Every classic car tells a story. For Alan Walker, it started with a 1939 Chevrolet Master and a dream. After years of sourcing parts and countless hours in the garage, his passion hit the road. His story is a true reflection of the classic car community: passion, perseverance, and the joy of the drive.
The spark of a project: Finding a '39 Chevrolet
Back in 1987, Alan came across an old body and chassis of a 1939 Chevrolet Master sedan. The car needed a tremendous amount of work, and it had to be rebuilt for beauty and safety. He spent years sourcing parts at swap meets to build the perfect foundation. “I bought trailer-loads of parts, knowing many were in poor condition," Alan recalls.
A passion balanced with life
During these years of collecting, Alan shifted his focus to spend more time with his family. He had been deeply involved in New Zealand's hot-rodding scene, serving as president of the NZ Hot Rod Association from 1978 to 1981. By 1994, Alan was ready to reignite his restoration dream.
Reigniting the build
Alan started from the ground up, redoing the chassis in his home garage. Safety came first, so he upgraded the front suspension with a 1979 HZ Holden subframe.
Powering the classic Chevy was a 327 cubic inch V8 engine, which was fully rebuilt. This was paired with a matching Chevrolet Turbo 350 transmission and a Ford Fairlane 9-inch differential. "I wanted a standard original factory diff that hadn't been modified," Alan notes. The rolling chassis was finished with a classic touch: retro Cragar alloy wheels.
Alan handled the prep work himself, leaving panel beating and upholstery to the experts and finished with a garage paint job that still shines after 25 years.
A career fueled from a lifelong passion
With over a decade of experience as a customer service representative specialising in classic vehicle insurance at Assurant, he has found the perfect role. His ability to connect with fellow enthusiasts on their level has been invaluable.
"I find that I know many of the customers from being actively involved in the sport," he says. "Your average classic car enthusiast wants to talk to a person who they know understands their perspective. I'm able to speak to them on the same level and I understand where they're coming from."
Alan’s ability to assess a vehicle based on his knowledge of certification requirements allows him to provide informed and fair coverage for vehicles that other insurers might shy away from.
The final touches
Alan's 1939 Chevrolet was finally complete and ready for the road in 2000. For Alan and his wife, the car is a source of adventure, and the Chevrolet has clocked up over 150,000 km on memorable road trips. Its value is measured in memories and miles.
Protecting your passion from day one
Alan Walker's story is a powerful reminder of what the classic car community is all about: passion, perseverance, and the joy of the drive. But it also carries an important lesson learned through his dual role as both an enthusiast and an insurance expert.
Protect your restoration from day one with insurance that values your passion. Whether you’re restoring a vintage beauty or cruising in a cherished classic, Assurant understands what makes these classic cars special.