Commuter Survivor: 1940 Chevy Master 85 Business Coupe
It’s not too often you see a time capsule like this 1940 Chevrolet Business Coupe. The seller says it has been driven most of its life, in fact, they routinely commute about 30 miles round trip with it. It can be found here on Craigslist with an asking price of $19,000. Located South of San Francisco, the ad doesn’t say if it has been in California for its whole life, but I wouldn’t doubt it has. Check out this awesome classic and thanks to Rocco B. for the tip!
With the exception of the aftermarket temperature gauge you can see to the left of the steering column, the interior looks very original. The seller says all the soft parts have been replaced including seals, grommets, weather stripping, and bushings. There has been a carpet kit installed along with a refurbished heater and horn on the column.
There is only one photo of the engine in the ad, but it looks pretty clean. The ad says the previous owner was rebuilt along with the transmission. There has been some clutch work done along with a re-balanced flywheel. The carburetor has been rebuilt and so has the steering box. There is a new gas tank mounted in the trunk and the entire braking system has been rebuilt or replaced. With the addition of new tires, this thing sure seems like it is ready for some carefree cruising!
Here you can see the patina paint. The original Alameda Green is getting pretty thin in spots but has just the right amount of patina for a car this old. There is some cracking along with the thinning paint, but it doesn’t look bad from a distance. Overall, this seems to be a really nice car that can be driven as-is. What do you think?
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Comments
Love this car but I’m not sure about the “patina”. I like a car that shows it’s age but the patina seems to take away more than it adds with this one.
I’m with Bo.
I love it.This is one nice car.I’d like to just take ride in her.Not sure what they are going for but this one checks the patina box for me.Glwts.
Barn finds has had quite a few business coupes on here recently, and I love this one too. Looks like someone has gone thru the basic and essential mechanicals so it’s ready to drive and enjoy. These business coupes are perfect for doing a customer build IMO. But with all working as it is, all it really needs is a good repaint. What an honest car!
Your last sentence hits the nail on the head.
Nostalgia! Had one of these as a race car in the late 60s, gave $500 for it. Set national record in C/MP with it. Traded it even-steven for a 62 Corvette which I still have. Loads of fun, and turned mid 11s in the quarter!
Forgot to check the “Get new comment updates” box!
“The previous owner has been rebuilt?”
Well, that’s pretty interesting, isn’t it?
And obviously a 235, not the original engine. But that’s fine, it’s an upgrade.
I’ve studied the engine photo, and I believe it has the side cover, that makes it a 216. I am not able to see the identifying features of a 235.
Too bad the vacuum shift is missing. Nice car.
It looks like a relative bargain, compared to the 40 Master Deluxe in HMN, for which Jim Gilliland is asking 40. Not that Jim’s 40 is not a great car… it’s actually Exceptional. But, still…. 40K…. whew!
I think this car is wonderful. This is how I prefer classic cars. Just honest.
not a fan of “patina” a well overused word. About all I would do is repaint it in the original color, preferably with an acrylic enamel if it is still possible to get it. base coat/clear coat would be a grave injustice to this vehicle. As I am 7 decades into life, seem to have more affinity for cars of the 30s’ and 40s’.
That’s my car! Thanks for reposting. I’ll just echo a previous post and say that it is a truly honest car. Routinely commute to work in Bay Area traffic to Alameda (appropriate for a car in original Alameda green). The body has plenty of bumps and bruises and the paint has been touched up over the decades. Always been a CA car having been purchased and owned by the one family in Petaluma up to a decade ago and never having any rust! A reliable car that drives down the road without a squeak or rattle thanks to nearly every soft part being replaced. Yes, it is the original 216 with a rare Nicson engineering valve cover that runs like a sewing machine. Really has to be driven to appreciate especially for those that are not fans of the “patina” look or are skeptical of the parts that were “rebuilt by previous owner.”
Hello JLP, I’ve been watching your car on Craigslist for about a year. It’s perfect exactly how it is. I noticed you removed the add a couple months ago. Did ya sell it, or end up keeping it?