West Coast Classics are proud to present a very rare 1938 Ford DeLuxe Phaeton 4 Door Convertible. The final year of the Ford Phaeton and one of only 1,169 built that year with very few known to be remaining in existence today!
Ford, more than any other automaker, continued to produce open cars into the thirties, even as sedans and coupes took more and more of the market. During the period, open cars with glass side windows, cabriolets and convertible sedans, gained market share at the expense of roadsters and Phaetons, but Ford kept the fully open cars in production. The last Ford roadster was built in 1937, and, perhaps surprisingly, the Phaeton lasted only one year longer. As befit their nature, open cars were offered only in the DeLuxe model line in 1938.
This 1938 DeLuxe Phaeton is one of 1,169 built that year, the rarest of that years body styles and is equipped with the early 21-stud 221 CID V-8 engine with a 3 speed manual transmission backed by a 3.78:1 differential. The car is a true southern California barn find (garage really!) and rust free throughout and all the body contours are correct, door gaps are even, and the doors shut well. Repainted some years ago in a striking Red/Maroon, the repaint is now very aged and in need of restoration. Until recently acquired by us from the previous owner, the car had been sitting for many years in the previous owner's collection in dry storage here in southern California, awaiting a restoration that never happened.
Since aquiring the car we had the car fully serviced and installed an electronic ignition distributor, replaced all spark plug wires and water pumps etc and the car actually now drives very well and is still quite striking thoughout with the accessory door hinge mirrors, wind wings, and spider hub caps contributing to the effect. The interior had already been reupholstered in Brown with matching door panels and carpets and is complemented by the iconic banjo steering wheel and a stem-wind clock in the glove box door. A taupe canvas top nicely completes the motif and matching side curtains are found in the trunk. The undercarriage is exceedingly clean and rust free. The original wheels are fitted with whitewall tires accented with original spider hubcaps and trim rings. The spare wheel rests in it's original trunk location.
As previously stated the '38 Deluxe Phaeton is one of only 1,169 built that year, the rarest of any Fords built. Reportedly there may be less than 200 left in existence today. This is the last year for no pillars between the doors. This is the model 81A with the L head V-8 with a 3 speed manual transmission. Solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-ellipticalleaf springs. 4 wheel mechanical drum breaks. The wheelbase measure some 112". 1938 DeLuxe models were also differentiated with a heart-shaped grille and a new dash was used with recessed controls for safety.
The last of the last, this car truly represents the end of an era and would make a great basis for a complete restoration on a very nice running car for the Ford enthusiast or any pre war period classic car collector.
