What a fantastic-looking car! While Ford had managed to suck most of the air out of the automotive room in the ’20s and ’30s, this Chevrolet Master Coupe proves that there were viable, non-Ford, options available. A finely executed mix of old and new, this Chevrolet is located in San Diego, California and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $11,501 with twenty-eight bids tendered so far.
So, just how successful was Chevrolet in the depression year of 1933? According to Auto Production Statistics, 486K units to Ford’s 335K. Chevrolet took the sales lead in ’31 but handed it back to Ford in ’34. And, as with most manufacturers at the time, Chevrolet’s body styles abounded, including two and four-door sedans, a cabriolet, a coupe, such as this example, sports coupe with a rumble seat, “Town” two-door sedan, Sports Roadster, a Phaeton four-door, and a business coupe. The seller mentions that this Master Coupe has a finished trunk and not a rumble seat.
A rust-free California car, this coupe has spent most of its life garaged. It wears a recent repaint with some new chrome trim but the grille and bumper are original components. Close scrutiny of the exterior paint and body shows no real imperfections or matters that require assistance. The red wheels are attention grabbers! Whether they are original in this shade or not, is not mentioned but if the chosen color was the owner’s selection, it was a great choice.
The original 206 CI, in-line six-cylinder engine has given way to a 125 HP, 1954 vintage Chevrolet 235 CI six, connected to a three-speed manual transmission. The seller makes no mention as to how this Chevy operates but does claim that the engine was rebuilt – no word when, or if it was modified.
The interior in this Master coupe is magnificent! It is finished off in a beige/tan tweed and is a very comprehensive makeover. Not only the bench seat has been reupholstered but the door cards, carpet, headliner, and trunk have been refurbished to match. As for the instrument panel, it looks original but is in excellent shape with non-clouded gauges that still possess bold graphics.
The seller states, “A true survivor anyone can enjoy and be proud to show and drive“. Survivor really isn’t an accurate description considering that this Chevy is now running with a later-era powerplant, but as for enjoying it by showing and driving, I would have to strongly agree. He further adds, “I am posting this ad for a friend who was born in 1933, loves this car and cannot drive or enjoy it anymore“. And that statement, unfortunately, encapsulates what seems to be happening with many pre-war cars. Their owners are at a stage where they can no longer enjoy them so many beauties, like this Chevrolet, are on the open market looking for new caretakers. The problem is, according to everything that I read, cars of this era are just not that popular with younger generations. Hopefully, this wonderful Chevrolet Master Coupe will find a new home where it will be cared for as well as it has been over its long, 88 years of existence, wouldn’t you agree?
Well, Jim, this one is at least popular enough to have drawn 28 bids so far, and that’s encouraging! A little high for my taste, but I’m not going to say it’s not worth the money.
The only thing that leaves me slightly cold is the body color. To me, it just doesn’t look “right.” But that’s a matter of personal taste, and I’m sure there are plenty of colors from that era’s Chevies that would suit me just fine!
Neat old ride! And, with the 235, probably a decent performer that could be used daily.
And there are eighteen different bidders so that is a good sign!
JO
I see a pcv valve that’s been added to the valve cover, probably to pass California emissions test. Performance wise this engine will give a little more power than the original, and you can still buy parts for these to increase power.
Overall this is a nice car for putting around town to pick up a lot of conversation as you go. I’m glad no body has rodded this one into some high performing modern car with classic body. There’s plenty of those to choose from.
God bless America
Both the car and drivetrain are early enough that they are not subject to California emissions regulations.
This is a nice looking car and so far appears to be an incredible value for someone looking for a car of this era.
Steve R
The original engine at 60hp the 235 at 130hp, torque probably double as well. The performance is significantly increased. If it has the original transmission and axle, those won’t hold up to the power unless driven very conservatively.
I love this car because it’s not painted black. Certainly don’t see a lot of these outside of a museum or collection.
Im 41 years old and admittedly do not have much more than a fleeting interest in pre 50’s automobiles. This one caught my eye because of the red wheels. Of course in person I would spend a few minutes on it at a car show and would love an opportunity to drive it.
Parades and car shows, that’s where this one belongs IMO. That and take the grand kids down for some ice cream in it.
Peculiar, leaving and returning to this page, about 1`/2 the comments gone, including mine?
I seen an old black & white picture of one of these back in the 1950s lowered a little with wide whitewalls & cross bar hubcaps, a little mild custom. Looked bada$$
As the author mentions, older collectors are ending their participation in the hobby and its pretty obvious to see that the younger generations are considerably less interested in the hobby so there will be a time coming where thousands of collector cars will be looking for new homes amongst the dwindling number of people that remain. Short of some significant change in young peoples interest in the hobby, I sure hope some well heeled collector will start some kind of museum to care for and preserve all these examples of automotive history.
20 years from now the scene will be dramatically different. As to this specific car I find it quite appealing. Its nice to see one of these that hasn’t been prodded and heavily modified. The existing modifications will serve it will in terms of practical use without taking away much from the original feel of the car. Sure hope it finds a good home