Vehicle Description
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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