Compared to the cars of today, there’s not a whole lot about the D8 that looks particularly modern per-say but the Dodge was coming of age with some practical features such as a well-insulated all-steel body, though a good bit of the actual styling was carried over from the previous D5 model which it replaced. But with all that metal comes the possibility to whet the tin worm’s appetite, and some really good news that comes with this 1938 Dodge D8 Sedan for sale here on Craigslist is that the car appears like a solid example all the way around. This one’s located somewhere in the vicinity of Duluth, Minnesota, and is priced at $7,900. Our thanks go out to reader NW Iowa for the fine tip here!
About the only information we get regarding the body is that it’s had one repaint at some point, and although the seller doesn’t specifically mention when the respray occurred he does say it was years ago. I have to agree that the finish still looks good, very good overall to my eyes in fact, with the body still seeming to be in exceptionally well-preserved shape for 85 plus years and pretty much complete as far as I can tell. It does appear to be missing a windshield wiper on the passenger side, but you’re probably not going to be driving this one in the rain anyway.
Looking at the interior, everything we can see looks to be nicely preserved for the most part with 42,770 miles showing on the odometer, and while there’s no word on whether or not that’s actually how far the Dodge has traveled, with the condition of things inside I wouldn’t be surprised if the ticker is still on its first go round. Everything in there is stated as functional except for the radio, which will turn on but is in need of some sort of repair. The seller also mentions some issues with the glass but points out that replacement windows are readily available, should the next owner wish to address this.
Dodge equipped the D8 with their flathead straight-6 engine, which the seller states to be running great and also quiet, plus the transmission is also said to shift smoothly. We also get a photo from inside the trunk and several shots from underneath, all of which appear to show things to still be in good working order and solid. I tend to agree with the seller that this seems to be a good car for the money, but he also throws out the best-offer bone, though low-balling will be ignored. What are your thoughts on this 1938 Dodge D8?
I had this exact car in 1970 It was a great running car, but in Hawaii he became a total rustbucket. When they made the movie Tora Tora Tora the movie company rented it from us so it became a movie star unfortunately the 10 worms didn’t care eventually I sold it for $75 a share breeze back memories. It’s the exact color and a twin to what I had. I think this is a great price for this car.
Growing up in Cleveland I always thought it was the salt in the snow that activated the worms. But I guess Hawaii’s salt ocean air does an equally good job.
I know an American that spent many years in Panama. I guess cars rusted badly there…
Here in Florida also. If you live on or near the beach, your car will rot from the top down.
Somehow my 2010 Nitro revives the design along with the Power Wagon of WWII.
Very good price for this car. I have a 1940 Plymouth 2 door sedan, lots of fun on the weekends. Finding a buyer for these old cars is getting harder and harder. No one left that remembers them or ever rode in one. Buyers today are wanting the cars they had during their younger driving days not these old antiques. I enjoy the driving experience these old cars offer, so connected to the machine via manual brakes, steering, and shifting. Truly a satisfying driving adventure. This car is a good looking, well priced antique.
@Azzura. For me, you nailed it. Many of these late ‘30s Chrysler products in my family. My own first car was a 19-year-old ’37 Plymouth – two years older than I was! I paid $70 for it, and that seemed cheap even back in 1956. I have lots of memories of riding in, and driving these cars. And yes, I want “the cars [I] had during [my] younger driving days…” And they are “these old antiques”. Damn…! My garage is already full. I’d love to have this very reasonably-priced treasure. You know what I like best about this car? It’s the original faux-wood finished dash. I could spend hours just sitting in this car, looking at that dash. One thing that is not part of my memories: the horn ring. I know my dad’s ’39 Dodge had one, but not my cousin’s ’37 Dodge. I like it; I just don’t remember it in the ’37-38 models. Perhaps new in ’38?
Your comment brought back memories. A good buddy had an 18 year old ’40 Plymouth 2 door sedan that he bought for $50. The original gray paint was so far gone that several friends offered to wallpaper the car. He kept the bill of sale in the glove compartment. When the car died on the highway, he coasted to the side of the road, lifted the hood, analyzed the problem, signed the bill of sale, stuck it on the steering column and walked away. His next car was another “bargain” 1940 Plymouth, this time an Opera Coupe with folding jump seats in the back. The Opera Coupe served him well for a year or so before selling to upgrade to a $150. ’48 Ford Coupe. Some of us still remember the days when you could buy a daily driver for less than a hundred bucks.
No way this has been on CL for 5 days at that price and condition…
Yeah, I figured for sure it would be gone.
This looks like lots of good car for $7900–LOTS of good car.
Checked the photos on Craigslist, looks like a great car but at $7,900 I’m a little suspicious.
Ah, I love this old Dodge, and the car has character. I do remember those large speedometers from back then, and those small back windshields as well. I hope somebody takes this one home and keeps it shiny.
Nice car. But I’ve always disliked all the cars with that “hump trunk”.
Super stylish though I agree with RH Factor, I do not care for the trunk hump. Note new exhaust underneath, seems very well cared for.
We called these cars bubble butt cars. Kinda reminds one of Kim Kardashian.
Cars of this vintage in stock condition are getting rare, so let’s hope this one doesn’t get too many “upgrades” with a new owner.
Thank you for verbalizing what many are thinking.
Is this cool car still available? Hard to believe.
Maybe it’s because of where it’s located.
Ah, but Denny – while you’re up there, treat yourself to some of the most beautiful lake country in North America. If you like fishing and boating, you won’t want to leave. Literally among thousands, Lake Vermillion as a stand-out. And you’re just a stone’s throw from the famous Boundry Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Lot’s of beautiful driving in your new ’38 Dodge. Wow, do I envy the person who wins this!