1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe

“The Crown of Beauty Belongs to Chevrolet with New Royal Clipper Styling. Chevrolet's First again! Eye it . . . Try it . . . Buy it!” Almost makes me want to rush to the showroom and buy it, which indeed many actually did. Then along came hot rodding and one of their favorite cars to wrench on is the Special Deluxe.

With this consignment wrenching is an understatement. More like a total transformation and now we give you a fully custom rod version of the 1940 Chevy Special Deluxe. This rebuild, with many styling cues from the rat rod culture such as flat black paint, the absence of body chrome and an amazing drivetrain. Read on to learn what it takes to make a rod this mean and nasty!

Exterior
Sporting its original body metal sans most chrome trim, the exterior has been worked to achieve smoothness then bathed in satin black with a nice touch of simplistic flames licking back the hood and onto the doors. Upfront we can see a blacked out “Groucho Marx” mustache style grille which is flanked by molded into the fender bullet style headlights with black bezels. Auxiliary driving lights have been added behind the grille and down low, oval signal lenses have been molded into the lower pan. The original trim for the hood runs back toward the raked and Veed dual pane windshield and the hood sides have been removed to show off the healthy powerplant within. The side panels are included with the purchase. All of the chrome trim has been shaved as well as the bumpers and fender connecting running boards. Small oval taillights flank the sloping trunk lid and a clean roll pan is on with large chrome exhaust tips showing beneath. Weld Prostar polished wheels are on all 4 corners and are wrapped with like new black wall rubber.

Interior
Gray vinyl in a smooth pattern covers most of the custom door panels which now have a toggle for the driver's power window and standard cranks for the other 3 doors. In the center is a gray vinyl padded arm rest and finishing the top of the door is the original painted wood design over steel. Moving inside we are greeted with a pair of modern high back bucket seats in perforated gray broadcloth and black velour. This pattern continues to the rear seat which is as comfy as a brand new couch. A small console and Hurst shifter for the automatic transmission are noted and supporting all of this is black rubber flooring with clean black carpeted mats. Upfront looking to the dash for more inspiration is a tilt steering column, Ivory leather wrapped Lecarra wheel, modified simplified custom dash with a mix of VDO and AutoMeter gauges and a few toggles. Also noted is an AM/FM/Cassette radio with an auxiliary CD player mounted separately. The factory cloth headliner hangs above and shows with staining and noticeable tears.

Drivetrain
A consignor stated 427ci V8, (casting number 3963512), rests in the exposed side engine bay, very clean and spit shined with smatterings of chrome for the valve covers and air cleaner assembly. Feeding this large and in charge mill its dose of air and fossils is a Holley 4bbl carburetor. A TH400 transmission which is a 3-speed automatic is attached and a 12 bolt 3.55 geared rear axle puts the power to the pavement.

Undercarriage
A nicely done frame and added 1st generation Camaro front subframe present with a smattering of black paint and minor surface rust. Independent coil spring front suspension is on along with power disc brakes and for the rear we see leaf springs and power drums. Lest I forget, this car has power steering and a glasspack equipped exhaust which snakes its way rearward from a pair of headers and ends well in chromed tips.

Drive-Ability
Upon the fire up we were met with a nice throaty sound. Popping it into gear is effortless and we were off to the test track. This car has good acceleration, a nice ride, good brakes, and superior handling. All functions were working well during our test drive.

Overall a very nice rat rodded bowtie Special Deluxe, now even more special and more deluxe than ever. Plenty of work to modernize the looks and the mechanical innards, but no fear of chipping the paint during spirited driving, and you can have a turnkey showstopper whether it be up main street or at an actual show.

VIN DECODE
12KA0630516
12-Buffalo, NY Assy Plant
KA-Special Deluxe
06-June Build
30516-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.