In the not-so-distant past, a prewar Cadillac convertible sedan was considered a desirable classic with a price tag to match. Average collectors looked at them like poor kids peering in a candy shop window. Although they are still one… more»
1938
Jan 3, 2025 • For Sale • 17 Comments
Handsome but Diminutive: 1938 American Bantam Roadster
One of the more endearing aspects of the automobile market in the thirties was the incredible number of choices available to consumers. There were still several independent manufacturers scraping by. They did so by exploiting niches in the market… more»
Aug 30, 2024 • For Sale • 10 Comments
Older Body, New Chassis: Brewster Bodied 1938 Buick
One of the more interesting aspects of prewar automobile production was the use of coachbuilders to craft bodies for high-end classics. The deal was you selected a chassis from a builder like Packard, Duesenberg, or Rolls Royce. These chassis… more»
Mar 20, 2024 • For Sale • 12 Comments
V-8 60 Equipped from the Factory: 1938 Ford 3/4 ton
While we tend to view trucks as transportation first and tools second, before World War II it was the other way around. Trucks were spartan, utilitarian, and built primarily for hard work. Thus, good survivors are hard to find. … more»
Mar 17, 2024 • For Sale • 17 Comments
Almost a Stock Car Barn Find: 1938 Ford Coupe
Have you ever dived headfirst into a project, only to lose enthusiasm after the reality of the work needed slapped you squarely in the face? If you are anything like me, your life has been littered with unfinished projects. … more»
Jan 22, 2024 • For Sale • 36 Comments
How Original Is This Car? 1938 Buick Business Coupe
If you are looking for a solidly built prewar classic to drive and enjoy, you would be hard-pressed to find anything better than a Buick. As you can expect from good choices, Buicks demand a premium over many other… more»
Jan 13, 2024 • For Sale • 16 Comments
Barn Find Slant Back: 1938 Plymouth Tudor
We are at a crisis point for prewar automobiles that aren’t full classics or don’t have a little enameled badge that says “Ford” on their front end. It is getting harder and harder to place good cars from this… more»
Dec 16, 2023 • For Sale • 34 Comments
Canned Coupe: 1938 Ford Coupe
We have seen all kinds of attempts to keep project cars out of the weather here at Barn Finds. From climate-controlled palatial garages to the dreaded blue tarp, the pictures you see on this site are a testament to… more»
Mar 19, 2023 • For Sale • 23 Comments
A Patina You Can’t Buy: 1938 Ford Pickup
As time marches on, we see fewer and fewer original prewar vehicles. Nearly all of the ones in good condition have been restored once or twice by now. In the infrequent event that a truly original vehicle in presentable… more»
Jun 5, 2022 • For Sale • 17 Comments
Mild-Custom Cruiser: 1938 Plymouth De Luxe Coupe
I just like the look and stance of this ‘38 Plymouth De Luxe Coupe that the seller calls a “fun little mild-custom cruiser.” It’s an interesting mix of old and new and the seller describes it as “driver-quality with upgrades/updates… more»
Feb 6, 2022 • For Sale • 14 Comments
Get Shorty! 1938 Ford Superior School Bus
Marty Robbins started his 1960 #1 western ballad hit with the words, “Out in the West Texas town of El Paso.” Well, here’s another potential hit that was found at a West Texas Ranch in El Paso where it… more»
