Vehicle Description
1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe
The 1940 Chevrolet Master and Special were advertised with the
slogan "Royal Clipper Styling." Lines were more flowing, an
"alligator" hood was used, and the grille bore a strong resemblance
to that of the higher-priced Buick. "The Crown of Beauty Belongs to
Chevrolet with New Royal Clipper Styling. Chevrolet is first again!
Eye it . . . Try it . . . Buy it!" Almost makes me want to rush to
the showroom and buy it, which indeed many actually did.
For consignment, a completely restored and not rodded Special
Deluxe from 1940. All very nicely done, in two tone paint, and
brilliant chrome. The interior likens itself to the original and
also presents flawlessly. More tan and brown and of course more
chrome for the dash. Mechanicals are all buttoned up, and she runs
like a Swiss watch. This is motoring at its best 1940's style, when
Chevrolet was king in prewar sales and enjoying every minute of
it.
Exterior
Starting with a chromed "Groucho Marx" mustache styled and shaped
horizontal ribbed grille and a bulbous hood above complete with
flying lady hood ornament and alligator stainless venting on either
side of the hood, all we need to add is the large cloisonne badge
that wraps around the front to the hood and we are in 1940's
heaven. In keeping with the 1940's theme, we move to brown curved
fenders with large bullet style headlights atop, and a flanking
smaller bullet style turn signal at their sides. In front these are
framed by a simple curved bumper with vertical guards and dual
black stripes running the length. Mid section consists of the
running boards which bring the front and rear fenders together and
provide a step up to get into the vehicle. Above are beige doors
which mind their gaps nicely and have a trim spear which continues
along the beltline from the alligator vented hopped trimming and
runs to the rear culminating just before the trunk. A split front
windshield with chromed mid divider, and nice shiny window
trimmings are just below the beige roof. In back, a rounded rear
takes over in beige from the brown rear fenders which die into the
back of the car and quickly become integrated. Small vertical oval
taillights are on either side of the rounded trunk lid, and another
simple curved bumper on back with the dual ball stripes in the
center is seen. Chevrolet badged moon caps fill the centers of the
darker beige wheels and are wrapped by bias ply tires of the
period.
Interior
Inside door panels and seats (2 benches) are covered in tan
broadcloth mohair and have some curved shell like stitching to form
the backs of the seats. A brown dash in full metal jacket fronts
these seats and is sporting plenty of chrome trimmings for the
radio speaker covering, and instrument cluster as well as a glove
box clock surround. Bakelite knobs pepper this two-tone dash which
has art deco styled instrument readouts. The rear seating offers up
plenty of legroom, and a panoramic rear glass on either side to
take in all the sights. Brown carpet floods the floors and a nice
tan headliner is above. Also seen is the original large steering
wheel with no cracks or chips and a beautiful center badge and
chromed horn half ring.
Drivetrain
Under the bulbous hood is a 216ci Inline 6-cylinder nicely restored
but not overdone. It has a 1-barrel carburetor atop under and oil
bath air cleaner, and a 3-speed manual transmission on back. The
rear axle specs out at 4.11.
Undercarriage
A fine coating of patina surface rust covers virtually all surfaces
underneath, but all remains structurally sound. Independent coil
springs are upfront for the suspension, and in back are leaf
springs. Manual drum brakes are on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
A very easy starter, and smooth idle and after a full warmup, it
was off to the track where it ran nicely, had good handling, and
was able to get up to highway speeds with ease. All was working
just perfectly during our test time.
With full documentation by the previous owner to this consigner
owner, one can see the transformation of this car from start to
finish. Current consigner states that this engine has less than 1K
miles since its rebuild and restoration. Earthy toned, smooth
interior 2 door hardtop version of the Special Deluxe, and it truly
is both special and deluxe.
VIN DECODE
14KA0433826
14-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
KA-1940 Special Deluxe
04-April Build
433826-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 40 1011-1940 Special Deluxe
BODY NO M16891-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 87-Short Pile Tan Mohair
PAINT NO 270-Arden Beige
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.