“Revving Up Nostalgia: The Timeless Elegance of the 1938 Ford 48 Series 5 Window Coupe”
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 5 window coupe. It’s the standout body style of the eight offered by Ford between 1937 and 1940.
For consignment, an all steel street rodded 1938 Ford 48 Series that is good, basic, and bold. Once trending graphics are now considered retro and make a grand entrance to any car show or event. The interior has some modern touches that make for a comfortable ride with a vintage shell. Can you imagine waving to your neighbors from the driver’s seat of this one? We sure can!
Exterior
We said bold, and bold it is! Silver metallic tops medium metallic blue in this two tone exterior that bisects the shoulder line and that split is emphasized by fuchsia colored graphics. It creates forward movement even when the car is parked and the incredible custom grille treatment to the side of the hood continues that forward flow. Teardrop headlights are sculpted into broad fenders which arch down to the running board that connects to the bulbous rear fenders. The painted windshield frame, rounded top, dual rear windows and even the trunk mounted brake light are in beautiful condition. Frenched taillights hover over enormous dual exhaust and flank a shaved trunk. 15-inch American Racing Torque Thrust wheels carry staggered size tires for pure hot rod attitude. Imperfections include minor chips and cracks, and a more substantial bit of cracking near one of the door hinges.
Interior
Blue velour-like door panels contain real wood armrests and door pulls, a billet door actuator, a black plastic power window switch, and a modern speaker. So far, the interior is multi generational! The same blue velour covers the high backed sport bucket seats which have power and manual settings. The rear deck adopts the material as well and has another pair of speakers installed, all in great condition. A Lecarra 4-spoke steering wheel is on a modern tilt column that includes a billet shifter. The dash is a combination of silver paint from the exterior and stainless steel backing where white faced Vintage Reproduction gauges are housed. An AM/FM/CD radio is tidily tucked into the dash as well. Low pile plush blue carpet covers the floor while a gray velour headliner rises above your head and is in very nice condition.
Drivetrain
A 350ci is on board which our consignor states is a new crate motor. It’s fed by an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and hooked up to a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. A Ford 9” rear receives the spinning power and power brakes stop it, with disks in front and drums in the back. A ton of chrome and polished metals under the hood make it an absolute showpiece with flames engraved on the air element. Even the brake booster is chrome!
Undercarriage
Pretty straight forward underneath, clean and dry. Surface rust makes an appearance mostly reserved for untreated hardware and exhaust welds. The engine pans and flywheel cover are polished for a little bling underneath while the dual exhaust flows into a pair of Flowmaster mufflers before sending the rumble out the back. Independent suspension with coil springs are up front and leaf springs in the rear are noted.
Drive-Ability
The cloth seats provide a comfortable perch from which to pilot this ’38 and the split windshield provides good visibility. The engine starts right up, and the car sounds good as we cruise out onto the loop. With the long tapered nose leading the way, we test the functionality of gauges, lights, radio, and everything else. Good news, all works seamlessly and this car, Mr. DeMille, is ready for a close up!
Good looks, retro graphics, 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!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that’s more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
