1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe: A Labor of Love

A Modern Take on a Classic Legend: The 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Business Coupe

At our shop, we take pride in turning automotive dreams into rolling works of art. Our latest project — a 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Business Coupe — is the perfect example of how timeless design and modern engineering can come together in one seamless, high-performance package.

When this project arrived at our doors, Dennis and Jason Miller had a clear vision: preserve the elegance of the late-’30s Chevrolet coupe while transforming it into a refined, reliable, and road-ready street rod. The result is a build that not only honors its heritage but elevates it to meet today’s performance standards.

Precision from the Ground Up

The foundation of this build began with a Scott’s Hot Rods chassis, chosen for its precision engineering and adaptability. To ensure modern comfort and control, the chassis was paired with Ridetech coilovers and a power rack and pinion steering setup. The combination delivers a smooth, responsive ride that brings 21st-century handling to a pre-war body.

Braking duties are handled by Wilwood drilled and slotted disc brakes, providing confident stopping power that matches the car’s performance potential. Out back, a nine-inch Ford rearend with 3.50 gears and a rear four-link suspension ensures the Coupe can handle both highway cruising and spirited backroad drives.

Completing the stance are Schott billet wheels, 17 inches up front and 18 inches in the rear — a perfect balance of classic style and modern craftsmanship.

Power and Performance

Under the hood lies a Blueprint Engines 350 small block Chevrolet crate engine, delivering dependable power with a classic rumble. It’s paired with a 700R4 overdrive automatic transmission, offering smooth shifts and highway-friendly cruising. A custom TIG-welded 304 stainless-steel exhaust system with Borla mufflers gives this Master Deluxe a refined yet assertive tone — a sound as distinctive as its look.

Comfort and Craftsmanship Inside

Inside the cabin, every detail was thoughtfully planned for comfort, functionality, and style. The car features a Vintage Air HVAC system for modern climate control, wired through a Painless Performance harness for reliability. A full set of Classic Instruments gauges provides the driver with a blend of period-correct style and modern precision.

One of the standout interior elements is the modified 1955 Chevrolet car dash, cut down and reshaped to perfectly fit the Coupe’s contours — a custom touch that bridges two iconic eras of Chevrolet design.

Attention to Detail

Fabrication is where this build truly shines. Our team custom-fabricated front inner fenders and rear wheel tubs, along with bead-rolled gravel guards for both the front and rear. The running boards were extended and the rear fenders shortened, creating a sleeker, more balanced silhouette while maintaining the car’s unmistakable vintage character.

Once the metalwork was complete, the Coupe was finished in BASF paint expertly applied by Dynamic Speed and Custom — a flawless finish that enhances every curve and contour. The interior came to life through the exceptional upholstery craftsmanship of Speed and Design Hot Rod Interiors, completing the car’s transformation with a blend of luxury and performance.

Built with Pride

Every component, weld, and finish detail on this 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Business Coupe reflects countless hours of skilled labor, collaboration, and passion. Dennis and Jason Miller were outstanding to work with throughout the process, sharing our dedication to perfection and our love for finely crafted hot rods.

This build represents what we strive for on every project — combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to create something truly timeless.

Smithson Speed and Engineering
Precision • Passion • Performance