From barn find to wedding vehicle

Chevy a good match for Markham couple who say it puts smiles on people’s faces

The car: 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe 4-door sedan The owner: Brian and Deb Weller, Markham The story: I have always loved old Chevys. My first car was a1955 Chevrolet sedan delivery presented to me by my family on my 17th birthday.

Although it needed brake work before I could drive it home, I was handy enough to be able to do most repairs myself. It had no air conditioning, no power windows, the points were under the distributor cap — old cars were not too hard to work on. When in my mid-50s, I went looking for another old Chevrolet to love, but couldn’t find what I was looking for until ten years ago when a limousine company owner mentioned he was selling his classic. The car, a bride’s favourite for wedding pictures, was available so I jumped at the chance to buy it.

Apparently it had been a barn find after many years in storage when it was stripped down, painted and rechromed. The original interior, finished in olive drab mohair, is an awesome sight to see these days when so many classics have had their interiors replaced.

The 6-cylinder engine just purrs when started. The 3-speed floorshift transmission was recently rebuilt with new bearings installed, and it doesn’t make rattling sounds anymore. Made in Oshawa, it’s a heavy beast that just glides over speed bumps. When brand new, my Chevrolet Master Deluxe listed for a whopping $742, but a recent appraisal gives the value at up to $28,000.

Aheadlamp burned out but I found two six-volt replacements on eBay for $8 each. I also found an original owner’s manual which has been very helpful.

With a comfortable top speed of only 80 km/h, it is not a highway vehicle but city driving suits this classic just fine.

Brides from as far away as Barrie and Bowmanville have asked my Chevrolet to attend their weddings. Their photographers’ eyes light up when they see it. At veterans’ parades, old soldiers line up for their chance to wave to the crowds along the route.

My advice for the aspiring classic car owner: old cars have a habit of needing attention. Before you buy, locate a good mechanic who shares your passion.

I found a good one and he is the only person I trust to get under the hood of my Master Deluxe. Show us your candy: Got a cool custom or vintage car? Send us a picture of you and your family with your beauty, and tell us your story. And we like photos — the more the better — of the interior, trim, wheels, emblems, what you admire. Email wheels@thestar.ca and be sure to use “Eye Candy” in the subject line.

VINCE TALOTTA PHOTOS/TORONTO STAR Right this way, Santa! If there’s no snow for sleighs this year, which seems possible, Brian Weller of Markham has an alternative ride to offer.

But the "streamlined" era cars do look fast. Circa 1939, Life magazine published a feature with photos of automobile front ends similar to this image, extolling the teardrop look of cars that seemed styled by the wind.

"With a comfortable top speed of only 80 km/h, it is not a highway vehicle, but city driving suits this classic just fine,” Weller says.

The original interior of Weller’s car has somehow survived. Seating in 1930s-era cars was typically covered in a velour-like mohair, and legroom was miles ahead of what it is now.

Everything but the instruments under the dash appears to be factoryoriginal. Old vehicles such as this one require attention, warns Weller.