Chrysler’s naming methodology of the late 1930s tipped a hat to the monarchy, with the six-cylinder Royal and the eight-cylinder Imperial holding court in the showrooms of America. Because of this aura of nobility, or perhaps because of a 1938 Chrysler’s relative rarity, it’s a bit jarring to see one presented as a mild custom. Honestly, it works, but even if you don’t like the new lowered stance of this Royal Business Coupe (one of 4,840 produced), the modifications aren’t irreversible. Barn Finds’ friend Mitchell G. has been on a roll lately, and he found this Chrysler on craigslist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with an asking price of $24,000.
From 1940 to the early 1950s, Chrysler offered a “Highlander” interior package that evoked Scottish plaids, and they were a popular and interesting option from a time when interior patterns were fairly uniform and drab. It appears that a past owner/upholsterer found some inspiration in those later models and trimmed the door panels and dashboard of this ’38 with a plaid motif. None of the examples of 1938 Chryslers I’ve found online sport a similar pattern, so we’ll say it’s another tasteful custom touch. On the other hand, the “skull” shifter knob has got to go; there is nothing intimidating about a turquoise six-cylinder Chrysler.
On a brighter note, the dashboard is as you’d expect from any 1930s car; in other words, it’s one of the best periods ever for dashboards. Whether you want to call it Art Deco or Streamline Moderne or something else, it has a complete set of gauges and a symmetrical theme – simple but elegant.
The engine is Chrysler’s long-lived flathead six: in this case, it has 241 cubic inches and 95 horsepower. A quaint reminder about 1930s maintenance expectations is found in the 1938 Chrysler brochure: “All Chrysler exhaust valves are fitted with valve seat inserts of special alloy, heat-resisting steel which, because of their heat resisting qualities, seldom need attention under 30,000 miles.” Bragging about 30,000-mile intervals between valve jobs is a stark reminder of how good we have it today, fellow tinkerers. The seller has indeed done some tinkering on the 241, citing a new head gasket, fuel pump, and an oil and filter change (I hope there wasn’t a bunch of fuel, coolant, or both in the oil!). It also has a new master cylinder and recently bled brakes, and it runs and drives well. It also has been converted to a 12-volt electrical system, which is a modification that is fine if it’s been done right, and I’ll leave it at that.
I’ve never been a big proponent of customs myself, but I think the mostly tasteful modifications on this Chrysler probably increase its value. Let’s face it, lowered cars are cool, at least to a lot of potential buyers. You don’t necessarily expect it to be done on a ’38 Royal, probably because there aren’t many ’38 Royals left, so it’s a pleasant surprise: a nice car with a nice color, a nice interior, and a few tricks up its sleeve. I like it!
Nice car. Just the right modifications that go along with the car’s looks. I’d shed the scull too but wouldn’t change anything else though I might check for water in the oil….
Raise it back up. And yes, 86 the skull.
Interesting and with just a few minor comments–usually a 1938 Chrysler of any body type wouldn’t catch my attention, did not have the most aesthetic grill or body out of the factory, but this one is a grabber. The lowered look of the 50s was relatively pleasing, lowered look of today redefines a car’s personality, and in my opinion, somewhat negative. For some reason the lowered look fits this 38 well. Color is an unusual choice for a 30s era car but looks great on this one. So on this one, like Larry David might say–“pretty, pretty, good”. Now to be a little critical, the trim piece on both the right and left side of the cowl seems to be missing and maybe throw away the coon tail, they usually were tied to an antenna. Nice job to the person that put this one together.
Tastefully customized. Quite the oxymoron.
To clarify some, back then it wasn’t about GOING fast, but LOOKED like it was going fast. That was then, this is now, and you don’t want to be seen in a beautiful car like this, struggling up some hill with a line of traffic behind. This car should be PASSING those slow cars, and I’d ditch the 6. Info is scarce, but it seems this car wasn’t all that slow. Did 0-60 in about 19 seconds, and the 1/4 mile in 21.5, with a top speed about 80 mph, about on par with most 6 cylinder 30s cars, but was more known for its ride and handling, not to mention its beautiful styling. One for the country club set.
What an absolute shame that such a rare automobile was modified. It’s worthless now!
What a pre war, Chrysler beauty. The seller did a tasteful job with some restrained customization. The art deco lines on this model are beautiful. I’d enjoy it as is for awhile, but that little six would sure be struggling moving this heavy car along in traffic.
Looks great, lowering it gives it a much nicer stance and probably handles much better as well. I don’t understand the purists, modifying it makes it worthless? Hardly
It’s only worthless to the purist’s.
In this case, the modifications appear to be reversible. It’s not like they chopped and channeled and did all kinds of body modifications to the car, they dropped the suspension. Everything else is paint and fabric and those are easily replaced. I think it’s very tastefully done myself.
I had a 36 Plymouth coupe with the original engine. It would easily cruise at 70. This Chrysler with it’s much bigger and more powerful engine can easily do the same or better. If there’s no hydraulics to lift this car up, I don’t see how it could navigate into parking lots or driveways. The craze to lower cars makes no sense to me. Unless you only want a static display to be trailered to every show, the car should have the proper suspension so it can be driven and enjoyed
Love these old 30’s cars. They were mostly used for short city trips due to reliability, I mean you would not hop in one and drive across country. The early Chrysler’s, Dodge’s and Plymouth’s has splash oil internally which led to bearing failure, but those may have very early. This is a nice driver for sure.
In my opinion its worth more as a custom. Few in the market place with a connection to its originality. Sleds are kool.
The modifications done to this vehicle have hardly rendered it worthless. Nothing was mentioned if it has hydraulics or not. That would be helpful. The lowered stance is sweet. It all can be undone to put it back to original. But why would you? It hasn’t been chopped or channeled or shortened. Original drivetrain. Yes, lose that awful shifter knob, and that coon tail. If you need to have one, then stick a tiger tail in your gas tank opening. Remember them? I’d drive the wheels off this creature. Probably bunk a few nights in that enormous trunk. Wow, what a camper!
I have an affinity for 30s and 40s cars. Something about the design styling and stance.
Here is a link to a very short video of this car. It was posted 8 months ago.
https://youtu.be/N-aN0xVfupY?si=DjEwZMrBceVQdbMC