1937 Chevrolet Master Cabriolet by Duval

€31,050 EUR | Sold

  • One-off body by Carrosserie Charles Duval
  • Recent documented restoration
  • Rebuilt engine sourced from the U.S.
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Although considered by many in Europe as unsophisticated, American cars developed a certain following on the continent between the World Wars. Although not as economical to operate as British and European makes, and saddled with additional duties and road tax, they proved to be robust and reliable.

Purchased new by an aristocrat in the Loire Valley of France, this 1937 Chevrolet Master was consigned to Carrosserie Charles Duval at Boulogne-sur-Seine, a Parisian suburb, for a bespoke body. Established in 1929, Duval’s firm built its first bodies for Amilcar chassis, for which it became well known. Other marques wearing Duval bodies included Derby, Tracta, Chenard-Walcker and even Bugatti. A 1930 Delahaye is described by the late historian Jan Norbye as ‘follow[ing] the American style’. In addition to one-off bodies, Duval undertook some series production for La Licorne until 1939. The coming of war put an end to the enterprise.

The original consignor of this Chevrolet Master gave instruction for a five-seat ‘Mylord’ cabriolet. He kept the car until the 1960s, when it was sold to its second owner. It was then restored in 2007 in an extensive operation, in which a correct 216-cu. in. replacement engine was sourced in the U.S., rebuilt there and shipped to France for installation. Documentation for this work is included on file.

Finished in white with blue wings, the Master exhibits a measure of flair not seen in home-market Chevrolets. Duval’s craftsmen echoed the line of the Chevrolet’s body crease, which on ’37s originates from the lower edge of the bonnet. The beltline of the body mirrors this profile, which is highlighted by a bold bright moulding running in parallel. A ‘bustle’ luggage compartment is appended to the rear of the body, with an exposed spare on the boot-lid. The hood folds down and rests atop the body in Germanic fashion, and side lamps on the front wings give the American nose a Continental air.