1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Six Coupé
Registration no. 187 YUV
Chassis no. 12JB014851

By the early 1920s Chevrolet had abandoned its attempt to compete head-on with Ford's Model T - Ford was able to drop its prices annually whereas Chevrolet's steadily rose - and re-positioned itself as a 'middle-market' manufacturer whose products possessed a degree of refinement lacking in the Model T. Formerly relying on four-cylinder cars, Chevrolet introduced a new range powered by the famous 'Stovebolt' overhead-valve six in 1929, these highly popular six-cylinder Chevrolets helping GM's mainstay out-sell Ford for most of the 1930s. Chevrolet's top-of-the-range model was renamed 'Master Six' for 1934 and featured revisions to the modern 'Airstream' body styles introduced the preceding year. The chassis incorporated Chevrolet's 'knee action' coil-sprung independent front suspension, four-wheel mechanical brakes, and a three-speed gearbox. Introduced for 1935 on the Master Deluxe, 'Turret Top' all-steel bodies were the next big innovation, appearing on the standard series the following year. Chevrolets featured completely new 'Diamond Crown' styling for 1937 and this ran on into 1939 with only minor revisions, while by this time the 'Cast Iron Wonder' had been enlarged to 216.5ci (3.5 litres) and produced 85bhp.

The six-cylinder Chevrolet Coupé was the most successful dirt-road racer of the day, its most famous exponent being future Formula 1 World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio, and nowadays this charismatic model continues to be the weapon of choice on long distance rallies such as the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge. This example benefits from nearly £30,000 spent between 2014 and 2016. Works carried out include rebuilding the engine; fitting an aluminium fuel tank, upgraded fuel filter, and electric fuel pumps; installing a twin-pipe exhaust system; replacing the starter motor; and fitting up-rated tyres, a period spotlight, and coil-sprung suspension. Described by the private vendor as the 'perfect rat rod, hotrod, or rally car', this charming 1930s Chevy is offered with sundry restoration invoices and a V5C registration document.