Story of a Classic: 1940 Chevrolet Sedan

At Berkley One Classics, we insure a wide range of vehicles. From muscle cars to tractors and everything in between. Each vehicle has its own origin story, and we enjoy hearing these stories so much that we decided to start asking our clients if we could share them!

Here is the story of Dean from Sioux Falls South Dakota and his 1940 Chevrolet Sedan Tribute to our Soldiers.

Q: What is the story behind how you obtained and restored your 1940 Chevrolet Sedan?

Dean: I obtained this car through the family of Pierre’s Body shop founder Pierre Fourette after his passing. During the build process I worked with his stepson Chad, on the paint scheme and he introduced me to what is called a “tribute car.”

Following that conversation, I decided to pay Tribute to my father and father-in-law, who were both World War II Veterans, as well as all Veterans across the country. Chad is an airbrush artist and created the beautiful master piece tribute that I am extremely proud of and love to show off.

Q: Do you attend shows with your Chevrolet? Tell us an experience from a recent, or favorite, show you’ve attended.

Dean: I attend several car shows throughout the year, but one of my favorites is the Veterans’ Hospital car show. My favorite part is listening to the history and stories that I get told from the soldiers who attend. It is amazing what they have gone through and endured for our freedom.

My Chevrolet and I were asked to attend the South Dakota State Legion convention by our nation’s Legion Chaplin at the time in Mitchell South Dakota and that was a large honor.

Q: How did you get started collecting classic vehicles?

Dean: I have always had a love for old cars since I was young. The first car I bought belonged to my brother who was a mechanic in the army and had purchased a 1954 Chevy pickup. He had completely rebuilt the motor and drive train but then lost interest in it and asked me if I wanted to buy it for $500. I quickly said YES! It took me several years to rebuild, but I still have it 35 years later.

Q: Tell us about other collector vehicles you own or have owned.

Dean: my personal collection today includes a 1940 Chevrolet 2-door Sedan(Tribute car), a 1954 Chevrolet 5 window pickup, a 1964 Chrysler 300k complete with the cross ram set up, and a 1978 GMC short box pickup with a 454 cubic inch engine and 40,000 miles.

Dean: I have been very fortunate to be able to grow up in a time when the cars we collect today were our first cars and get to experience them in action first hand again. Now I am blessed to have my family as part of what I love and we go to car shows together and they have their own collector cars. My grandchildren work with me on my cars and love the special time together.

My grandson loves when grandpa makes the engine rev, and the tires squeal. His response is “Grandpa’s truck farts!” Grandma’s response is “shut this thing down!” That’s when Grandpa’s smile is the largest. P.S. Don’t tell my insurance company about Grandpa’s truck farts please.

—

Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Learn more here.