1938 Ford Deluxe

1938 Ford Model 48 Cabriolet Early American cars can be confusing to someone not familiar. And the nomenclature doesn't help as it's almost as if factory code names and numbers were adopted for model numbers and it's a bit like trying to decipher sparrows for new bird watchers, they all basically look the same. But there's no mistaking the cabriolet. It's the standout body style of the eight offered by Ford between 1937 and 1940.  For consignment, a 1938 Ford Cabriolet showing 2,686 miles but true miles are unknown. This shaved rod is packing a polished 350ci V8 under the hood and hunkers low on Billet Specialties wheels. It's just as wild on the inside as it is on the outside!  Exterior Ultra smooth panels consist of two stage Fire Engine Red paint which lacks all trim making it look like it was dipped and wet. The integrated grille takes on the color while teardrop headlights bookend it and in the back, the tail lights are represented by mere slits to allow all the red paint that can emerge to show off its glossy coat. Staggered wheels and varying width tires create a slight rake with 15-inch units in front and 16' in the back, the tops of which are obscured by the arching and pronounced fenders. No door handles, no hood vents, no ornament, just a rounded red representation of a '38 Ford with a complementary tan canvas roof connecting to the chopped and tinted windshield. Imperfections include some crazing, inclusions, chips that are touched up or not, and some scuffs.  Interior Tan leather with red highlights starts on the doors where billet switchgear faceplates provide a minimalistic contrast to the soft material and both doors are ready for show! That tan and red combo is found on the bucket seats and on the rear bench, complete with red seatbelts. A red rimmed steering wheel with a pattern not dissimilar to the wheels fronts a solid red dashboard with a couple of TPI Tech gauges just beyond the polished, tilt column. The center console waterfalls down smoothly, hosting the Vintage Air panel, and AM/FM/CD radio and seamlessly surrounding the Lokar shifter with tan leather boot. More attention to detail is seen in the plush red carpet below, the footwell and sidewall finishing, and the show worthy trunk which takes its cues from the interior design and materials.  Drivetrain A fully polished 350ci V8 resides up front with an Edelbrock 4-barrel, some engraved flame motif on the air cleaner, and naturally, red ignition wires. It's mated to a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission routing power to the Ford 9 rear. The bay walls are glossy red and the car has headers, power brakes, air conditioning and runs on a 12 volt system.  Undercarriage Yep, pretty much what you'd expect; a clean underside with grease free surface and zero rust. We see a few drops of oil on the pan but that's about it. Dual exhaust runs through glasspack style mufflers and terminates modestly in back behind the apron. Four wheel power disc brakes are on board and suspension consists of a Mustang II front end and a 4 link with coil overs in back.  Drive-Ability Not a bad place to be on your way to the car show, the interior is simple and clean and the car presents with more than adequate power, straight tracking, and very nice handling. Visibility is of the typical chopped top variety, but with the top down, the sky's the limit!  We note the A/C is not working but all other functions on board operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.  Good looks, great paint, a comfortable and clean interior, and let's not forget about that show ready, gleaming, beaming, screaming crate 350 cuber! This is the complete package and the only thing it's missing is a new garage. We're sure it will fit yours, but we're happy to get you the dimensions! Operators are standing by!