1940 Chevy Master Business Coupe Resurfaces After 64 Years in Abandoned Barn
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After more than six decades hidden from the world, a 1940 Chevrolet Master Business Coupe has been discovered in a long-abandoned barn, remarkably intact and sparking new hope for preservation among classic car enthusiasts.
The two-door coupe, long thought lost to time, reportedly sat untouched since 1961. Found blanketed in dust and surrounded by signs of long-term neglect—including a large rat nest in the trunk and a deteriorated interior—the car still retains much of its original form. Remarkably, rust is minimal, and the body appears solid despite being parked for 64 years.
Introduced in 1933, the Chevrolet Master nameplate was part of GM's efforts to expand its model range, remaining a core part of the brand's prewar lineup. The 1940 model year marked a significant design update, with a broader grille extending past a V-shaped front fascia, sleeker fenders, and a longer 113-inch wheelbase.
Chevrolet offered several body styles that year, but only 25,537 customers opted for the Business Coupe configuration—out of more than 400,000 total Masters produced. While not exceedingly rare by production numbers alone, surviving examples in unrestored condition are increasingly uncommon.
The car is not entirely original, however. It appears to have received a repaint before its lengthy slumber, and under the hood lies a swapped inline-six engine, likely from the mid-1950s. Though this diminishes its historical purity, enthusiasts agree that the car's survival in such condition still holds significant value.
Whether the Master will be restored or remain a survivor is uncertain, but classic car circles are already buzzing. For now, the coupe is safe, finally seeing daylight after a lifetime in the dark—a silent testament to American craftsmanship and the power of rediscovery.
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