As time marches on prewar Fords are becoming scarcer in usable condition like this 1938 Ford Deluxe. Remarkably solid but with some issues, this Art Deco “Henry steel” Ford is a grand start to an awesome project. For the opening bid of $2,450, or for the buy it now of $2,600, this Ford could be your next project! Check it out here on eBay out of Minot, North Dakota.
Ready to roll for a spring ride, or ready to be your prewar chicken coop this Ford is over flowing with potential. The floors appear quite solid as do the door jambs. The gauges still remain in the dash, and the Ford banjo steering wheel is still there but could stand to be refurbished. Or if you are a hot rodder, roll with it as is. There is no engine or transmission, so the next drive-train choice is up to you, but a Flathead ford is hard to beat if you are a die-hard Ford fan.
Miraculously there is little rot to be found, but there is obviously plenty of surface rust and dings on the rockers and fenders. The passenger rear fender looks to have had a particularly difficult life as perhaps it was used as a parallel parking feeler? Beyond that one beat up fender, there are two more dents to point out. On either side of the roof there is a dent where if I had to guess this Ford may have been clamped by a junkyard crane in its past. Beyond those areas of concern the rest of the body is very nice with only minor dings to be found. There is exterior trim is missing from this Deluxe, but the wide five Ford wheels make up for that right? All in all a great car to hot rod or restore all while using true “Henry steel”. What would you do with this Ford Deluxe?
I’d restomod it bone stoke look with a more modern Ford drive line and suspension. I’d also put in a more modern set of seats. I’d probably paint an olive green or tan with black fenders. I sure hope that some takes it on I’d hate for the junk yard clamp to get a grab back on it.
Amazing that there are still cars like this….to be found..!
This hasn’t been heavily customized…or modified..in all
These years🤗…,of course that wouldn’t stop me…lol..😀
I would do a Merc 254 flathead…with old school looks..,
And modern performance pieces…with modern interior..
But maybe leave the outside alone for awhile…it has “Real”character…🤔☺️
If this was a Standard with a Slope Back I’d think that someone is poking barbs at me. I’m still reminded of the Std. I once had whenever I see another ’38. This is a great project car. Restoration is the order of the day. For me I wouldn’t have to look far for an engine because I’ve still got the one that came out of my unit. A 59AB would fit right in without a problem. I might add that the later engine has a much better distributor. And yes, a person could always ‘freshen up’ the flathead and give it a little bit more power. Two or three carburetors are always welcome…
What I would do with it is,walk away and find something that would make a good project. If your asking what would you do no matter the cost, I would still pass ,t makes no sense, not everything old and Ford is worth the trouble!
Plenty there for a cool project. Good luck to the new owner!!!
I think it will sell pretty soon, I like it.
What he said!
As an old Motorhead that used to see a good running FL Head Ford like this sent off to the junkyard, I suffer from ‘Sticker Shock’. I traded a wrecked ’40 Pontic and $65 for a good running ’38 Ford convertible while in high school. On the way to school the next day, the entire top,(what was left of it), blew off. I never replaced it so drove around in Seattle rain, getting wet.
priced right…….
Love the look that spilled over to the 39 Standard….have had mine for going on 50 years….should get it going again before I’m gone….all there and looking good but you can’t take it with you….