In the Garage: 1935 Chevrolet Standard coupe
This 1935 Chevrolet Standard coupe owned by Cathy Auricchio was bought in Virginia and has the original drive train and mechanical brakes. Credit: David Fluhrer
THE CAR AND ITS OWNER: 1935 Chevrolet Standard coupe owned by Cathy Auricchio
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING: Auricchio's six-cylinder Chevrolet played a key role in the company's battle with Ford for U.S. sales supremacy through the mid-1930s. In the eyes of collectors, however, vintage Fords have usually won by a wide margin due largely to their more powerful V-8 engines and hot-rodding potential. But with classic Ford prices continuing to rise, some enthusiasts have turned to the Chevys as a smart, collectible alternative. Even though Chevrolet churned out nearly 800,000 passenger cars in 1935 alone (including a reported 60,000 Standard coupes), good examples are scarce because many were daily drivers, junked at the end of their lives. As a result, the Fords tend to overwhelm the classic car shows. "It's very unusual to see a Chevy instead of a Ford survivor," says Auricchio.
HOW LONG SHE'S OWNED IT: Since 2011
WHERE SHE FOUND IT: She bought it from an owner in Alexandria, Virginia.
CONDITION: Auricchio's ride has the original drive train and mechanical brakes. It also sports a rare factory-installed radio (original price: $45) and temperature gauge. "It was restored in 2003 with detail to 1935 specs," she says. "With her dual carbs, I can cruise at 55 miles per hour. I drive her to shows in Nassau and Suffolk counties. She is never trailered."
TIPS FOR OWNERS: "Get the youth of today interested in the hobby," she advises. "Keep the spark alive."
VALUE: Auricchio says the Chevy is "worth the world to me." The NADA Guides puts a "high retail" value of $21,300 on a similar coupe. The original showroom price was $475.
THE BOTTOM LINE: "I have always wanted a three-window coupe," she says. "I am told by the second owner that the original owner used her to run moonshine in the Blue Ridge Mountains."
