Ford introduced its V8 engine in 1932, and from then on, advancements in design were rapid. While the Model A changed in only subtle ways over the years, the mid-30s Fords shifted quickly from straight-line sheet metal and upright grilles to a voluptuous look at all four corners. Another change was afoot: Ford had used its “standard” and “deluxe” nomenclature to delineate trim levels, but in a few years, the two trim levels became models themselves. This tactic served to sleeve the De Luxe above the Standard but below the Lincoln. Ford advertised its “De Luxe” as a brand new model for 1938, and so it was, with updates to the fender lines, hood, and grille. Hailing from Tulare, California, this 1938 De Luxe coupe has been in long-term ownership, though the ad isn’t specific as far as how many years that might be.
Two V8 engines were available by 1938 – the gas-miserly 136 cu. in. flathead good for 60 hp, or the ubiquitous 85 hp 221 cu. in. The De Luxe arrived with the larger engine; the Standard could be ordered with either engine. Most buyers preferred the larger V8 over the “Thrifty Sixty”, which was discontinued in 1940. A three-speed sliding-mesh manual gearbox brings the power to the rear wheels. This car has a new clutch kit and new tires; the seller notes that it runs well.
The interior has been replaced and I’m sure it’s resplendent, but we are provided only glimpses of the result. What we can see is in great condition, in a color that complements the exterior very nicely. The headliner is well-fitted. The trunk is tidy, with the spare present. A thorough catalog of the differences between the Standard interior and the De Luxe doesn’t seem to exist, but we do know that the De Luxe received “wood-grain” trim on the door caps (both models had a faux woodgrain dash), more brightwork, dual wipers and sun visors, and likely an armrest or two. The De Luxe has a banjo-type steering wheel, while the Standard made do with a three-spoke version.
Buyers today prefer the convertible and coupe body styles. And if for some reason you have your heart set on a ’38, be aware that due to a recession that year, production at Ford was half the year before. Too, many pre-war Fords have been made into hot rods – nothing wrong with that, but finding a stock car can be challenging. This example is listed here on eBay, bid to $8685 with no reserve in play. Other than this one, the only other unmodified ’38 coupe I found for sale is here, listed at $44,900. Could this original-looking De Luxe coupe find a berth in your garage?
Hope it remains unmolested. As the writer states, a stock prewar Ford seems hard to find. And hard to beat. These really were pretty cars in my humble opinion.
I had a deluxe ;37 V8 Club Coupe that had multiple engines before i installed a;’41 flathead. It was an off red/orange. No interior to speak o, Model A Tudor seats (Installed by me) Quasi radically alter rear fenders with almost Pierce Arrow style taillights. Cut away firewall was rather crudely replaced by me with homemade throttle. Juice brake conversion. RR fender dented and gashed. Sold it to the late Bill C Anderson of Hudson IL. in December of ’72 for $350. Anybody seen it?
Don’t have to hot rod this old guy because it has the taillights used on thousands of hot rods and are still being made. BS aside, you don’t hot rod cars as good as this without taking away a true piece of automotive history.
Why is a nice car I like and maybe afford always 3000 miles away ????? Oh well….
If you really want it all you have to do is fly in and drive it home. 3000 miles could be a great way to see the country via a lovely sedate drive. Being as it’s a great restoration you shouldn’t have too much trouble, if any. My friend and I drove his 1930 Ford A Roadster 1000 miles to the start of a rally, 300 miles of sedate rallying, and then drove it home over another 1000 miles and the only trouble we had was one flat tyre and the points needed adjusting twice. That’s why the Ford A is one of the best vintage cars, (although I personally don’t like them because there are so many of them,) that an old car collector can buy.
A lovely sedate drive across country in a 38 Ford.Oh,this I gotta see.
While I can see a set off Ardun cylinder heads, a manifold with three 97s and a Columbia rear axle on this beauty, I’d much rather just make it safe and clean, and enjoy it for what it is.
The 38 Fords were not the most popular early V-8’s , not sure why, it just was. This appears to be a very nice car and it is priced very fair. I would have no reservations about buying this car.
The ’37’s are even less popular! The ’36 and ’38 are big sellers in South Africa, whereas, the ’37’s fetch very little cash in comparison. They weren’t called “Ugly Duckling” for no reason.
You are on the wrong site then!!
Michelle, great write-up, as usual. As for interior differences, there are many. Mahogany vs. walnut wood grain, upholstery pattern, 2 arm rests and sun visors, and so on.
“..sliding mesh…” transmission? That maybe is a kind of shorthand for this transmission, which has a sliding gear for first, and synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd. Other than that curious phrasing another very good write-up.
Thanks. I think “sliding gear” and “sliding mesh” are used interchangeably.
https://www.mistertransmission.com/manual-transmission-constant-vs-sliding-mesh/
The terms are interchangeable but not correct for this transmission. z1rider has it correct. It is a synchromesh, or constant mesh on 2nd and 3rd with a sliding gear on 1st. The Model A Ford transmission was a sliding-gear/mesh transmission.
A few good pics of the whole car would be nice. I’ll have to admit, however, I’m tempted to buy it, based solely on the great pics of the radiator hose and the shadow of the steering wheel on the seat back.
No kidding. Step back 20′ and let the car’s profile speak for itself
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The headliner is quite well fitted… on the VW Beetle in the supplied Ebay photo. LOL The other photos show the vinyl headliner is fine shape. Why the seller included a shot of a VW headliner is beyond me. Good writeup – yes, this car should ideally remain unmolested. Pretty car!
Bakes, maybe he did it for comparison? This is 38 Ford and this is a VW, which one do you like the best?
Sold for $13,100! Sweet automobile!
I had a 38 Standard coupe, wish I still did. The only thing I dont like is the roof lins, to abrupt in th read