1940 Chevrolet Master Deluxe

Description

Family-sized hot rods are definitely hot right now. While the roots of hot rodding are firmly planted among young guys after WWII who took the lightest, cheapest cars they could find (old roadsters) and stuffed big engines under the hood to go faster, today's hot rodder has a family and prefers to cruise in comfort. This 1940 Chevrolet Master Deluxe two-door sedan is a great example of that trend, combining traditional hot rod tricks with a full-sized rod that has plenty of stretch-out space. Isn't that the point?

Constructed several years ago, this cool two-door sports a vivid bright yellow paint job that looks great on the pre-war body. The two-door sedans were among the most popular body styles at the time, combining practicality with a hint of sportiness and a more rakish profile than a four-door sedan. Chevrolet's designs in 1940 were modern and fresh, with well-integrated features like headlights in the front fenders, and a spacious trunk out back, both of which were only recent innovations in 1940. This rod has been significantly modified, including some traditional hot rod tricks such as a chopped top, shaved bumpers and trim, a body-color grille, and frenched headlights. Much of the original trim was removed, giving it a very clean, monochromatic look, but the running boards remain to retain that old-fashioned vibe. The deck lid has been smoothed and fits flush with a frenched license plate frame and a cool custom roll pan with built-in taillights. Note the cool scallops in the hood side panels and a Vee'd windshield gives it a smooth, sleek overall look.

Comfort was clearly a priority in building the interior, which features a pair of power-actuated buckets that allow easy access to the back and have been covered in attractive blue tweed. The door panels have been upholstered to match, and details like power windows and remote door solenoids were installed. The original dashboard has been painted to match the bodywork and offers built-in gauges and a custom under-dash panel for A/C vents and the AM/FM/cassette stereo. There's plenty of stretch-out room in the back seat and even with the chopped top, it's comfortable inside with plenty of room even for taller drivers. The trunk has been upholstered to match the interior, with dark blue carpet and custom side panels, and the lid is power-actuated.

Neatly installed in the '40's engine bay, the 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 features a host of upgrades that help this two-door sedan really hustle on the highway. Standard equipment includes an Edelbrock carburetor and intake, plus finned valve covers and a matching air cleaner. Accessories are mounted tight to the block for maximum clearance and someone obviously spent some time smoothing the firewall. The chassis includes an independent front suspension, power steering and disc brakes, while out back there's a 10-bolt hanging on leaf springs and a set of modern tubular shocks for a smooth ride. The transmission is a rugged 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive that is the right partner, ensuring long life and reliability for this cruiser. Other features include a Flowmaster exhaust system and Boyd Coddington wheels wearing staggered blackwall radials that give it exactly the right stance.

With just over 20,000 miles on the clock since this rod was completed, you know it's bulletproof reliable. If you're a hot rodder who wants to cruise with his family, you need a sedan and this slick little two-door is an ideal choice. Call now!