Cops and Rodders-Uncle Gary’s 1940 Chevrolet Master 85
Hello, Tipp City, and welcome to another edition of Cops N Rodders!
This edition of Cops N Rodders features a 1940 Chevrolet Master 85.
This car is owned by none other than the man himself, Gary McCargish. Or, as I know him, “Uncle Gary,” and my best friend Tim calls him U.G. Uncle Gary was a significant influence on me when it came to being a car enthusiast while I was growing up. We spent many nights working on cars in the garage.
Gary acquired this 1940 Chevrolet a few years ago. The car features what I call a “natural patina.”
The car is a “Resto Mod” featuring a custom 350 cubic-inch Chevrolet engine, a Turbo 400 transmission, and a GM 10-bolt rear differential. The front suspension features a Mustang II Design, equipped with disc brakes, while the rear suspension utilizes drums.
The interior is largely stock, with minimal modifications.
Let's take a look at the history of the Chevrolet Master 85. Remember when this car was new, America was not yet involved in World War II.
In 1940, Chevrolet introduced the Master 85, a car that struck a balance between affordability and style. Sitting just below the upscale Master Deluxe, the 85 was designed for everyday families who wanted Chevrolet reliability without the higher price tag.
The Master 85 rode on a 113-inch wheelbase and carried a clean, streamlined look that hinted at the decade to come. The wide, horizontal grille was new that year, with headlights integrated into the fenders instead of perched on top. Running boards were still present, but the overall design was sleeker than its predecessors from the 1930s. It was a car that looked modern without straying too far from tradition.
Under the hood, buyers found Chevrolet’s trusty 216-cubic-inch inline six. Producing 85 horsepower, it wasn’t fast by today’s standards, but it was sturdy and dependable. Paired with a three-speed manual transmission, the car could comfortably carry the family down city streets or country roads. Another selling point was its safety—Chevrolet equipped the Master 85 with hydraulic brakes on all four wheels, a significant step forward at the time.
Inside, the car reflected its budget-friendly role. Trim was simpler than the Deluxe model, but buyers still enjoyed a well-built interior with ample space. Body styles ranged from two-door coupes and sedans to four-door town sedans, giving families options to fit their needs.
The Master 85 wasn’t about luxury—it was about practicality. Chevrolet advertised it as a car that delivered “the most for the money,” and the sales backed that claim. It became a common sight on American roads in 1940, serving everyone from traveling salespeople to small-town families.
Today, the Master 85 holds a special place among collectors and enthusiasts of classic cars. While many were produced, fewer survived intact, as the more basic models were often used hard and put away wet. Restored examples now shine at local car shows, appreciated for their pre-war styling and mechanical simplicity.
In a way, the 1940 Chevrolet Master 85 represents the spirit of its time: solid, dependable, and modest, yet forward-looking. It may not draw the same attention as post-war Chevrolets with their chrome and flair, but it tells a story of American life on the eve of World War II. For many, that’s precisely what makes it special.
Gary and his wife, Johanna, enjoy taking the car to car shows and cruise-ins. If you see them out, stop by and say hello.
Do you have a car with a great story you'd like featured in this column? You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com.
The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.
