1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe For Sale With Upgraded Powertrain

1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe For Sale With Upgraded Powertrain originally appeared on Autoblog.

1930s cars are a different breed

Passenger cars used to be a rolling statement, something that's extremely obvious when looking at a Chevrolet Master Deluxe. Produced between 1933 and 1942 as the automaker's dependable passenger car offering, the Master Deluxe was the higher-trimmed version, available in either a 4-door Sport Sedan, a 2-door Coach, a 2-door Business Coupe, a 2-door Four-Passenger Coupe, or a Station Wagon in 1939, like this one for sale on Exotic Car Trader. You can check out the listing by clicking here.

The Series JA Master Deluxe, as it was known, featured a valve-in-head six-cylinder engine that produced 85 hp, paired with a standard synchro-meshed, floor-shifted 3-speed manual transmission. A vacuum-assisted column shift was also available as an option. This particular 1939 example is a little different than stock, but its modifications don't detract from the overall overwhelming sense of class that the Master Deluxe exudes. Finished in a sleek shade of black with classic whitewall tires and shiny chrome center caps, as it should be, the body seems to sit much lower than usual, although the listing doesn't mention anything about the suspension. If anything, one could say the lowered suspension gives it a more menacing look, as if it's ready to pounce from 0 to 60 at a moment's notice.

Exterior details remain untouched, from the fender-mounted bullet-style sealed beam headlights to the winged hood ornament and the floating taillights mounted beside the trunk that mirror the headlights' style. It's a highly stylish package that can still serve as a practical driver, with rounded fenders and Art Deco details that turn heads in any setting.

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An upgraded interior & powertrain set this Chevrolet Master Deluxe apart

The interior is largely original and looks to have been reupholstered in black and white fabric. An aftermarket air condition and audio system setup has been cleverly disguised within the original dashboard, retaining the factory look while providing occupants with some much-needed 21st-century technology. The factory Art Deco gauges thankfully remain intact, as does the factory clock and AM radio; however, whether the latter two function as intended is unknown. Under the hood is an entirely different story, as the original six-cylinder has been replaced with an overhauled 350ci V8 and a GM 700R4 automatic transmission. Rounding out the restomod part of this Master Deluxe are 4-wheel power disc brakes. While the upgraded powertrain and brakes certainly help in day-to-day traffic, it does take away from the driving feel that some purists may be looking for in a car like this.

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Final thoughts

Overall, this 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe is a wonderful example of the automotive styling choices of the 1930s. It's impossible to look at it and not get immediate gangster vibes or imagine yourself in a large overcoat and fedora, driving to the nearest grocer's. While the lowered suspension and upgraded powertrain may be a downside for some, it's hard to argue with the overall vibe you get behind the wheel of this behemoth for the $59,999 asking price. It's a looker from any angle, just don't be tempted to recreate any Bonnie & Clyde scenarios with it.

1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe For Sale With Upgraded Powertrain first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 13, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.