The Chevrolet Master was introduced in 1933 to replace the outgoing Master Eagle as the more expensive model in Chevrolet’s lineup. I suppose a modern equivalent might be an Impala…something more upmarket without crossing the border into the more premium Pontiac territory. The Master went through frequent changes, and the 1934 model boasted a longer wheelbase, an upgraded engine, and a clever–if finicky–independent front suspension system designed by French inventor André Dubonnet. You can find this barn find here on eBay, with a starting bid of $3,500 but no reserve.

Under the hood, there’s nothing. This, of course, leaves the door wide open for the buyer to do with as they please, but if you were to go the OEM route, you would have a 206 cubic inch Chevrolet “Stovebolt Six” inline-six-cylinder engine producing 80 horsepower with overhead valves. Impressive tech for the time, especially considering Chevrolet’s advertising of “a six for the price of a four.” The seller mentions in the item description that it has no motor or transmission, and the steering linkage isn’t hooked up, but it rolls well.

Inside, it needs an interior, as with most other things. The seller provides a collection of bits to go along with it, but among the bits pictured, I’m not seeing any seats or interior trim pieces. They do include glass and lights, though. AND! Oh, and! They include a newly plated nickel grille, which looks spectacular. Just about the only thing that doesn’t need to be restored.

That grille, as new as it looks, would surely look wild juxtaposed against the thoroughly patinaed body of the car, were you to do a rat rod/hot rod build with this. If that’s the route you were going to go down, the interesting rod look, it would definitely turn the heads of Chevrolet geeks to see the Dubonnet Knee-Action independent front suspension poking its head out of either side of the hood–so definitely keep that in place, and mechanically up to snuff. With rods of all kinds–rat or hot–they are the ultimate expression of their owners’ personalities; a work of art in their own right, taking years to get correct. Every little detail matters, and on a vehicle like this…a vehicle that needs everything…every little detail will need to be addressed to make it your own. And that’s a good thing.