1940 Chevrolet Master Deluxe VIN Verification

INTRODUCTION

The 1940 Chevrolet Master Deluxe was a defining car of its era—an elegant and affordable family vehicle that delivered comfort, style, and reliability during a time when America was on the brink of entering World War II. Positioned as Chevrolet’s premium offering just before the war, it became one of the most successful pre-war models ever produced by General Motors.

HISTORY & ORIGINS

The Master Deluxe was introduced in the mid-1930s and quickly gained popularity as a step up from the more basic Chevrolet Master. By 1940, the Master Deluxe had evolved into a stylish and more modern sedan, incorporating streamlined bodywork and more refined engineering. The 1940 model year was the last for the Master series before Chevrolet adopted new naming conventions, making it historically significant for collectors and classic car enthusiasts.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

The 1940 Master Deluxe came standard with the durable and efficient 216.5 cu in (3.5L) inline-6 “Stovebolt” engine, producing 85 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to a 3-speed manual transmission with a column-mounted shifter—an innovation at the time that freed up cabin space.

Though performance was modest by modern standards, the car offered a smooth and dependable ride, with a top speed of around 80 mph and solid fuel economy for its era.

DESIGN & FEATURES

Stylistically, the 1940 Master Deluxe stood out with its rounded fenders, split front grille, and streamlined Art Deco influence. Key design highlights included:

• Chrome accents and flowing lines

• Integrated headlamps into the fenders (a new feature for Chevy)

• Optional two-tone paint

• Available whitewall tires and wheel covers

Inside, the Master Deluxe offered a plush and roomy interior with features like:

• Cloth upholstery and simulated wood grain dashboard

• Clock and AM radio (optional)

• Hydraulic brakes (reliable for the time)

TRIM LEVELS & VARIANTS

The 1940 Chevrolet lineup included both the Master 85 (more basic) and the Master Deluxe, which was the better-equipped version. Available body styles included:

• 2-door Town Sedan

• 4-door Sedan

• Coupe

• Sport Coupe

• Station Wagon (woody)

• Convertible (limited availability)

The Master Deluxe trim featured additional chrome trim, upgraded interior materials, and more comfortable ride quality thanks to improved suspension tuning.

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

For 1940, safety was still rudimentary, but Chevrolet made efforts to improve:

• Hydraulic brakes replaced mechanical systems from earlier models

• Safety glass in all windows

• Better weight distribution for improved handling

• Dashboard-mounted instruments for clearer visibility

Still, seatbelts, airbags, and crash safety zones were not yet part of the automotive landscape.

FUEL ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY

The 1940 Master Deluxe’s inline-6 engine delivered respectable efficiency for the time, averaging around 15 to 20 miles per gallon. Its fuel tank held about 16 gallons, offering a solid cruising range for long-distance travel—important in an era with fewer fuel stations.

MARKET COMPARISON

The 1940 Master Deluxe competed against other American full-size sedans such as:

• Ford Deluxe

• Plymouth Deluxe

• Dodge D14 Luxury Liner

Among its competitors, Chevrolet was often favored for its smooth inline-6 engine, lower price, and dependable build. While Ford had the V8 and Plymouth leaned on styling, Chevrolet offered a balanced package of performance, space, and affordability.

PRICING

When new, the 1940 Master Deluxe was priced between $700 and $900, depending on body style and options. In today’s collector market:

• Restored examples typically range from $20,000 to $45,000

• Project cars can be found for $5,000 to $15,000

• Highly original or rare variants (e.g., convertible) may command $50,000+

NOTABLE AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• One of the best-selling cars of 1940

• Frequently featured in classic car shows and restoration contests

• Recognized by enthusiasts for its reliability, smooth ride, and timeless styling

• A favorite among collectors and custom builders due to its sturdy platform