way to get in or out of a rumble seat elegantly. Therefore, that is something that will probably never happen. This 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Cabriolet is a rare classic that offers the possibility to its next owner. It is a solid vehicle that runs and drives well, allowing the buyer to perform a cosmetic restoration when (or if) they feel it is necessary. The seller has listed the Cabriolet here on eBay in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bidding sits below the reserve at $45,200 with a BIN option of $70,000 for those who find this beauty irresistible.
It would be unfair to describe this Chevrolet as a genuine survivor, because its original Code 213 Black paint hides beneath a layer of Maroon. The exterior doesn’t possess a mirror shine, which might prompt some potential buyers to contemplate a cosmetic restoration to its original form. That process may not be difficult, because the panels sport only minor bumps and bruises. One thing it lacks is rust, because the New Mexico climate has done a wonderful job of preserving the steel. The exterior is clean, while the underside shots reveal no nasty problems. Therefore, the grinder and welder won’t be required in this case. The seller confirms that the rear bumper isn’t original, but the remaining trim appears to be genuine. The top doesn’t appear to be ripped, but its general appearance may prompt some people to consider purchasing a replacement if restoration is their aim.
This Cabriolet’s interior is surprisingly tidy for an unrestored vehicle of this vintage, although I suspect that the front seat may have received a new cover at some point. The dash paint is developing checking, but the bright trim, gauges, and the clock look excellent. One feature that is a highlight is the rumble seat, although it is worth remembering that with the soft-top offering no protection, it would be a pretty miserable place to spend time when it is raining. However, on sunny days, it should provide its occupants with genuine enjoyment.
Powering this Chevrolet is the company’s 216.5ci six that generated 85hp in 1938. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed manual transmission, providing respectable performance by the standards of the era. The seller indicates that this Cabriolet spent its life in the care of its original family and is a genuine barn find. Its revival included replacing the brakes, battery, and radiator. No mention is made of the tires, which look old in the included images. They may require inspection to determine that they are roadworthy, although with the seller confirming that this gem runs and drives like a dream, looks might be deceptive. The impression conveyed is that this Chevy is ready to provide its new owner with immediate summer motoring fun.
Chevrolet’s Master range proved a success in 1938, with 162,430 buyers taking one home across all variants. However, only 2,787 of those were the Cabriolet, and it is unclear how many have survived. The relative rarity of these classics helps to explain the strong interest that the seller’s listing has generated, with sixteen bids and sixty-five people adding it to their Watch List. It will be fascinating to monitor this auction, even if you aren’t genuinely interested in becoming the new owner. My instinct tells me that things could become quite spirited in the final hours.
Car is rare but not a beauty, a bit grungy and not well presented. and sure not worth what they are asking for it. Owned a ’39 two door sedan for a while and appreciated the clean lines of GM’s late ’30s offerings.
Put a 265 inch V8 in my ’39 two door sedan and went to the drag strip.
They put me in the gasser” class.
Three speed shifter was between my legs.
Was Very proud to get to the end of the quarter mile.
Then drove it home with numbers on the windows and a Big smile.
Agreed, the BIN seems overly optimistic
Is it true there were zero 1937 Chevrolet convertibles?
I like it.
Does it Run, Drive, Stop ??? For 70K it should !
I did get to ride in a rumble seat in the early 1950’s. A neighbor’s nephew had a 30’s Ford hot rod of sorts, with a rumble seat, and took me and some other kids on a ride around the block. It was an open car, like this, easy for me to get into and out of, “step on the steps, not the fender,” was the instruction. I never told my parents since the nephew had a reputation as a “hellion” and I thought (probably correctly) that I would have been in trouble for going for the ride.
Given what else you could buy for this money, this is way overpriced. I have fond memories of riding in an aunt’s ’36 Master DeLuxe 4 door sedan, with crank out rear vent windows and mohair upholstery, but I do not want to own one.
No mention if this one has the infamous knee action front suspension . . My 34 Master did many moons ago . .
For the 1938 model year, Chevrolet built the Master (series HB with I-beam straight front axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs) and the Master Deluxe (series HA with “knee action” in front). Picture 11 indicates straight front axle (HB Master) and picture 9 shows the firewall tag “HB”. According to the 1938 Chevrolet brochure, this year’s cabriolet wasn’t a Master Deluxe, but a “Master only”. J.D.Power lists the “High Retail” value at $35,000 USD (excellent condition overall, no reconditioning needed).
T. Mann, they did offer a Cabriolet
in ’37, but it seemed that there were very few takers. Like the ’37s, most of the production centered around coupes, sedans,
and an occasional wagon or two.
Why, I’ve even been lucky enough
to see a.convertible sedan variant
at an antique car show in our town 60 years ago. I was was 10,
maybe 11 years old when I saw it.
And man that thing was sharp. It
was all dolled up with almost every option they offered in ’38
including dual side mounts! And though they weren’t offered here,
they were offered as export models. I even got to see one of
these in 1970 with dual side mounts and an external trunk. But for the most part, the ones I grew up with were coupes and sedans. They were still everywhere back then and you could get one for $25 at your local used car lot. This one looks great but needs whitewalls IMHO.
Looks a bit too bland for me but I wouldn’t kick it off my parking space that’s for sure.
You got me. Had to pay $35 for mine.