During the mid-1930s, Ford gently erased the upright body style of its first V8 launched in 1932, so that by 1935, the car had a rounder, more modern shape. The styling took another leap in 1937, as the grille and windshield angles acquired a swept look. But the bigger news was in the engine bay, where one of two V8s was nestled – either a 60 hp version or the larger 85 hp. The sketch pad came out again for 1938, when Ford split its offerings into the “standard” and the “de luxe”, each with distinct body styles and trim levels. Here on facebook Marketplace is a 1938 Ford Standard coupe with an asking price of $20,000. This coupe resides in Tonopah, Nevada, and the tip was courtesy of the inimitable T.J. – thanks, T.J.
Ford’s first V8 was introduced to much acclaim in 1932 after painstaking development which included spearheading new manufacturing processes. Compact and good for 65 hp, the 221 cu. in. flathead was robust and amenable to performance upgrades. The new motor used pressure lubrication rather than splash lubrication, enabling it to run at high revs for extended periods. And what endeavor required high speeds over long periods of time? Moonshine running, for one – and catching moonshiners for another! By the time this coupe rolled off the factory floor, its engine internals included replaceable shell bearings instead of Babbitt poured bearings and cooling improved thanks to relocation of the water pump. This is the 60 hp V8, displacing 136 cu. in.; the old 221 was making 85 hp by now. All early Ford V8s came with a three-speed manual, but if a rebuild is called for, it’s worth understanding the nuances of early Ford gearboxes as well as parts interchangeability.
Ford touted its new interior as luxury personified, with even the Standard seeing some upgrades over prior years. Seating material, a wood dash, and more visible gauge placement were all better than before. Hard to know what’s under this seat cover, but it’s a safe bet that the upholstery needs attention. The steering wheel is cracked and the upper dash needs a repaint. The fittings look great, though.
Here’s the money shot: that magnificent grill, wrapping along the nose, those teardrop headlights, the graceful fenders… one of the best Fords ever made, in my opinion, especially in the coupe body style. This car is said to have only minor rust in the rear floor, with original paint and in running condition. I’m skeptical the price will hold; I know this example isn’t perfectly comparable, but it’s a De Luxe convertible with a 221 – and it sold for $37k. What do you think, is our subject car priced right, or no dice?
Agree with you on the price Michelle but this is a rare car in really good condition for it’s age. Love the headers on the engine.
That 136 cubic inch engine must have thimbles for pistons..too bad it wasn’t the bigger mill, anyway, if the “minor rust” isn’t rusted through, no matter about the rest of the car, at $20k it seems like a good deal.
I love the way you presented this article Michelle. In describing the car you do it in story telling fashion which I love. Adjectives being a story tellers friend, you use them in precise detail when describing the front picture of the car. “The money shot” is a photographer’s dream, but the story teller gives it life. Thank you so much.
God Bless America
Your comparison car is like comparing apples and oranges! I think the number on the coupe is very optimistic.
Yet keep in mind that example bid to 37k+ ,but that was below the reserve.
true, one can’t compare convertibles to closed cars
Not sure if it was still there in 1938, but 1937 Fords with the 60 horse engines had a tubular front axle -vs- the normal solid beam axle. The tube axles were very much in demand for hot rods in the 50s and 60s.
The 60 horse engines weren’t much for street engines but at one point were popular for 3/4 midget race cars.
I have a rusted lump of a 60 horse flathead lying in the woods behind the barn, worthless but may get sandblasted someday and mounted on an engine stand as a display.
In running condition! How refreshing notto read “ it ran when parked” hard decision to leave as is or restore to presentable driver 6 AM. Either way, nice specimen
Why do sellers insult us with such high asking prices? Unrestored V8 60 – gutless to drive, needs about $30,000 or more before it becomes a $20,000 car. These “tactics” just turn people off.
That is about a 5,000 dollar running original. To go through it and make the stop, go, legal, electrical like new is about another 10K, provided you do most of the work yourself.
I bought a 42 Chevy coupe a few years ago, dropped about 10K doing what I mentioned above, did most of the work myself. No paint or body work, just a patina mobile. As soon as I got Rose completed, a blue one popped up, in nearly perfect condition for the same price.
Price is what the market can bare. Some people get too proud of what they have. Then when you get an O’Bamany, things go to scrap out of desperation.
There used to be (and might still be) a ton of cool old cars in Tonopah. I used to chase for off road races that would go through Tonopah – sometimes we would spend the night there if it was a multi-day race. I would cruise the backstreets looking for cool cars and trucks while I was there.