1938 Ford Standard, Deluxe, & Super Deluxe

This 1938 Ford Model 81A Deluxe Convertible Coupe was brought to Oregon from Texas approximately a decade ago and later refurbished, with work including a repaint in Washington Blue over buckskin Naugahyde that covers the split interior bench and rear rumble seat. It later spent time on museum display, and power is provided by a 24-stud 221ci flathead V8 that is mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Additional equipment includes a tan convertible top that shows under a matching boot along with body-color artillery-style steel wheels, drum brakes, an electric fuel pump, a dual exhaust system, and a Mitchell overdrive unit. This ’38 Deluxe rumble-seat convertible is now offered on dealer consignment with a clean Oregon title. The bodywork was refinished during the refurbishment in Washington Blue, which is said to be the original color. The replacement tan convertible top stows under a matching cover, and the car is equipped with replacement running boards, bright beltline trim that shows signs of age, and teardrop headlights. Tears in the top boot, a missing snap, and thin spots in the paint are noted. Other flaws and touched-up chips are present. Body-color artillery-style steel wheels wear bright dogdish V8 hubcaps, trim rings, and older 6.00R16 Coker wide-whitewall tires. Touched-up chips are present on the wheels, and a spare is mounted behind the seat. Braking is provided by four-wheel cable-operated drum brakes that occasionally pull to the side. The split interior bench is trimmed in brown Naugahyde with darker accents, and the rumble seat is also upholstered in brown. A hole is noted in the carpet. The banjo-style wood-rimmed steering wheel sits ahead of a 100-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. A tachometer has been mounted to the steering column, and a Sunpro water temperature gauge has been added beneath the dash. The five-digit odometer shows 74k miles, approximately 2k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown. The speedometer, odometer, and cigarette lighter do not work. Power is provided by a replacement 24-stud 221ci flathead V8. The selling dealer notes drips from the engine and transmission and that the oil-pressure gauge reads low. The electrical system has been converted to 12 volts and is equipped with an alternator. Dampness is noted around the inlet hose to the fuel tank. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission that is said to grind during shifting. The car is equipped with a Mitchell overdrive unit and an electric fuel pump. The dual exhaust system features Glasspack mufflers and headers. A hole was cut in the floor above the overdrive. The car is titled in Oregon to the frame number 184518391 that is shown above. Literature and a car show placard are included in the sale.