OK, let’s get it out of the way: A lot of people don’t like the nose of the 1938 Ford DeLuxe. I, for one, think it looks fine, and if you are of my mind, join me in enjoying this unrestored example of one of the most desirable body styles in the ’38 line. In 1938, Ford introduced the short-lived practice of restyling the front end of the DeLuxe models while carrying over the previous year’s styling on the Standard, a convention that only lasted a few years. For example, the ’38 Standard would have used a variation of the ’37 DeLuxe’s grille. Tony Primo found this DeLuxe on craigslist in Bristol, Connecticut, and the seller claims that it has 33,880 miles. For $18,000, I’d probably shine ‘er up and go for a drive.
The seller couldn’t help including the following comment: “Perfect to Restore or Hot Rod!” I think it would be a shame to do either to such an original car, one that could be enjoyed as-is. The engine is the classic 221 cubic-inch flathead V8, producing its traditional 85 horsepower. The 24-stud flathead was introduced in 1938, but I can’t quite tell if that’s what is under the hood in this picture; it’s too bad there isn’t a better engine shot in the ad. Regardless, the car runs and drives, and I’ll assume it stops. The 1938 model year saw the last of Ford’s mechanical brakes; Henry finally relented in 1939, years after the rest of the industry made the switch to a hydraulic system. The bright side? You don’t have to worry about wheel cylinders and the like as you clean this coupe up for the road.
The interior looks perfectly usable, but the buyer may choose to install more period-correct upholstery; it looks like the current seat cover might have been installed in the ’50s.
The undercarriage seems to bear out the mileage claim, especially considering the car’s sale point in New England. A coat of rust-encapsulating paint could keep this coupe solid for years to come.
Yes, there’s some missing paint on the roof and the passenger side running board could use some new material, but a timeworn original ’30s car gets a pass from being perfect, in my opinion. It would cost tens of thousands to restore it, and in the end, there’s no guarantee that you or anyone else would like it any better. I’d drive it proudly, and it’s OK if you make fun of the grille. I don’t mind.
If I remember correctly the cheapest 2024 car was $19,995. Take the spare 2k, put it into changing all the fluids, tune and tires and run it till the wheels fall off! Wouldn’t that be fun!
Where ya gonna find another????
Most of us are in their 50s 60s and 70s who do you think will want it when we’re gone?
They will return to the earth Jim….
Personally, I think a ’38 Ford coupe, as a whole including the nose, is a handsome car. I like the grill and headlights. I also like the “Banjo” steering wheels Ford had, its one of my favorites. I’ve never driven a Ford with mechanical brakes, but I’ve read that if they are adjusted properly, and in good working condition, they work just fine, just be smart when you drive, pay attention, and leave some good following distance, in other words, plain old fashioned common sense. Like Jim said above, clean it up, change the fluids, tune it up, get some good rubber on it and have a ball driving it around.
What’s a sogod? And are you the alter ego of driveinstile? Those avatars look mighty similar…
Hi driveinstile, In my late 20s I moved to a smaller city for a job and was looking for a project. I spotted a coup sitting in a gas station just like the one pictured. I stopped to ask about it and was told it belonged to a local farmer and was just in for some work so I walked away. Later I joined the local car club, met the owner of the Ford and found out it was actually for sale when I saw it. So stupid not to ask more questions. Lesson learned. As an aside, I had a 1935 Ford coach in high school. The breaks were quite weak and I had no idea how to adjust all those rods. I took it to a local garage and when I got it back the breaks were very good, but they soon faded again. I looked under the car only to find the idiot at the shop and just bent the rods to take up the slack. At 17 I wasn’t man enough to go back and raise hell. Another regretful lesson well remembered.
Not surprisingly, sold.
You know, there are times when a car is used up to the point where all that’s left is something to make a hot rod out of. This one is not to THAT point!!! Preserve and DRIVE, and above all, ENJOY it! I used to watch guys like Coddington take a perfectly preserved car like this and turn it into a super expensive piece of junk and so many people think that’s just fine. Well, I disagree.
Anyways, this looks like it’s holding its original engine, or one like it. I will say that I might disagree with the heads. The ’38 engine should have 14mm spark plugs and those look like Champion D-16s (18mm) to me. Could be an optical illusion. And that’s a Holley Model B carburetor sitting where a Stromberg 97 should be sitting. No problem, the Holley isn’t nearly the sweating type like the Stromberg is, and that 81A will just say, Thank-you. I’ve got a couple of vintage 97s but if this car came my way, I’d likely just run what’s on it and have a good time.
I sure hope the buyer looks after this one…
Very nice write up Aaron. One bone to pick. Are there really people who don’t like the style? I know “you like what you like”, but this car is beautiful!
Interestingly, yes! This car showed up on the AACA forum last week and there was a comment or two about the front end. Just last week, there was a comment here on a Barn Finds Auction (for the ’36 Ford) mentioning that the ’38 was not a looker. I’ve always liked them.
I remember that comment. I was quite surprised. I always thought these were very good looking cars.
This comment should get me my fair share of haters. Saying that I hold nothing sacred! In fact quite the opposite, I always liked these coupes. From the cowl to the back bumper it is in class all by itself. The more I looked and thought about it and looked at piles of parts. I decided that I could easily put a 39 Deluxe or 40 Standard front clip on one and it would be a Phantom Ford Concept Car. I even had a friend who had one that I tried to convince him to let me do, but he sold the car. Say what you want I would still like to do it!
It has the 39Steering wheel already Joe, so that is a start :)
FIFTH try! Aaron Roth: you referred to those of us who are older collectors in their 50s, 60s, and 70s: what — are those of us in our 80s, 90s, or beyond, excluded? (smile) I just joined — I hope this means that my posts no longer risk being blocked when I go to submit them! Let me begin as I did the four previous times: the 1938 Ford DeLuxe is my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE 1930s decade Ford! — primarily BECAUSE OF that exquisite grille and art-deco nose! I have wanted one ever since they first came out — though I would choose a black 1938 DeLuxe Fordor, with matching rear fender-skirts, Columbia Overdrive, polarised visor extension, right side mirror, clock, the best radio, turn-signal kit, accessory vacuum tank — ALL the toys! The 1938 Standard was a thinly-disguised 1937, on the 1937 body; whereas, the 1938 DeLuxe was built on the newer body used in 1939 and 1940. In 1941, Ford ended the practice of essentially re-issuing the previous year’s model as the current year’s “Standard”, and instead simply trimmed-down the same year’s DeLuxe as their Standard. Then, for 1942, they added the Super DeLuxe as the top model.
Jim Randall…to answer your question.
An old Ford Coupe or Roadster is American as Apple Pie.
A foundation for American hot rodding and an evolution for “every mans” car.
Who would want it?
Your imagination and sense of history is shallow as the drought.
Now Joe Haska oozes with imagination. Alway a “car guys” perspective.
To regg: kinda “mean” to Jim Randall, methinks. As for Joe Haska: I hope that alteration to a 1938 Ford DeLuxe doesn’t happen! I would rather get a 1939 DeLuxe, and put a 1938 DeLuxe nose on it! (But then again, no…)
H R>>>>>>The truth hurts
Regg, I think you gave me a compliment or any way I will take it that way. As for Harrison, I think you and I are both right. You like the art deco and I agree. My point is by changing the front clip it would go from art deco to a more smoothed out Hot Rod vibe of the late 40’s. Both could be a great look. And I think neither one is sacrilegious to our beloved old Fords. We can have our cake and eat it too.
To Joe Haska: my FEAR is, the EXTINCTION of all-original 1938 Ford DeLuxes. I dislike hot-rodding, street-rodding, or rat-rodding — UNLESS the original car is too far gone to either preserve as a survivor or restore as an all-original classic. That is my prejudice, I know. But I saw these cars when they were knew — I’m not like someone 45-years-old who might never have encountered one in daily use. I see my own past sliding into extinction, and it feels unsettlingly sad. Does that make sense? I hope they’ll never discontinue the stylii to play my many 78-rpm records.
Joe, I should have specified that your comments in general are well received as a died in the wool car guy. Interesting and sometimes provocative but coming from a place of a long time in the car culture. Cheers.
No disrespect for the other guy, I hear what he said, but doom and gloom about the future of old cars is not simply about trends. Certain old cars will always have their place in history an’ there will always be a new found interest
in them, (new eyes on designs and technology from the past).
I go to a cars and coffee in Novato Ca. A diverse crowd and I am always impressed with the younger participants that have a keen interest in old and newer cars. Its a big world.
Harrison, well spoken. Apologies for my harsh comments.
My bias is that I am an antiques’ dealer and love everything old, (especially my old Fords and some English cars). Ca, is a trendy place and taste and design is always evolving. That said people like you // collectors will live on thru what you preserved and your interests. PRICES RISE AND FALL BUT I find but people that have the gene for old stuff continue to be out there at shows, flea markets, house sales, Craigslist the internet etc. etc.
Hello, regg! I definitely have “the gene for old stuff”, and I wish I had access to your antique shop! Alas, you are in California, and I am in the New York Adirondacks near to Vermont. Too bad that we have no way to exchange personal information here — or I would ask you about some items on my “hunting-for” list! (smile) Thanks for your compliment. But my mother used to point out men 20 years younger than I am now, and remark, “He’s too old to be out alone.”
Of course, around 1952, Rosemary Clooney and Marlene Dietrich had a hit record, “Too Old To Cut The Mustard”, about men who were too old to be considered for romance.