Rod In Waiting? 1937 Chevrolet Master Coupe
The seller of this Millville, New Jersey domiciled 1937 Chevrolet Master Coupe opens the listing with, “Guys and Gals here is your next project. You decide if you’d like to build this awesome rod.” So that bit of information gives us an idea of where he was going with this car before he “came to the realization that I do not have the time to build another car.” After nineteen years of ownership, his time with this coupe is up and it’s now available for someone new to take over. Worthwhile project? Let’s find out.
It’s suggested that a ’37 Chevy coupe, in this condition, is a difficult find. It is one of over 100K assembled but I imagine they’re seldom seen today, 87 years after the fact. The listing claims, twice, that all of the parts are present along with new sheet metal to repair the rotted trunk floor. The body panels show pretty well so this seems to be a good basis for a rod-o-rama or something similar. The concern, especially when you’re told that it’s all there is whether all of the necessary parts are in fact, actually there – something always seems to go missing! The seller clearly had an interest in progressing this project as he went to the trouble and expense of medium blasting the front fenders, rear fenders, hood, grill shell, and trunk lid and applying epoxy to the rear fenders and trunk lid. Rounding out all four corners are Chevrolet’s ubiquitous rally wheels – they get stuck on everything wearing a bowtie but they just don’t seem right on this coupe.
Originally equipped with an 85 HP, 216 CI, in-line, six-cylinder engine, there appears to be something newer, though still a six-banger under the hood. The seller claims, “It runs and moves on its own power. It does not have brakes.” OK, well that’s a bit of a problem, hopefully not a major one. A three-speed manual transmission handles the gear-related activities. There is an included running video in the listing, be sure to check it out.
The interior is, well, it’s all inside and that’s about all that can be said. It shows as original looking, and complete, and the bench seat would seem to be wearing a seat cover though the listing mentions that the padding is deteriorated – no surprise there! The seller does mention that ” The floors are in good shape looks like someone painted the floor inside and under the car.”
To cut to the chase, this Chevy is going to go V8, I can’t imagine an enthusiast leaving that six in place. A traditional small block, LS or LT, it doesn’t matter it’s just the logical move. Those with an interest in this Master Coupe can find it here on eBay where it’s available for $4,150 with three bids tendered so far. If you were interested in this old Chevy, what mods would you apply?
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Comments
Well, without brakes it will get better gas mileage, until it runs into something. And the six that’s in it is a 235, not exactly a spring chicken either. At least its paint is newer. The wheels? I mildly disagree, they look pretty good on this coupe, certainly better than the majority of aftermarket rims would. I’m thinking for the work this car needs, it’s already bid beyond it being an economical restoration investment.
Probably true regarding the price, but you know someone will just want it enough to pay too much. Have always liked these and it could be a fun project. Could go fast enough to get a speeding ticket with the six in a row and get plenty of attention at cars n coffee as well
For the amount of money you’d spend, even if you did all the work yourself, to get it up and running you could have a car that would be fun to drive to and from the coffee n cars.
Steve R
Thanks, Jim( typing nervously after that Jeepster post), I only want to add to your great posts, not upstage you in any way.
Gasser, gasser, GASSER! On vintage drag racing TV, mid to late 50s, if it wasn’t a Willys, it most assuredly was a Chevy coupe like this. The hemi was too new and I believe all those gassers ran Olds or Caddy motors. Some had supercharged 6 cylinders, regardless, their imagination was the limit. Watching those shows, I think of all the back yard mechanics, worked their jobs all week, worked on their cars at night, and made it to the strip on Sunday. The push cars are equally entertaining. It’s unusual in that, this car seemed to escape that somehow, but rest assured, it won’t stay like this for long, nice try though.
Look up George Klass remembes,it has probably the best collection of vintage drag racing photos on the internet,I have spent hours on it, everyone who enjoys BF will enjoy.
Don’t sweat it Howard, I always enjoy (though don’t always agree) with your comments.
Thx,
JO
Started on a ’39 sedan with Oldsmobile running gear while in college. Why a sedan? Think college students at that time and good half of them didn’t have cars. Giving them rides wouldn’t have worked with a coupe. A rust free ’53 Studebaker Commander showed up and ruined finishing the Chevy. This coupe could be a fun car.
great deal if available in 30 days
Wow! Sorry my purist friends, but this 37 Chevy has custom build written all over it, and seller is asking a very fair price for all this car in its condition. SBC with carb setup, new front suspension and power steering and disc brakes, 350 auto trans, Vintage Air, and new rear end. The sky is the limit, that or your check book.
Like the old Fords and tri-5 Chevy’s a lot of these were dirt track specials or drag strip runners….just hard to find a buildable one which could be on the street with a brake job and a little TLC….price is going up but 5g’s is a good buy.
I recall too that a lot of these participated in the roundy round wars at your local race track too. Even as late as the early ’70s, you still might see one of these in the modified jalopy class back then. This car, if it
were mine, I’d spare it from that fate.
235 or 250 straight 6? You bet! Auto
tranny, check. Electric power steering, a definite must have. Discs
up front? Hell yeah! And the rest?
Restore back to factory spec. These
were beautiful cars when new and I
liked ’em so much that I built several
of them in model kit form from AMT.
Kenneth,
I have one of those AMT models that is still in the box.
I had the privilege of owning one in the early 70’s. Started as a bare body that a neighbor had started to build it as a street rod. I picked it up for the astronomical price of $300 and dropped in a 350 with 350 turbo automatic. Repaired the little rust that it had and did the necessary body work on it then painted it a root beer color from a 1972 Lincoln color chart. Did the interior in black naugahyde on my mother’s Singer sewing machine. Threw a set of American slot mags on it with new rubber, and drove the heck out of it, before selling it to a guy in Pennsylvania who flew out to Wisconsin and drove it back trouble free.