Vehicle Description
Auto technology was improving by leaps and bounds in the 1930s, and
to see how far they came, one need only look at this lovely 1940
Chevrolet Deluxe coupe. Evolving from a simple car with mechanical
brakes, rigid axles, and upright bodies, by 1940 cars like this
nicely restored Chevy offered a thoroughly modern driving
experience. If you haven't owned one of these, you're definitely in
for a treat!
Styling was freshened for 1940, giving the Chevys an all-new look,
although everything from the firewall back was carry-over. The
headlights were starting to merge into the fenders and streamlining
was all the rage. Finished in basic black, this Chevy has a
familiar look because it was probably the most popular color of the
time and if your grandparents had a new Chevy in the '40s, it
probably looked like this. This one is also extremely straight and
clean, with no trouble spots hiding underneath. The restoration was
done a few years ago, but is holding up extremely well thanks to
care from an enthusiastic owner. Affordable coupes just aren't
supposed to look this good, and you'll enjoy the details ranging
from the bullet-shaped hood ornament to the flush-mounted
taillights out back, and it's obvious that GM designers were
hitting on all cylinders when these cars were built. The chrome is
in very good condition, and all the stainless offers a matching
shine, giving the car a look that belies its humble origins. And
check out the accessory back-up lights that were built into the
body, a first for GM, as well as the jaunty red stripes on the
bumpers.
For those of us used to "personal coupes" today, this Chevy is
shockingly spacious inside. With enough room for five, and plenty
of legroom for everyone, it's a very comfortable place to spend
some time. The cloth and vinyl upholstery isn't exactly stock, but
it does use authentic-looking patterns and excellent workmanship
makes it stand out. The dash was painted to match the bodywork and
nicely presented gauges offer that same warm sense of home that you
got from your grandmother's old TV set, and the big steering wheel
makes this Chevy easy to handle even though it's showing a bit of
age. The center stack has a slot where an optional radio would live
if it were ordered, and it does have an optional heater underneath
and it's surprisingly effective. A cavernous trunk offers plenty of
storage, plus a matching full-sized spare tire and a few original
tools.
Chevy's ultra-reliable and virtually indestructible "Stovebolt six"
offered 216 cubic inches in 1940, and its overhead-valve
configuration would endure for another two decades. It's smooth,
torquey, and was designed to be serviced, so keeping this
77-year-old on the road will be a breeze. The engine bay is neat
and tidy, with everything easily within reach and no questionable
modifications. Up top there's an original oil bath air cleaner,
while a single exhaust system gives it a proper voice. GM's famous
"knee-action" independent front suspension rides quite well, and
four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes are effective given the car's
performance. And it looks especially handsome sitting on the
original wheels and 215/65/16 wide whitewall radials.
A great entry-level hobby car that is fun to drive and eminently
practical, ready to enjoy. Call today!