MAKE & MODEL: Chevrolet Master 85 Business Coupe

REGISTRATION: 317YUK

DATE OF REGISTRATION: 6th March 2012 (Manufactured in 1939)

COLOUR: Maroon

ENGINE SIZE: 3650cc

CHASSIS NO: HJBG2358

ENGINE NO: HJBG2358

DOCUMENTS: V5C,Latest and old MOT’s, Extensive history file with many Invoices, Handbooks

The Chevrolet Master was an American passenger vehicle manufactured by Chevrolet between 1933 and 1942 to replace the 1933 Master Eagle. It was the more expensive model in the Chevrolet range at this time,with the Standard Mercury providing an affordable product between 1933 and1937. Starting with this generation, all GM cars shared a corporate appearanceas a result of the Art and Colour Section headed by Harley Earl.

This Maroon with tan leather business coupe body by Fisher was intended for salesmen making long journeys hence no rear seats (there's a luggage deck you can lie sideways on at a pinch), an extra-large boot, and a larger fuel tank (14 imperial gallons compared to 11 on the standard model)

We have been lucky enough to recently acquire this vehicle which was manufactured in Toronto, Canada just before the outbreak of World War II, for export to New Zealand (hence right-hand drive) where it spent most of its life. This can be seen from the NZ tax sticker in the front window. We believe that it was restored in the 1980s and later on in 1992 exported to Holland before finding its way to England in March 2012 when it was purchased by the previous owner.

Over the last ten years, a considerable amount of work has been carried on the vehicle, which we have receipts for, including –

·        Gearbox complete rebuild by a classic car gearbox specialist

·        Complete new clutch fitted (cover plate, plate and thrust bearing)

·        Brakes serviced (brakes stripped and checked,shoes relined)

·        New radiator

·        New speedo cable fitted

·        Water pump and thermostat

·        Completely new exhaust in good quality stainless steel

·        Instrument binnacle replaced (original retained), all instruments now working

·        Overhaul and recalibrate of the speedometer and new fuel gauge and gas tank sender unit

·        New distributor cap, points, rotor arm, condenser and HT leads

·        Dynamo completely refurbished

·        New voltage regulator box

·        Vacuum wipers replaced by a new quality electrically-powered unit including screen washer.

·        New high quality headlining fitted by professional coach workshop

·        New rubber window seals

·        New door mirrors, door handles and ferrules

·        Indicator lights fitted (non-invasive to bodywork)

·        New period fog lamps fitted

·        Original over riders re-chromed (front &rear)

·        New hub caps (originals retained)

·        New running board rubbers fitted

·        Panel resprays to boot lid, roof and doors

·        New gas boot struts fitted

·        Five new tyres fitted (still as new)

·        Full Waxoyl treatment to underside (which was completely rust-free)

‍

The previous owner has also provided a number of Key facts:

Engine: Straight 6 cylinder (2 valves per cylinder); 216 cubic inch capacity (just over 3.5 Litres)

Power 85 Bhp (86 PS/63 kW) at 3,200 rpm.

Transmission: 3 speed manual, floor mounted

Wheelbase: 112 inches (9ft 4.25in); Overall Length: 187inches (15ft 7in)

Weight: 2,967 lbs (1.32 imperial tons)

Price when new: $628

Not sure what the maximum speed is (we've had it up to 65mph once, and there was more left, but we didn't want to push it). It cruises happily at 50-55 mph. Never tried to measure fuel consumption but we think it's about 20 mpg. The ride quality is surprisingly good.

‍

We have just had this vehicle checked over and put through an MOT (although it is MOT exempt) and it resulted in a pass with no advisories.

Cosmetically there are a few minor paint imperfections commensurate with age and use although the vehicle is very presentable and attracts many admirers wherever it goes.

It drives exceptionally well with a smooth six cylinder engine that easily keeps up with modern traffic. All it needs now is a new custodian to enjoy it and maybe show it or just cruise.

‍

E & O E