The Family Sedan: From $125 to the Altar (and Back Again)
The classic car hobby is about more than just steel and chrome—it’s about history, memory, and sheer dedication. Few stories embody this better than the journey of Doug Krassow's 1938 Chevy Master Town Sedan. What started as a $125 high school ride became a cherished family member, surviving everything from college commutes to a heart-stopping runaway incident on the Interstate. This is the story of a car with nine lives and a restorer determined to bring it back to the road.
A Dealer's Integrity: The $125 Deal
The old car bug bit Doug early, thanks to his dad's 1936 and 1947 Plymouths. As he neared driving age, Doug secured a promise from a family friend and local car dealer in his small Ohio town. The dealer soon called, boasting of the "perfect car"—a 1938 Chevy Master Town Sedan traded in by the original owner’s son for a brand-new 1967 Plymouth.
The dealer held the car for Doug, turning down higher offers and keeping true to his word. And after getting a part-time job, the car was Doug’s for just $125.
With help from a friend and a man from his church, the engine was rebuilt, the car was painted, and it was driven everywhere—across Central Ohio, to a major VCCA meet in Indianapolis, and even commuting to college starting in 1969.
Tragedy on the Interstate
Since the beginning, the '38 Chevy was a constant in Doug’s life. It was the primary vehicle for dating his future wife, often making the nearly 300-mile trip to her house. In 1972, the car carried the newlyweds away from the church on their wedding day.
The car moved with the family several times, but one move brought the story to a jarring halt. While being towed behind a U-Haul truck on the Interstate, Doug and his family driving behind watched in horror as the tow bar broke. The Chevy began a lonely, accelerating journey down the road without a driver! Though thankfully no other cars were involved, the sedan was finally stopped by a concrete bridge abutment.
"That is a very sickening feeling—to be watching the whole thing happen in front of you and not be able to do anything to stop it from happening."
The front end was heavily damaged, prompting the decision to tear down the entire car and begin a full restoration. As often happens, "life happened," and the Chevy spent many years in pieces.
The Resurrection: Focused on the Details
Today, the Master Sedan is moving forward with purpose. The front fenders have been successfully hammered back into shape, and all parts have received fresh paint. The current focus is on the reassembly of the cabin, a task that requires patience and high-quality detail parts.
Currently, Doug is meticulously installing the new wiring harness. He also recently brought the cracked, original two-piece windshield to a glass shop, and is looking forward to installing the new glass with his son's help—a true family project.
Doug has already installed the rear window using an I & I rear window gasket, and he’s patiently waiting to install the front as well. The new glove box, along with a fresh set of window garnish screws and washers, will be the next pieces to push him even closer to the finish line.
"The gasket fit the window perfectly... I am very pleased with the way it turned out, and I'm sure the front window will be equally as good."
The Final Mile
After a nearly sixty-year journey filled with love, miles, and unexpected catastrophe, this 1938 Chevy is finally entering the final phase of assembly. Doug Krassow’s story is more than a testament to dedication–it’s a powerful reminder that our restoration projects are truly vessels for our memories. This remarkable car embodies Doug’s high school independence, his courtship, and the first mile of his married life—memories that literally shattered and are being pieced back together.
The lesson here is resilience. In this hobby, we all face setbacks—whether it’s a terrifying accident on the Interstate or simply "life happening" that stalls progress for years. But Doug’s patience proves that if the memories are strong enough, the project will find its way to the finish line. It's the commitment to the vision, and the attention to the small details, that transform a broken piece of history into a running piece of the future.
We are incredibly proud to play a small part in a car that means so much to this family. We can't wait to see the dash wired up and the key turn for the first time in years!
What's the most challenging moment you've had in your restoration? Share your story in the comments below!