We first heard that this 1939 Fangio Chevrolet Master would be coming to OCR Rally midway through the 2024 Peking to Paris. The owner at the time was struggling with the vehicle’s preparation and, after speaking to another OCR-prepared competitor on the event, reached out to us to see if we would rebuild the car after the rally so it could be sold. We were, of course, happy to help.
Upon receiving the Chevrolet, we carried out one of our post-event reports, designed to assess the vehicle’s condition and provide recommendations where needed. While suspension and steering rebuilds are common after an event like Peking to Paris, this car had suffered more than typical wear and tear. The main issue was incorrectly sized rear leaf springs—both too soft and too short—which caused excessive stress through the rear of the car. This resulted in a heavily damaged rear crossmember and very poor condition rear body mounts. Other issues included a tired engine, cracked door glass, a damaged A-post, a broken vent window regulator, and notably poor braking performance.
As we began repairs, the client decided to sell the vehicle. The previous owner’s rally journey had ended, but the car’s story would continue. Our goal was to make it safe and drivable for sale. The engine would remain as it was, but the suspension and brakes would be fully overhauled so the next owner could properly experience the car, albeit with slightly reduced power.
Using our trusted suppliers in the USA, we sourced the necessary parts. The shock absorbers were sent for servicing, new door glass was made, and after contacting several American car breakers, we found a usable vent window mechanism. While waiting for parts, we removed the old rear springs and designed a new set—correct in length, strong enough for a Peking to Paris spares load, yet compliant enough to improve ride quality. We also repositioned the rear axle to better centre the wheel in the arch. Extensive repairs were carried out on the rear body mounts, rear crossmember, and A-post, all of which were not only repaired but strengthened.
Once the parts arrived, the car was carefully rebuilt. The new rear springs significantly improved ride height, and the suspension components were cleaned and refinished prior to reassembly. Attention to detail was key, both visually and functionally. When investigating the braking issue further, we discovered an incorrectly set balance bar caused by shortened master cylinder push rods. Both master cylinders were replaced, and the brake balance was reset, resulting in a dramatic improvement in braking performance.
A new owner was quickly found, reflecting the strong reputation of Fangio Replica Chevrolets. With plans to enter the 2026 Badawi Trial, the new owner wanted the car in top condition. As recommended for long-distance events, we inspected and rebuilt key components, including the differential, gearbox, and steering box, and replaced the tired rally engine.
A suitable 235 engine was sourced and rebuilt under tight time constraints, with machining carried out by our trusted specialists. While this was underway, we rebuilt the steering box, including replacing the worm and pinion.
With shipping for the Badawi scheduled for late January, the rebuilt engine arrived in mid-December and was installed immediately, allowing a full month for testing and fine-tuning. As with many vintage vehicles, this running-in period was essential.
The result was a beautifully prepared tribute to Fangio’s Chevrolet—one that went on to finish an impressive second overall in its first major event with its new owner.
