Vehicle Description
1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Coupe
"These new Chevrolets for 1940 have been designed and built and
priced to be first again, first in quality, performance,
appearance, and economy, first in public favor, and first in sales,
again in 1940 as they have been in eight of the last nine years.
Chevrolet herewith presents three series of passenger cars, Special
De Luxe, Master De Luxe, and Master 85. All three are built to the
same high standards of quality, in design, materials, and
manufacture, for which Chevrolet has long been famous." From the
1940 Chevrolet brochure
For consignment, a 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe showing 15,336
miles, but these are not actual. Here's a car that sticks to the
Chevrolet's commitment to performance, appearance, and public favor
only this time, with a modern twist including a gleaming two stage
paints job, wheels they could not have dreamed about in 1940, and
an interior that combines original deco styling with the added
benefit of creature comforts. The build, other than a transmission
rebuild, has just 750 miles on it. The exterior was taken down to
bare metal and new glass, seals, hinges, and lights are newer.
Exterior
With better than new coverage, the glossy Burnt Orange metallic
paint is a stunning complement to both the polished trim around the
car and the black features including the running board, panel seam
cords, and rear window trim. The metalwork is also in fantastic
condition ranging from the chrome light rings, polished accents on
the headlight housing, dramatic engine cover vents, and window
trim. The brochure describe the bulbous trunk as "the smoothly
contoured rear end combines beauty and utility, for it encloses a
large illuminated compartment for carrying luggage," and it does
present a striking contrast to the front's more torpedo-like
boldness. 17-inch polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels
wearing staggered size tires tuck neatly into the fenders and
creates a stance that is well hunkered down in comparison to where
it stood in 1940, which boasted "Royal Clipper" styling and
included tires that were a bit higher and quite a bit thinner. This
well done car shows no glaring imperfections on the exterior.
Interior
Tan tweed door panels are contoured with wide, horizontal bands
while ivory knobbed hand controls throw it all back to 1940 and a
round speaker brings it forward a few years. Also more modern are
the front bucket seats in camel leather and both of them show some
wear, more so on the driver's side, while the rear bench reflects
appropriate simplicity in a lighter shade of newer leather. From
the steering wheel forward, it's a period treat for the eyes,
decked out in body color and tan and the authentic deco speedometer
is a singular work of art. Deco includes ribbed ribbon on top and
bottom of major components on the dashboard including the gauge
cluster, the middle speaker, and the clock that's beautifully
framed in burnt orange on the glove box door. An AM/FM/CD radio is
cleanly mounted under the dashboard, not far from a vintage heater
unit. A Lokar shifter rises tall from the floor in the midst of a
plastic cupholder and over tan carpet in good condition. More tweed
is found on the ceiling and on the visors and it's all clean and
intact and the trunk is nicely lined with fitted tan carpeted mats
and housing a covered spare, a scissor jack in the box, and a
secured battery.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, we find clean bay condition and a 350ci V8 with an
Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, a mild cam, billet rockers, chrome
valve covers, and headers for the outflow. The rebuilt transmission
is a TH350, rebuilt about 1,900 miles ago, is a 3-speed automatic
with a newer stall converter, sending power to the 10 bolt rear.
Power brakes are onboard with discs in front wearing newer pads and
drums in the rear. The water pump, alternator, power steering pump,
and headers are new per our consignor. The aluminum radiator is
cooled by twin electric fans.
Undercarriage
Clean underneath with some road dust, minimal surface rust, and dry
pans. The dual exhaust flows from headers into a pair of Cherrybomb
mufflers, then head east and west to exit under the running board
in front of the rear wheels via an oval stainless tips. Suspension
consists of coil springs on A-arms in the Mustang II front end and
leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
The upright bucket seats provide an oddly modern feel but the view
is definitely vintage, and that's been the theme with this car, a
mix of old and new and it makes for a great package. The V8 rumbles
to a start and off roll. With rear quarter windows and a decent
sized rear window, visibility is good in a period car when
oftentimes it's not. Fantastic acceleration is met with very good
tracking and handling and the brakes are up to the task at hand.
Everything functional on board works and leaves us with a satisfied
grin as we roll this rod into the stable. 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.
With its flawless exterior, this belle of the ball will set jaws
agape when you enter the car show or cruise in. It's a finely
crafted street rod with some creature comfort while retaining its
vintage charm. If a street rod is on your wish list, add this one
to your consideration list. It needs nothing other than a warm
garage and a willing buyer.
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.
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
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
