1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Sedan
In the original sales brochure for 1940, a sixteen page masterpiece of art and writing, the final page lists the specifications for each model. One section is dedicated to "Additional Standard Equipment" and as the top of the line, the Special Deluxe received, among other things, a cigarette lighter and clock, a glove compartments light, two adjustable sun visors, carpet inserts on the rubber floor mats, DeLuxe T-spoke steering wheel with horn blowing ring, and a decorative rear license plate.
For consignment, a 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe sedan with a title verified 68,502 actual miles, owned by our consignor since 1995 and purchased from an AACA member who also took home an Historic Preservation of Original Features award in 1990.
Exterior
Beautiful black panels glisten in uncommonly glossy single stage goodness, bouncing our lights back to us and in deep contrast to the metal accenting on the car which includes the body long spear that takes in the hood vents. The polished window trim pops on the black car and there's even trim jacketing the running board, making this Special Deluxe especially special, and the grille resembles a small locomotive coming your way, fronted by bright yellow fog lights and flanked by headlights melded into the bulbous, wide fenders. The 16-inch wheels are particularly cool with black painted steel, dog dish chrome hubcaps, and carefully painted red accent stripes and blue backed CHEVROLET stamping, all surrounded by wide white walls. It's all in fantastic shape and aside from some red fading from the back emblem, we could not find any glaring imperfections on this stately ride.
Interior
The driver's door shows a bit of patina covered in tan cloth and the other doors could also use a careful cleaning, and there's some flaking on the driver's woodgrain window trim. Once inside, the cloth covered bench seat has a few small tears but is in generally good shape, and the spacious rear bench, accessed via suicide doors, is in great condition and offers ample handles with loop straps on the side and a rope handle on the back of the front seat. Our brown steering wheel has a crack repair but otherwise presents with some typical wear patina and it fronts a fantastic deco style dash with white numbers on a caramel background. Patina continues on the dash grille and surfaces, but we would show this car, as previous owners did, without hesitation as the wear is minor and appropriate given the age of the car. A ribbed rubber mat covers the floor and while we're down here we note an underdash vintage heater unit. The mohair headliner is in very good condition as is the windlace, usually areas where time takes its toll. Gray carpet covers the trunk which houses a matching spare wheel and plenty of room for luggage.
Drivetrain
A very original presentation is found in the bay where a 216.5ci inline 6 cylinder is at home, fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor and rated at 85 horsepower. A 3-speed automatic transmission sets the car in motion and sends power to 3.73 gears in back and drum brakes at all four corners have the task of slowing it down.
Undercarriage
Surface rust is reserved for the exhaust on an underside that is driver quality and generally clean. We note oil on the rear differential and residual on the pan and transmission. The knuckles are free of build up and that single exhaust encounters a stock style muffler before exiting out back. Coil springs make up the front suspension while leaf springs occupy the back.
Drive-Ability
A grand, stately ride is at hand as we take the '40 around the test loop from a very comfortable, upright cabin with room to spare. The six cylinder propelled the car forward and its luxury over speed with this one, but adequate to get the car's momentum going without complaint. We note the brake pedal is soft and goes to the floor and the car could very likely use some fresh gas, but otherwise tracks well and takes road imperfections like a champ. All other functions in the car work as they should. 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.
This is an award winning and very original Chevrolet with just the right amount of patina to tell the story of a life well lived, and some caring stewards over the years. Straight body panels, nice brightwork, and a luxurious interior, (for the time), is offered in this uncommon find that hasn't been over restored and instead represents a pre war time capsule.
14KA0332045
14-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
KA-1940 Special Deluxe
03-March Build
32045-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 40 1019-1940 Special Deluxe 4 Door Sedan
BODY NO M10371-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 87-Short Pile Tan Fabric
PAINT NO 274-Black
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. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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