If you tried to remember all of the events that have occurred in the past sixty-one years that have shaped our society, the list would be enormous. Throughout those decades, this 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe has sat in this barn. It missed all the hype and excitement as it patiently waited for someone to drag it out into the light of day. That has finally happened, and it is ready to head to a new home where a new owner can return it to its former glory. If you feel up for the challenge, you will find the Chevy listed here on Craigslist in Indianola, Iowa. With an asking price of $5,000, it could be an affordable project for the right person. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this gem for us.

The history of this old Chevy is largely unknown, although the seller confirms that it drove into this barn in around 1961. It seems the previous owner may have experienced some dramas behind the wheel because the panels sport minor dings and dents on the corners. This may have been the result of difficulties getting in and out of their garage because the extent of the damage suggests they were low-impact accidents. All appear to be easily repairable, and none justify panel replacement. The Black paint is worn and tired below the dust, and a wash revealed surface corrosion. However, penetrating rust seems minimal. The seller identifies some areas in the running boards and spots below the bumper on the rear valance. They say the floors and frame are sound, suggesting the buyer will face little grinding and welding to address the issues. The glass looks pretty good, while most of the trim is present and restorable.

If this Chevrolet springs a surprise, it is when we open the doors and examine its interior. It is complete, and its condition is serviceable. It will require a deep clean, but its original mohair upholstery has a single tear on the rear seat. Otherwise, there is no wear or signs of significant problems. There is a tear in the headliner near the back window, but it seems that may be repairable. The wheel is badly cracked, and is probably beyond salvation. Locating a replacement may require patience, but fitting a wrap would improve comfort until the buyer strikes gold. Some painted surfaces sport surface corrosion, but if the buyer chooses the preservation path, this interior appears up to the task.

The seller supplies one engine shot that doesn’t reveal much. The Master Deluxe rolled off the line featuring a 216.5ci six-cylinder engine that produced 85hp in its prime. The power reached the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. While the power figure may not seem that impressive by modern standards, it was only 5hp short of the number produced by Ford’s V8. That allowed the Master Deluxe to virtually match its competitor’s performance figures. The seller indicates the previous owner drove the Chevy into its hiding place in around 1961. It hasn’t fired a shot since, and while the engine turns freely, they haven’t tried coaxing it into life. If a careful inspection reveals no problems, returning the car to a mechanically roadworthy state could be an achievable short-term goal. That would allow the new owner the chance to enjoy the classic motoring experience relatively quickly while considering what path they will follow with the project moving forward.

Its lack of rust makes this 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe a strong contender for an enthusiast considering their first restoration project. If the floors and frame are as solid as the photos and listing suggest, it will require a minimum of cutting and welding. With its panels straight and a fresh coat of paint, the new owner could slip behind the wheel with their head held high as they indulge in the classic motoring experience. Alternatively, they could patch the rust, revive the drivetrain, and drive it as an original survivor. Either path would gain attention, but which would you choose?