Dollar-for-dollar, this lovely 1933 Chevrolet Master Eagle sedan is the nicest car we’ve got. With a far lower survival rate than comparable Fords, it’s unlikely that you’ll see another one at a show, and thanks to GM’s corporate umbrella, it looks like a 7/8-scale Cadillac. Inside there’s a torquey OHV inline-6 and a comfortable, spacious interior that’s beautifully finished. Add in an extraordinary restoration that has won national awards from the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America and Antique Automobile Club of America, and you get one heck of a nice car at a VERY reasonable price.

Finished in lovely Olympic Blue, this well-dressed four-door looks like it should cost far more than it does. Chevrolets in 1933 were all-new, with a raked-back grille, skirted fenders, and an overall more rounded look, and the results were quite handsome. The restoration has returned this Master Eagle to what is likely better-than-new condition, with a deep gloss to the finish, which is actually a dark blue with a hint of aqua in it and brilliant chrome that still glitters several years after the work was finished. All four doors fit beautifully and close with a reassuring kerCHUNK. The wheels and matching pinstripe add some contrast and really make the Chevy look fancy without being over-done, and with vent windows in the front doors and quarter windows, it remains comfortable on warm days. The stylized eagle hood ornament and hood doors recall big brother Cadillac, and detailing is excellent. If there’s a flaw, it’s that there’s some very minor paint flaking around the grille opening—making paint stick to chrome is pretty tough. A single taillight was standard equipment and the rear bumper wrapping around the spare tire is a neat detail.

Brown mohair was a popular choice in the 1930s, both durable and attractive, and with wide pleats the seats are firm and comfortable for touring. Simple door panels featured nickel-plated hardware and woodgrained garnish moldings, with the windshield molding and dash getting the same upscale treatment. The front seat area has a rubber mat with Chevrolet bow ties on its face, while rear seat passengers get proper carpets and a foot rest. Gauges in the center of the dash get a beautiful instrument panel surround and the basic controls are easy to understand. This car is equipped with Free-Wheeling, which was a popular early-30s feature, essentially disengaging the engine from the axle when coasting and eliminating engine braking, but the obvious safety issues ensured it was short lived—we recommend you leave it off and unused. The big wheel makes it easy to maneuver the unassisted steering and the 3-speed manual gearbox includes synchromesh, so no double-clutching needed. Look at the detailing throughout the interior, then look again at the price tag on this car.

Chevrolet introduced the OHV inline-6 in 1929, and it’s probably what encouraged Henry Ford to build the V8. This car features a 207 cubic inch version making 65 horsepower, which was competitive with the V8’s 75. It’s also silky smooth and makes more torque than the V8 Ford, so the Chevy feels quick and needs fewer shifts. The engine was rebuilt during the restoration and runs great today, starting easily with the accelerator pedal on the floor and offering a nice 6-cylinder grumble from the tailpipe. Service access is great and parts are plentiful—this engine was in production for decades. It’s still running its original 6-volt electrical system, but it’s healthy and there’s nothing to be afraid of because it spins over with real vigor. The cooling system does its job and the downdraft carburetor way up on top ensures that it doesn’t get fussy in warm weather. It’s just a well-mannered old car that asks for nothing more than gas and oil.

The undercarriage shows a few minor signs of use, but nothing that couldn’t be wiped away if you want to take it back to show status. There’s a stainless steel exhaust system and since the knee-action suspension was still a few years off, there are leaf springs at both ends. 4.10 gears in back mean it’s peppy around town and happy cruising at 50 MPH on the open road, the silky smooth six never seeming to strain itself (and it’ll go faster—unlikely you’ll hurt the engine unless you do something really foolish). Brakes are mechanical drums at all four corners, but they’re effective and like the 6-volt electrical system, if they’re set up right they work very well. Factory wire wheels are an elegant touch and wear 5.25/5.50-18 blackwall tires for a sensible ‘30s look (we recommend replacing the tires before doing any extensive touring).

Documentation is extensive: original owner’s manual, shop manuals, parts lists, service bulletins, period advertising, and more. It also comes with restoration photos, receipts, awards, and a whole bunch of other stuff that will provide hours of interesting reading when you aren’t driving.

If this car had a name other than Chevrolet on its grille, it would cost tens of thousands of dollars more than it does. But if you’re looking for an exceptional car with a reasonable price that isn’t an ordinary Model A Ford, take a closer look. It’s gorgeous from any angle, a joy to drive, and heavily documented as the best cars always are. Ready to tour and stand out at any show. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.