Blue Oval Soul Survivor: 1938 Ford Sedan





























It's hard to believe this next statement, but in a few years it'll be 90 years since the decade of the 1930s. The 1930s were a rough time for the United States with the Great Depression and Prohibition era taking place, but I will say the automobiles during that time were fine. Though I usually don't prefer products from the Blue Oval, this 1938 Ford sedan is definitely a car I would drive, and this car is said to be a largely original survivor. Find it here on eBay in Pellham, Alabama, with reserve not met.



























After a minor facelift in 1937, Ford's passenger-car line continued with very little changes. The Deluxe models of the passenger-car lineup gained a new heart-shaped grille, which this 1938 Ford suicide-door four-door sedan has. One of 92,020 Deluxe Fordor sedans built for 1938, this Deluxe Fordor is said to be mostly in original condition. Resplendent in black, the car was bought by the seller from the original owner's family, who bought the car new in 1938. There is a minimal amount of rust and the normal amount of dings and scratches, and there is a crack in the right rear window glass. I would address the rust, source new rear passenger-side rear window glass, and carefully remove any dings and scratches in the body. The steel artillery-style wheels with V8 caps look cool, especially when shod in wide-whitewall tires.



























Taking a peek under the hood, you'll see that this Ford is powered by the venerable Flathead V8. There were two versions of the Flathead V8 for 1938: one rated at 60 horsepower, and one rated at 85 horsepower; the seller makes no mention of which version this Fordor has. Backed by a synchromeshed three-speed manual transmission, the Flathead V8 is said to run and drive, and visually presents well. The generic battery looks out of place, and an electric fuel pump has been fitted. I would swap the battery for a more correct-looking one and make sure the Flathead is in full, working order.



























Well, this is looking pretty nice at first glance! Inside, the interior of this Fordor features the normal wear and tear expected for a car that will be 80 years old next year. The banjo steering wheel appears to feature the most wear, but is still solid and complete. The blue dash complements the light tan cloth seats, and I dig the floor shift. I would take all the necessary steps to preserve this interior as much as possible. Overall, this may be one of the most original 1938 Fordors in existence, and given the current bidding price, this could make for a nice bargain. What are your thoughts on this unrestored, driveable dream?
Location: Pelham, AL, USA

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