Restored/216ci Inline 6/Excellent Overall Condition/Good Cruiser

1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe

The 1940 Chevrolet Master and Special were advertised with the slogan "Royal Clipper Styling." Lines were more flowing, an "alligator" hood was used, and the grille bore a strong resemblance to that of the higher-priced Buick. "The Crown of Beauty Belongs to Chevrolet with New Royal Clipper Styling. Chevrolet is first again! Eye it . . . Try it . . . Buy it!" Almost makes me want to rush to the showroom and buy it, which indeed many actually did.

For consignment, a completely restored and not rodded Special Deluxe from 1940. All very nicely done, in two tone paint, and brilliant chrome. The interior likens itself to the original and also presents flawlessly. More tan and brown and of course more chrome for the dash. Mechanicals are all buttoned up, and she runs like a Swiss watch. This is motoring at its best 1940's style, when Chevrolet was king in prewar sales and enjoying every minute of it.

Exterior
Starting with a chromed "Groucho Marx" mustache styled and shaped horizontal ribbed grille and a bulbous hood above complete with flying lady hood ornament and alligator stainless venting on either side of the hood, all we need to add is the large cloisonn badge that wraps around the front to the hood and we are in 1940's heaven. In keeping with the 1940's theme, we move to brown curved fenders with large bullet style headlights atop, and a flanking smaller bullet style turn signal at their sides. In front these are framed by a simple curved bumper with vertical guards and dual black stripes running the length. Mid section consists of the running boards which bring the front and rear fenders together and provide a step up to get into the vehicle. Above are beige doors which mind their gaps nicely and have a trim spear which continues along the beltline from the alligator vented hopped trimming and runs to the rear culminating just before the trunk. A split front windshield with chromed mid divider, and nice shiny window trimmings are just below the beige roof. In back, a rounded rear takes over in beige from the brown rear fenders which die into the back of the car and quickly become integrated. Small vertical oval taillights are on either side of the rounded trunk lid, and another simple curved bumper on back with the dual ball stripes in the center is seen. Chevrolet badged moon caps fill the centers of the darker beige wheels and are wrapped by bias ply tires of the period.

Interior
Inside door panels and seats (2 benches) are covered in tan broadcloth mohair and have some curved shell like stitching to form the backs of the seats. A brown dash in full metal jacket fronts these seats and is sporting plenty of chrome trimmings for the radio speaker covering, and instrument cluster as well as a glove box clock surround. Bakelite knobs pepper this two-tone dash which has art deco styled instrument readouts. The rear seating offers up plenty of legroom, and a panoramic rear glass on either side to take in all the sights. Brown carpet floods the floors and a nice tan headliner is above. Also seen is the original large steering wheel with no cracks or chips and a beautiful center badge and chromed horn half ring.

Drivetrain
Under the bulbous hood is a 216ci Inline 6-cylinder nicely restored but not overdone. It has a 1-barrel carburetor atop under and oil bath air cleaner, and a 3-speed manual transmission on back. The rear axle specs out at 4.11.

Undercarriage
A fine coating of patina surface rust covers virtually all surfaces underneath, but all remains structurally sound. Independent coil springs are upfront for the suspension, and in back are leaf springs. Manual drum brakes are on all 4 corners.

Drive-Ability
A very easy starter, and smooth idle and after a full warmup, it was off to the track where it ran nicely, had good handling, and was able to get up to highway speeds with ease. All was working just perfectly during our test time.

With full documentation by the previous owner to this consigner owner, one can see the transformation of this car from start to finish. Current consigner states that this engine has less than 1K miles since its rebuild and restoration. Earthy toned, smooth interior 2 door hardtop version of the Special Deluxe, and it truly is both special and deluxe.

VIN DECODE
14KA0433826
14-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
KA-1940 Special Deluxe
04-April Build
433826-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 40 1011-1940 Special Deluxe
BODY NO M16891-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 87-Short Pile Tan Mohair
PAINT NO 270-Arden Beige

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.