Elite Dealer

1940 Chevrolet Master

$30,995

Vehicle Details

Make

Chevrolet

Model

Master

Year

1940

VIN

CBL01564

Body Type

Sedan

Transmission

Manual

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Engine

Inline 6

Description

1940 Chevrolet Master 85 Well-preserved 1940 Chevrolet Master 85 that starts easily, runs exceptionally well, and delivers a smooth, comfortable ride. A charming pre-war classic that retains its original character. Original inline 6-cylinder engine Manual transmission with column shift ('3-on-the-tree') 12-volt electrical system upgrade Original interior and components Working stereo Working windshield wipers Working air fan/heater system Condition: Starts easily Runs and drives excellent Smooth ride Highly original throughout A dependable and enjoyable vintage Chevrolet that's ready for weekend cruises, local shows, or simply appreciating a piece of automotive history.

Chevrolet Master Buyer's Guide

Full guide

Jim Vasquez

Hot Rods

1933–1942

~3 min read

Updated Apr 2026

The Chevrolet Master was the larger, more powerful car in Chevrolet's pre-war lineup — a genuine full-size car with a six-cylinder engine that proved almost impossibly reliable and a body design that influenced American styling through the entire 1930s.

This guide covers

✓ 8-point inspection checklist

✓ Common issues & what to avoid

✓ In-person inspection guide

✓ Market pricing by year & condition

✓ 4 FAQs answered

✓ History & fun facts

Read the Full Master Buyer's Guide

Chevrolet Master Market Overview

Based on 40 Chevrolet Master listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

Listed Now

$33,038

Avg. Asking Price

1929–1946

Year Range

Price Position on Our Site — Average Range

This car: $30,995

Low: $5,195 High: $82,995

Transmission Distribution

Automatic 38%

Manual 28% ◄

Condition Distribution

Excellent 15%

Good 15%

Fair 3%

Poor 3%

Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 40 listings →

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Chevrolet Master Buyer's Guide

Jim Vasquez here. People forget that Chevrolet was the best-selling car in America for most of the 1930s — not Ford, not Plymouth. The reason was the Master series. It was a bigger, more refined car than the Standard series, powered by the "Stovebolt Six" that became legendary for its longevity, and styled with a care that made Chevrolet buyers feel they were getting something above their price point.

The Master is the foundation of pre-war Chevrolet collecting. The later Master Deluxe got most of the attention, but the base Master that ran through the early part of the decade has a purity and honesty to it that later chrome-laden models lack. These are cars from before planned obsolescence, built to last because that's what buyers expected.

What to Check Before Buying

✓

Wood Framework Condition — Check door and body alignment — misalignment often means underlying wood framing has rotted.

✓

Door Skin Rust — Probe lower door skins carefully — rust hides behind the wood framing and spreads unseen.

✓

Sill Area — Inspect sill and rocker areas for rust perforation — water collects here when seals fail.

✓

Stovebolt Six Condition — Cold start and watch for blue smoke — valve seal wear causes oil consumption but is manageable.

✓

Brake System — Identify whether cable or hydraulic brakes — hydraulic cars (1936+) are safer and easier to maintain.

✓

Rumble Seat (if equipped) — Test rumble seat mechanism for smooth operation — rust at hinges and latch is common.

✓

Glass Completeness — Check all glass — curved pre-war glass is difficult and expensive to source.

✓

Hood Alignment — Verify hood aligns evenly — misalignment can indicate previous collision or wood framework movement.

Common Issues

Wood body framing rot in doors and roof structure — the most expensive pre-war repair when severe. Lower door skin rust behind the wood framing. Stovebolt Six oil consumption from worn valve stem seals — extremely common on unrestored engines. Hydraulic brake system deterioration on 1936–1942 cars. Rumble seat mechanism rust and failure on equipped coupes. Correct trim glass reproduction quality varies.

What to Look For

Inspect the wooden body elements — pre-war Chevrolet bodies used wood framing in the doors and roof structure that rots when water intrudes. Check door and body alignment carefully; misalignment often means the underlying wood framework has deteriorated. Probe lower door skins and the sill area for rust. Verify the Stovebolt Six starts reliably and doesn't smoke excessively. Check the hydraulic brake system (introduced 1936 — earlier cars have mechanical brakes). On coupe body styles, verify the rumble seat mechanism works smoothly if present.

Price Guide

1933–1935 Master sedan: $8,000–$18,000. 1936–1938 Master coupe: $12,000–$25,000. 1936–1938 Master sport coupe/rumble seat: $18,000–$35,000. 1939–1942 Master sedan: $10,000–$22,000. Cabriolet convertibles: add 30–50% premium. Custom/show builds: $20,000–$80,000+ depending on quality.

Did You Know?

Chevrolet was the best-selling car brand in America for most of the 1930s, and the Master series was the primary reason — it was the sweet spot of price, quality, and reliability at a time when those things mattered enormously to depression-era buyers. The "Stovebolt Six" nickname came from the distinctive slotted bolts visible through the valve cover. The Stovebolt was so reliable that the US Army used it in military vehicles throughout World War II, and Chevrolet trucks with variants of this engine were still in production in 1963.

Elite Dealer

$30,995

1940 Chevrolet Master

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