1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe 2 Door Sedan
In 1938 the Chevrolet Motor company offered an upscale version of the Master, (AKA the HB), and the Master Deluxe, (AKA the HA), sedan. This was a popular car selling over 302,000 units and became popular with hot rodders because of the availability of parts, and the ease of replacing the engine, many versions and interpretations survive today.
For consignment a 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe 2 door sedan with the heart of a full size passenger car, the front of a Mustang II, and the tush of a Chevy Nova. It retains its original shape and its steel but has some exterior cues that hint things have changed since 1938.
Note: This vehicle displays a reissued VIN branding on the clean and clear Pennsylvania title.
Exterior
Medium Blue Metallic is the hue of choice here and while shades of blue were available in 1938, none were quite this bright nor metallic. Staggered sized Weld DragLite wheels with wider tires create a more aggressive stance from the one 80 years ago and tinted windows did not exist but look great here. Chrome tips on the dual exhaust are telling while the chrome headlight eyebrows add a touch of retro rodding. Most of the metal work is in good shape although the grille and some other parts could use some restoration if that was the goal of the next owner. The paint is rough throughout especially by the gas filler cap where spillage has caused damage. There's also crackling throughout and some of it has broken the surface of the paint or chipped off completely.
Interior
Blue velour and carpeted door panels greet occupants in relatively clean condition and that blue velour is carried over to the later model bucket front seats with button back design and adjustable headrests. All materials and patterns are mirrored on the rear bench seat which provides a roomy couch like setting for rear occupants with leg and head room to spare! A steering wheel from probably the 70's or 80's fronts a gauge cluster that looks somewhat cobbled but gets the job done with speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge. In the center, a temp gauge sits above a dash plaque from 1979 followed by a triple gauge cluster underneath and an art deco clock is embedded in the glove box door. Finally, an AM/FM/Cassette player is on the far right, mounted under the dash. A piston headed skull B&M shifter is floor mounted and surrounded by blue loop carpet that shows usage in the front and the blue headliner sags in some places but is intact. The trunk is essentially unfinished and covered with a carpet remnant and has some essential tools such as a funnel and fire extinguisher.
Drivetrain
Raise the engine cover to find a driver quality 327ci V8 from 1968 rated at 275 horsepower and topped with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and intake manifold. Behind it, a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission that was serviced in June 2024 and sends power to the 10 bolt rear axle from a Nova. Power brakes are supplied on the car with discs in front and drums in the rear. The engine bay itself has some surface rust while Edelbrock chrome valve covers do their best to shine through.
Undercarriage
Relatively clean underneath with typical surface rust on most areas, some of it pitted, residual oil on the pan and transmission pan, but no invasive rust nor grease build up. The dual exhaust meets mixed mufflers, one a FlowMaster, the other a Turbo muffler, before heading straight to the back. Suspension consists of a Mustang II front and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Swing the door open and step up on the running board to gain access to the comfortable cabin with supportive, plush seats. The 350 starts up with the prime of the carb and bellows from the tailpipes a football field behind us. Wide tires provide a surefooted ride where tracking and turn-ins are executed well, and the power brakes do not fail to slow this big sedan down. Decent acceleration and good visibility add to the fun and only the wipers are inoperable. All else functioned as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's a driver with some presence and plenty of room for further restoration or customization. It's got good bones and a comfortable cabin and can be enjoyed as is or taken to the next level. The classic humpback trunk and tall grille are striking features that will serve this car well no matter what road you take.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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