Occasionally, cars will appear on our desks at Barn Finds that help each of us to realize how lucky we are, and why we should never take life for granted. A passionate enthusiast who had served his country faithfully in the Navy purchased this 1934 Chevrolet Coupe car in 1992, spending the next three years transforming it into a stunning Hot Rod. Sadly, asbestos exposure during his time in service resulted in his being diagnosed with Mesothelioma, and he passed away in 2008 after a brave battle with that illness. The time has come for this beautiful Coupe to find a new home, with the seller taking on the task for the late owner’s son. They have listed this wonderful classic here on Craigslist in Bonney Lake, Washington. They set their price at $39,500, and it appears that they will consider offers. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting a vehicle with so much to offer its new owner.
The greatest challenge with some classic builds is identifying where to start when assessing their greatest attributes, which is the case with this Coupe. The late owner had a strong eye for detail, and it appears that he was determined to create a vehicle that would easily turn heads and draw crowds. After ensuring that the body was laser-straight and that everything was rust-free. He applied a stunning shade of Turquoise. The depth of color and shine is simply amazing, and it feels like, from some angles, that you could sink into the surface. The Coupe has remained in a warm garage since the build ended, covered in a soft cotton cover to protect it from dust and other contaminants. The underside shots reveal the floors and frame to be as impressive as the exterior, without the slightest hint of developing corrosion. The deep paint shade is contrasted by bright trim and chrome that sparkles intensely, and new tempered glass that is crystal clear. The late owner fitted the 15″ Boyds wheels in 1994, and they remain in as-new condition.
Lifting the Coupe’s hood reveals that the owner was determined to focus on more than the cosmetic aspects of this build. The vehicle would have left the factory powered by a 206ci “Stovebolt” six producing around 80hp. Performance would have been quite acceptable, but like most people, the owner wanted more power under his right foot. Therefore, the six made way for a 355ci ZZ3 Crate Engine, fitted with aluminum heads, an Edelbrock 650cfm carburetor, HEI ignition, and ceramic coated headers. We can speculate on this small-block’s output, but I suspect that somewhere around 345hp would be realistic. This Coupe represents a “total package” approach, with the power feeding to a Jaguar independent rear end via a three-speed TCI Turbo 350 transmission. Steering duties fall to a rack and pinion system, while the stopping power will be greatly improved by the four-wheel disc brakes. The seller indicates that the Chevy has only clocked around 4,800 miles since the build, but gets driven occasionally to keep the fluids moving and everything working as it should. The seller recently replaced the battery, performed a full service and fluid change, and flushed the fuel system to ensure there were no contaminants. It starts easily, drives extremely well, and the seller includes a range of paperwork that documents the entire build.
Okay, so we’ve looked at the exterior and mechanical specifications, and it is time we focused on this Coupe’s interior. Once again, the attention to detail is admirable. Every upholstered surface is trimmed in Black leather, including the Rumble Seat. There is matching carpet on the floor, and the painted surfaces continue the exterior Turquoise shade to tie everything together. The leather looks supple and inviting, the paint shines beautifully, and there is no visible wear. It isn’t merely about looks, because this interior features Vintage air conditioning, an effective heater, a GM tilt column, a Genie shifter for the Turbo 350, and a hidden Alpine stereo.
It is easy to take life for granted, and to complain about what are sometimes minor inconveniences, but it takes the backstory of cars like this 1934 Chevrolet Coupe to place things into a proper perspective. Thankfully, most of us will never face the level of trauma surrounding this classic, nor will we confront the heartbreak of seeing a passionate enthusiast and, more importantly, a beloved family member taken too soon by an illness like Mesothelioma. Preserving this vehicle as a tribute to that man seems fitting, with his son and his friend doing an admirable job. The time has come for the baton to be passed to a new owner, and I know that we will have readers who would gratefully accept that challenge. If we remove sentiment from the equation for a moment and consider what this car offers, recreating it for the asking price would be virtually impossible. That is why I believe that it will find a new home with another passionate enthusiast fairly quickly. Could you be that person?
Nice looking car, beautiful paint job, and it’s amazing to me how close this looks to a ’33 FORD coupe. The grill looks like a little bit of a ’32 FORD frame and a ’33 chrome grill piece. If I had it that SBC would have to be replaced by a FORD 351 Cleveland engine. The only one like it in town!
Yes! Let’s see the gnashing of teeth over this comment. They always say that this is the “essence” of hot rodding. Replacing an engine in one brand with another.
Beautiful car. I am confused as to why folks complain about putting an SBC in a Ford product and now we have a comment that includes replacing a GM engine in a Chevy with a Ford unit. Think I need another cup of coffee….
Luckily the people “motivated” to do something just to garner a negative reaction generally run out of steam about two second after the words pass their lips or push the send button.
This is a nice car. It was well thought out and executed. It’s held up well over the 30 years since it was built compared to many cars that were built aroundfleeting around trends. I’d probably change the wheels and air cleaner then be done.
Steve R
This is a beautiful and I’m sure it’s worth every penny.
I feel sorry for the family I hope they get every penny there asking.
Exactly what I was thinking, Steve!
We can only hope this Vet had at least some time to enjoy his build. It’s thoughtfully and tastefully done and I hope the new owner reflects the love that went into this themselves.
Lost more than a few friends to various types of cancer and the like due to their job cleaning the tanks of the oilers or refitting in the shipyards.
GLWTS
Nice car, the wheels are terrible though.
Replacing the wheels along with the valve covers and air cleaner will make a huge difference, that will take the dated 90’s look out of it. A minimal investment will change the entire character of the car. I’d also remove the hood side panels and cruise. What a nice street rod!
The air cleaner is hideous, but for some reason people are willing to pay a lot for them. There are recent sales on eBay for ones with the B&M logo that have sold between $250 and $450, those without (like the one on this car) between $175 and $225, plus shipping for all. The B&M valve covers sell considerably more, but are much harder to find.
Steve R
I would love to be that person, but far to many obstacles in the way. I love this car, it’s perfect just the way it is, I wouldn’t change a thing. My very first car was a 35 Chevy standard 4 door sedan. I loved that car. I was only 13 when I got it in 1960, but I had wheels.
God Bless America
This car encapsulates the trajectory of my life. I wish. It exudes class and refined presence that I am sure the owner today sees every time he goes out to drive it. My Father left behind a 1953 Hudson Hornet and a 1967 Ambassador that he had preserved from new. But, unlike most he chose to actually drive them when the occasion called for something special. They reflected the owner. They were our Christmas drive back to our parents home town cars. Or our Thanksgiving with Aunt Biz and Dean driver. This probably is offered with a heavy heart but with the realization that someone else can now start new memories with his loved ones. Or just burn two stripes down the pavement with that fabulous Jaguar IRS. This presentation warmed my heart on a testy Monday. Thank you.
I whole heatedly agree with Steve R, this car was tastefully done in the first place so not much needs to be changed. Avoiding trends will make your build timeless. I was pleasantly surprised to see the steering wheel is not billet. I you want instant gratification, this is it.
I love this car and if I had the means I’d buy it in a heatbeat. God bless the man who built it for his service and for building such a beautiful automobile. ‘Nuff said.
I am quite stupefied that this opportunity is still on the market.
Nothing much more that should be expressed.
Amazing.