1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe

Chevrolet's heritage dates to 1911 when William 'Billy' Durant and racer Louis Chevrolet joined forces to form the Chevrolet Motor Company. Chevrolet became a division of General Motors in 1918 and by the 1930s, as many automakers struggled mightily, it prospered, even overtaking Ford in sales.

Redesigned just a year earlier, the 1938 Chevrolet saw only modest changes such as a new grille and several less visible refinements; heavier valve springs for the engine, and the addition of a voltage regulator, to name two. The main difference between the Master series and the Master Deluxe was the bumper guards that came standard on the Deluxe. These guards were now attached to the frame. Another distinguishable feature was the Master DeLuxe designation found on the center chrome molding running across the hood ventilators. In the back were dual tail lamps which came as standard equipment.

The Master and Master Deluxe were powered by an overhead-valve six-cylinder engine that displaced 215.6 cubic inches and offered 85 horsepower. There were a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic brakes.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012