1938 Chevrolet Master Sedan Custom

Description

Chevrolet's Master series was the automaker’s top-of-the-line offering from 1933 to 1942, designed to provide a more luxurious option compared to the Standard series, with a longer wheelbase and more refined features. By 1935, the Master series was split into the Master and the even more upscale Master Deluxe.

Among the series’ evolutionary updates were the introduction of independent front suspension in 1934 and hydraulic brakes in ’36. The 1938 Master featured a redesigned grille with horizontally arranged chrome bars, new bumpers with a full-width indentation painted black, and bullet-shaped headlights, giving the car a sleek and contemporary look for its time. Under the hood was an overhead valve six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 216 cubic inches, producing 85 horsepower. It was paired with a three-speed manual transmission with an enhanced worm-and-roller sector steering system. Inside, the seats were two inches wider than in previous years.

While the 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe was available in several body styles, the most popular choice was the two-door, five-passenger Town Sedan. This one received numerous aesthetic, comfort, and performance upgrades during a full restoration/customization in 1997, including swapping its original inline-six engine for a 350 cu-in V8.

Highlights 

• Full restoration/customization in 1997 included: 

  • Two-tone gold and burgundy metallic paint over tan leather interior with woodgrain accents and gold trim 

  • Chevrolet 350 cu-in small-block V8 engine 

  • Hydramatic 350 three-speed automatic transmission 

  • Power windows 

  • Air conditioning 

  • Adjustable tilt, three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel 

  • Remote electric trunk release under dash 

  • Classis Instruments 120 mph speedometer and odometer with fuel, coolant temperature, voltage, and oil pressure gauges 

  • Hideaway AM/FM/Cassette stereo with power antenna 

  • Hideaway license plate  

  • Stainless steel dual exhaust 

  • Billet Specialties aluminum wheels 

  • Side-hinged trunk with custom wooden toolbox

Features

• The chassis number (2HA0533122) decodes as: 

  • 2 – Tarrytown, New York, assembly plant 

  • H – 1938 model year 

  • A – Master Deluxe  

  • 05 – May production month 

  • 33122 – Sequential production number  

• Vertical grille with horizontal bars 

• Round headlights integrated into the fenders 

• Running boards 

• BF Goodrich radial tires: 215/60R15 front, 275/60R15 rear 

Known Imperfections 

• A/C is currently inoperable and needs to be charged 

• Windows move slowly, but they do operate 

Included 

• Copies of the original title and transfer to the car’s second owner 

• Photo albums with pictures of the entire build 

• Ledger book showing items purchased or work performed with then-current dollar values 

• Indoor car cover 

• Battery tender 

Ownership History

The Pennsylvania consignor of this 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Two-Door Sedan Custom is its third owner. He bought it in 2017.