In the 1930s, Chevrolet was riding high, in solid financial condition, and selling well against its competition. Designs throughout the industry were shifting, as running boards shrank, headlights were drawing closer to fenders, and radiators were enclosed by front-end bodywork. The 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe represented the very end of a styling era, just before streamlining became common. The Special Deluxe was the highest trim level of the “Master” line of automobiles. It utilized the company’s best fabrics, full instrumentation, extra trim, and the famous “flying lady” hood ornament. Here on craigslist is a one-family-owned 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe business coupe for sale, with an asking price of $25,000 or best offer. The car is located in Indio, California. Thanks to T.J. for this swanky tip!
All Chevs of this generation were equipped with a four main-bearing, overhead valve, 216.5 cu. in. inline six-cylinder engine mated to a single-barrel Carter carburetor, producing about 85 bhp. A three-speed manual synchromesh transmission on the column completed the package. A lot of work has gone into this example, in the form of a new gas tank, new water pump, rebuilt carburetor, and a rebuilt transmission. The tires are new, as are the four drum brakes, brake lines, and exhaust. The car is said to run and drive well.
Unfortunately, no interior shots are supplied but the stunning front-end photo is almost enough to make me forget that I can’t see what’s inside. The Special Deluxe was supplied with a bumper guard with an inset badge, and here we can see the “Flying Lady” head-on. The condition of the car looks like high driver quality from this perspective, though another angle shows some paint imperfections.
The trunk shows its age, but I love the vintage “Auto Seat Covers” box, the original bias ply tire, and tools. The trunk and engine bay offer an opportunity to improve this car with elbow grease alone. All in all, a classy ride. Investigating prices shows these can sell anywhere from high teens to low twenties for a “good” car, and into the thirties for excellent cars. My sense is the asking price is a hair on the high side here; what do you think?
Love the look of the ’40 Chevys. My dad had a two door sedan in the usual black. Often wondered why they changed the look and shape of the ’41s on. Looked to me like they hit it in the looks department with the “40s. Nice old car.
With the list of repairs and the over all Pix and the age of the vehicle all I have to say is “What paint imperfections?” I owned a 41 Special Deluxe a One owner that was ALL ORIGINAL but surely did not look this good Vacuum shift and all.
Low Rider
Appears to be a very nice example of a 40 Stove Bolt. I do think the asking is a little high, but if you like it, you could do a lot worse
My first car and the one I learned to drive a manual shift was a ’40 Chevy business coupe like this, don’t recall it having all the extras, so thinking it was just a base model. I would love to have this if just for the good memories back then at 15 yrs old in ’63,… ahh when life and times were so much better.
Paid $35.00 and drove it home. Same time frame.
Yep, first car and it was $35.00 drove it home. 1963, I was 14 and yes, I was in trouble constantly.
My oldest brothers first car was a 1946 Chevy. I honestly don’t remember what model but I just thought that was the coolest car ever!! That is until I got my first car, a 57 Ford Fairlane 500, which was, of course, the coolest car ever.
Sometimes I think the coolest car is whatever I am driving at the moment!
Bought mine for $50. Front seats were burned out and drove it home on wooden crates from a store. Got seats from a junk yard later. Mine was a business coupe without rear seat, only plat form. No turn signals on mine.
why the Connecticut plates if it is in California. Is it still available?