1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe: American Style

1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe: American Style

EngineInline 6Horsepower85 BHP (62.56 KW) @ 3200 RPMTorque170 Ft-Lbs (230 NM)Engine LocationFrontDrive TypeRWDWeight 2800 lbs | 1270.059 kgTransmission 3-speed manual

By the beginning of the 1920s, the Chevrolet line could hardly be called democratic: the prices for the company’s vehicles grew with the proposed sophistication, becoming a product for the “middle class”. The Master Deluxe offered between 1933 and 1942 was the most expensive model in the line at the time.

Source: GR Auto Gallery

By the early 1920s, the Detroit giant was in the race with an equally strong opponent – Ford. The fact was that the latter had been lowering prices for its products annually, while with Chevrolet, everything was the other way around. The company offered its customers something that the “Blue Oval” didn’t, namely refinement, high-cost materials, and cutting-edge technologies – products for the real middle class. Ford, however, remained a “people’s brand” with affordable prices and did not bother with the ostentatious part of the automobile. As early as 1937, Ford was offering the most expensive Master and Master Deluxe models in its lineup, both with 85 horsepower six-cylinder engines.

The origins

Source: AutoEvolution

In 1934-1937 General Motors’ cheapest vehicle was the Chevy Standard. In 1934, it had the same body as the older Master model, but with a shorter 107-inch wheelbase, a solid front axle, and a smaller 2970 cm3 inline 6-cylinder engine with 60 hp. In 1935, when the Master was restyled, the Standard was still sold with last year’s body, but under the hood, it now had a 3.2-liter engine with 74 hp. Finally, in 1936, the bodies and power units of the two models were unified. Both received a 3.2-liter Stovebolt Six engine with 79 hp. complete with a 3-speed manual transmission, as well as hydraulic drum brakes and 17-inch wheels. However, their chassis structure was different: the Chevrolet Master had an X-shaped frame with a wheelbase of 113 “(2870 mm), while the Chevrolet Standard had a lighter ladder frame with cross beams and a wheelbase of 109” (2769 mm). Master model of 1935-1936 was offered only with closed bodies: Coupe, Sport Coupe, 4-door Sedan, 2-door Coach, 2-door Town Sedan, and 4-door Sport Sedan (the last two with an overhead trunk). In 1936, the design of the car was refreshed with teardrop fenders, a streamlined V-shaped grille (“swordsman’s mask”), fixed on either side of it with bullet-shaped headlights and front-hinged doors. This style dominated from 1937-1938, and only the chrome finish changed. In 1937, the basic series was called Master, and the improved one was Master DeLuxe.

The 1937 model year

Source: Mecum Auctions

Starting in 1937, the Chevrolet design bureau began developing a new, high-tech car for its time. Body tests took place in a pipe specially rented for this purpose. As a result, the exterior design contributed to an unsurpassed streamlining. In addition, to the modern rapid exterior, significant changes had been made to the driving characteristics of the vehicle. So Master DeLuxe got a 3.5-liter engine and developed an incredible speed for that time – 100 miles/hour! In addition, the car was produced in several modifications – a sedan and a coupe-cabriolet – which also gave freedom of choice even for the most demanding buyers. As a result of all the innovations introduced, sales volumes increased significantly – up to 1.724 sedans and 54.683 convertibles. The 1937 Deluxe had a wheelbase of 112.25 inches and was powered by an 85-horsepower six-cylinder engine. The engine had a displacement of 216.5 with an installed single-barrel Carter carburetor. The transmission of the Deluxe was a three-speed manual with a single plate clutch. In addition, the model was equipped with four-wheel hydraulic brakes. The “Deluxe” series was offered with extra amenities like a dash heater, front passenger armrest, dual sun visors, dual tail lights, etc. The series was available in six different body styles and sold for about $50 more than its Sibling counterpart, ranging from $685 to $790. In total, in 1937, the company produced 519,024 Deluxe cars.

Did you know?

Source: Barrett-Jackson

In 1937 the Master Deluxe introduced independent front suspension, while the Master retained the leaf-sprung front beam.

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1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe: American Style

EngineInline 6Horsepower85 BHP (62.56 KW) @ 3200 RPMTorque170 Ft-Lbs (230 NM)Engine LocationFrontDrive TypeRWDWeight 2800 lbs | 1270.059 kgTransmission 3-speed manual

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