- Seller: David B (Contact)
- Location: Killingworth, Connecticut
- Mileage: 54,221 Shown
- Chassis #: 4629750
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 221 cui 24 stud Flathead V8
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
If you’ve been looking for a prewar survivor with loads of personality and a name to match, this 1938 Ford Deluxe Fordor—affectionately called “Mabel”—might be your perfect match. Now available here on Barn Finds and located in Killingworth, Connecticut, this Ford is a charming and roadworthy example of late-1930s American craftsmanship. With a clean title, 54,221 believed-original miles, and a 221ci flathead V8 under the hood, this sedan has been lovingly recommissioned to preserve its originality while making it ready for the road again.
Mabel’s current caretaker had known of her for more than a decade before finally acquiring her from a longtime friend who had owned the car for decades but never registered it. Once in his possession, he set out to thoughtfully revive the car, focusing on essential repairs without over-restoring it. The flathead V8 was found to run, and with some freshening—including a rebuilt fuel system, a new 6V electric fuel pump, and a distributor overhaul—she now starts easily and runs well.
Some well-executed metal work was needed: a fiberglass patch on the driver’s floor was replaced with properly beaded and rolled steel, and structural rust near the wiper mount and top frame rail was carefully cut out and repaired with new ¼-inch steel. The result is a very solid body with repairs that are difficult to spot unless you know where to look.
Rather than strip and repaint the car, the seller chose to preserve the existing finish—believed to be original—by cleaning and applying “Patina Sauce” to bring out the depth and texture of the aged paint. The plush interior is mostly original, with a new headliner and carpets sewn from matching material. While the radio doesn’t work (it’s included), all gauges are functional, the horn honks, the lights and clock work, and even the 6-volt wipers give it their best effort.
Mabel still wears three of her original wide whitewall tires, not ideal for the freeway, but they complete her period look and are fine for around-town cruising. The seller includes extra parts, new wipers and arms, and full documentation of the work done.
This four-door Ford may not have the flash of a coupe, but for buyers after originality, usability, and a car that can charm both a Cars & Coffee crowd and the grandkids on an ice cream run, Mabel might be just the ticket.
WOW! Throw on a new set of tires, drive and have fun!
Paint the roof already.
Yes, I can see where the roof and hood area might be painted. However, if this car is almost 100% original it can be judged as such in the “Rouge Class”, a class named after the River Rouge where the plant was in Dearborn MI. The Early Ford V-8 Club looks to original cars in three categories: body and exterior; interior; and engine compartment. Cars like these can enter in one or all categories. Members who want to restore a vehicle look to originals for small details, some that may have been altered by a restoration. This has never been my thing, but I am not kidding. I can see why many would want to have at least the rusty areas painted, if not the whole car.
Mable is looking pretty good to me. If she was gracing my garage she would receive a new set of tires. And dare I say that they would be blackwalls just like Henry intended. GLWTS.
Wait, Carbob, save those 3 original tires on original wheels, if possible, and get some other rims for new tires. Again, I’m not kidding, there could be a small group around your car at an Early Ford regional meet, just to see your original car with those original tires. Just change them at the show grounds.
People have been changing tires at the show grounds for as long as I can remember (and I’m 75). While I wouldn’t do it (none of my cars would ever benefit from just that), I can certainly see the purpose in it.
I know what you’re saying, Dave and I would agree with you. But are three of the tires truly original? The tires that it had from the factory? I would have a hard time believing that. I wonder if what the seller means is that they are original style. No matter what though; Mable needs a new set of shoes.
A big plus is that the upholstery looks quite inviting, and the nose is nicely sculpltured. The headliner restraints, though, look curious to me. And electric wipers? I had a ’61 Galaxie with vacuum wipers. A junkyard electric unit took care of that issue. Any comments?
Yeah, the wipers were vacuum on these cars, not 6-volt. I had a 36 and a 39 – both vacuum.
Now THERE’S a sweetie! I’d drive it as is from April to November!
…but it’s missing the rear ashtrays.
Holey smoke!
Nice car but “original tires” with 54,221 miles? Really????
And 87-year-old original tires?? What brand, Maypops?
I have always wanted one of these, because I love the LOOK of the ’38 Ford Deluxe. The Standard was a warmed-over 37, whilst the Deluxe had the new body that went through 1939 and 1940. White walls were available for the Deluxe in 1938, but not usually for the Standard. The Standard generally came with just one tail-light. The wiper-motor, if original, is a vacuum unit, and it is fine on the level and while going downhill; but when climbing any significant uphill grade, the wipers would stall. Ford sold an accessory vacuum-tank to hold vacuum on hills, and it worked. This car cries-out for the accessory rear fender skirts. I did not see a price with it! And this one is by far at its most beautiful with four doors!! The ’38 came with mechanical brakes: “juice” brakes finally came to Ford in 1939.
it says 9K OBO at the top of the listing, Harrison.
Thank you, JD and Isa. I get Barn Finds as a “pop-up” on my telephone, and not from the original listing; so, if it is not specified in Elizabeth Puckett’s write-up, then I won’t see it.
They said, “Brakes of steel, form pedal to wheel.” Henry didn’t trust “juice” brakes. And rightly so with the single reservoir master cylinder until dual reservoir was mandated in all cars here in 1967, separating front and rear. That’s why I replaced the original type master in my 66 F-100 with a Wilwood unit a few years back after purchase.
The mechanical brakes were said to be quite good IF they were kept adjusted, and there was no danger of a broken fluid line or burst hose, as with almost all other cars in the US at that time. That was a big IF of course and the next year they were “juice”, as stated in 1939. Quite a few new owners of old Fords retrofitted 1939 fluid brakes to their earlier year Fords. The law of fluid physics allows for equal pressure to both front and both rear brakes as opposed to mechanical brakes. So, you chose your option.
Harrison, wouldn’t this be neat driving around Saratoga County? I share the dream.
Thank you, JD and Isa. I get Barn Finds as a “pop-up” on my telephone, and not from the original listing; so, if it is not specified in Elizabeth Puckett’s write-up, then I won’t see it.
Thank you, JD and Isa. I get Barn Finds as a “pop-up” on my telephone, and not from the original listing; so, if it is not specified in Elizabeth Puckett’s write-up, then I won’t see it.
Evening everyone,
I’m representing this one too and the owner of this Ford is also the owner of Betty the 53 Nash Convertible.
A couple things .. The tires .. They are branded Ford and Ford Motor Company-Dearborn Michigan. Are they THE original tires, I don’t know .. but they sure are old. When was the last time Ford manufactured their own tires?
Correct about the wipers, they are vacuum.
The rear ash trays are in a box of parts that come with the car, they have some surface rust and the owner was going to clean them up with steel wool, but didn’t get around to it.
The headliner was done by the owner, more to fit in and look ok than to be perfect Ford replica.
Thanks again Elizabeth for posting!
Thank you, AutoArcheologist, dor the information! Wish I had the money to buy this one!
Thank you, AutoArcheologist, for the information! Wish I had the money to buy this one!
The writer say the wiper motor panel was replaced with 1/4” metal. Surely that’s a typo. Even 1/8” would be overkill. Unless he’s building and armoured car.
Hi, Dave in PA! I agree that it would be neat to drive around Saratoga County in this car! I do’t have the money for it… but TOU could buy it!
Hi, Dave in PA! I agree that it would be neat to drive around Saratoga County in this car! I do’t have the money for it… but TOU could buy it!
Hello, Dave in PA! I agree that this would be a fun ride around Saratoga County. I do not have the funds, sadly. But, why don’t YOU buy this Ford?
Harrison, I have the 66 F-100 to play and WORK with. It has been used mostly for work lately, hauling firewood from both my property and church property to a friends home. He heats mostly with wood in winter, even in Philadelphia! Plus, I am supposed to be downsizing. That’s why it is a dream. I like Barn Finds because it gives us a chance to dream and think and share our thoughts and maybe knowledge. Some of us are really in the market to purchase as well.
Hi everyone,
a couple things:
The frame was repaired with 1/4 in steel, not the wiper mount.
Also, it shows as sold, we accepted an offer but we have rec’d no money yet.