This 1940 Chevrolet Master Deluxe two-door sedan proves that just before the war, basic transportation was anything but. With a nice older restoration, this one is ideal for summertime tours and casual shows, giving you an entry ticket into dozens of great events all at a budget price.1940 is a great bridge between the older, upright models of the 1930s and the streamlining that would arrive after the war. You can see on this Chevrolet that the headlights are merging into the fenders, the windshield is gracefully swept back, and the rounded contours suggest speed and power. At the same time, there are running boards (in great condition, by the way), fender-mounted parking lights, and a graceful hood ornament that recall a more elegant and simple era. Burgundy was a popular choice in 1940 and still looks great today, especially when the car is straight and rust-free like this. Is it perfect? No, but it has an honesty that ideally suits the Chevy's personality and will always attract admiring glances out on the road and inquisitive questions at every gas stop. The chrome details really pop against that handsome paint, including the nicely detailed grille and bumpers with guards, and it includes a unique front grille guard that dresses things up a bit.A car with this much space inside seems unusual today, but in 1940, it was standard equipment even on the relatively compact Chevy. The handsome red vinyl with textured cloth inserts isn't exactly how it came from the factory, but it looks great and gives the car an upscale feel. The three-spoke steering wheel feels substantial and makes the unassisted steering easy even at parking speeds, and the column-mounted shifter, now in its second year, is easy to operate with just your fingertips. The gauges have that warm feel of the vintage radio console in your grandparents' living room, and offer a fairly complete view of what's going on under the pointed hood. This car also includes a heater, which was still optional in 1940. Ironically, the interior features durable rubber floor mats, just about the only thing that reveals the Chevy's mass-market mission, while the trunk has been carpeted to match and includes a set of vintage tire tools.As the model number would imply, Chevy's reliable "Stovebolt" six made 85 horsepower in 1940 and offers a silky smooth feel that defines the era. Not totally isolated like we expect today, but it has a feeling of precision machinery going about its business. There's a freshly rebuilt carburetor atop the original intake, inhaling through a correct oil bath air cleaner, and an electronic ignition module inside the original distributor. Factory-style cloth wrapped wiring is in good shape, and the 6-volt ignition system still lights the fires with no problems. It has a pleasant grumble from the new single exhaust system that you'll recognize from your favorite old movie, and the chassis is in great condition for a car that you're going to want to drive. The original suspension and brakes still do their job quite well, and it wears flashy 6.00-16 whitewalls, which frame a set of trim rings and nicely detailed hub caps.Just a neat old car that's reliable, easy to service, and fun to drive, all for a very reasonable price. If you're interested in stock old cars instead of hot rods, this is a great place to start. Call today!