1934 was the depths of the Great Depression, but all the automakers nonetheless managed to build some of the most beautiful and technically sophisticated cars of the 1930s. Even Chevrolet, building entry-level cars, offered high style to go with their economical price. In fact, Chevys got a lot of upgrades, including an independent front suspension on the Master series, a longer wheelbase, more body styles, and more horsepower to match the V8 Fords. And they had the might of GM’s Art & Colour Department behind them, arguably the most talented styling studio in the industry. The result? Beautiful cars that drive great and didn’t cost an arm and a leg to buy and own. Today, that remains very much the same, with this gorgeous little Chevrolet Master Eagle coupe offering lots of style, comfort, and fun for not a lot of cash.

The odometer on this 1932 Chevy shows 32,659 miles and we’re inclined to believe that’s an authentic reading. The interior is certainly original and there’s evidence that the shiny black paint is largely original as well, although we suspect the fenders have been repainted at some point in the distant past. Whatever the case, it has a fantastic vintage look that is comfortable and authentic, but not tired. Our detail shop managed to bring up a wonderful gloss in the black paint and aside from some minor checking on the fenders, it’s in great condition. The styling was an evolution of the 1933 redesign, but the deeply raked grille, twin horns, and chrome headlights make it look far more upscale than a Chevrolet should. Other new details include the horizontal vents on the hood that are similar to those found on contemporary Cadillacs, twin taillights, and a chrome strip along the running boards that emphasizes the car’s new, longer 112-inch wheelbase. For an upscale look, there’s a cream-colored triple pinstripe along the belt moldings and a metal cover for the rear-mounted spare tire. The chrome is probably too nice to be original, and it sparkles against the black paint, giving the car a very polished look. The only part of the entire car that might raise an eyebrow are the running board mats, which are unquestionably original—they show some wear and age, but then again, they fit in with the car’s overall look. The ’34 Fords might be more popular, but they certainly aren’t any prettier than this Chevy.

We believe the brown mohair interior is completely original, including seats, door panels, and headliner. The carpets have likely been replaced, as the plastic heel pad on the driver’s side would not have been there in 1934. The wide bench seat remains comfortable and supportive with only minor wear on the driver’s side, and it’s important to note that the camera’s flash actually makes it look worse than it is—the interior looks even better in person, not worse. The big steering wheel makes this slick little coupe easy to handle and for 1934, all the gauges were moved in front of the driver and set into a woodgrained panel. All the gauges work properly and the rest of the controls are very simple: knobs for the headlights and hand throttle, an accessory switch on the left side of the dashboard for the heater fan, and, well, that’s about it. There’s plenty of space in the 5-window coupe body and the seat adjusts to suit just about any driver. The massive trunk will carry all the gear you need for touring and is still upholstered with what appear to be its original carpets and side panels.

For 1934, the Master Series Chevrolets received a larger 207 cubic inch OHV inline-6 engine rated at 80 horsepower—competitive with the Ford V8. The silky smooth six makes effortless torque and pulls the lightweight coupe around with ease. It’s nicely tuned so it starts easily without any special attention and idles so smoothly that you might think it has stalled. Again, completely unexpected for a car in this price range. On the road, it pulls eagerly and makes pleasing 6-cylinder sounds but otherwise stays in the background. It stays cool, makes plenty of oil pressure, the generator keeps the battery topped off, and the detailing under the hood suggests someone has been in there getting it right. There’s correct corporate gray engine enamel, proper hose clamps, a big oil bath air filter on top of a single-barrel Carter W-1 carburetor, and proper hardware throughout. Much of the wiring appears to have been replaced as well, and they thoughtfully used cloth-wrapped wires that look exactly right under the hood. There’s time and money invested here and it shows.

The 3-speed manual transmission offers synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd, so it takes no special skills to drive this Chevy, and gear ratios make the most of the engine’s torque. 4.10 gears were standard equipment, so it’s perky around town and doesn’t mind cruising at 50 MPH on the open road. You’ll note those two massive shock/spring units on the front wheels—a Dubonnet-type independent front suspension that GM called “knee-action” but which was actually licensed from a European company. It gives the Chevy superior road manners compared to its Ford competition and the design of the system makes this car completely immune to bump-steer so it tracks beautifully even over broken pavement. Ride quality is excellent, and a properly maintained system will ensure that this Chevy is a joy to drive for many years to come. The floors are extremely clean with no issues, even in the trunk pan where trouble always starts. Brakes are still mechanical drums, but they’re effective and stop the coupe without any drama, so don’t start thinking you’ll have to upgrade to hydraulics or discs, because it’s just not necessary. The exhaust system has the right tone, not loud but not invisible, either, and the Chevy sounds polished at idle or under load. 17-inch wire wheels were new for 1934 and carry flashy 5.50-17 wide whites that really make it sparkle.

Documentation includes owner’s and shop manuals.

Look at this pretty little car and then look at the price. With wonderful road manners, excellent preservation, and an easy-to-handle demeanor, this is an ideal tour car for the first-timer looking for something a little more substantial than your standard Model A. Call today!

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