1938 Ford Tudor Standard

Description

With the 1938 recession, a sharp economic downturn lasted over 13 months and slowed the American economy to a standstill. It was no less impressive than, that Ford at this same time embarked on the introduction of two distinct models for the production year. The Ford Tudor Deluxe and Standard models began rolling out of the Dearborn plant in Michigan and despite the sharp rise in unemployment Ford kept its doors open and gave working Americans access to transportation and work. In this period, Henry Ford managed to increase worker pay from $2.34 to $5 a day, not only ensuring a living wage in the height of the depression but the ability for any employee to afford a Ford car. To broaden market horizons the Ford Tudor Standard was introduced as the economic choice of the two, models for 1938 featured the choice between an economical 2.2 L producing 60 horsepower and a more powerful and larger in displacement 3.6-liter “Flathead” V8 producing a highly impressive 85 horsepower for the time, this performance oriented engine provided smooth power delivery and reliable operation, 24 stud head Flathead would go on to claim notoriety as one of the first hot-rodder engines. The Ford Tudor Standard was largely unchanged from the previous 1937 year and would sell exceptionally well despite the market conditions. This 1938 Ford Tudor Sedan is finished in a Gull Grey exterior over a brown cloth upholstery. Benefiting from an extended ownership period for over 40 years it is believed to also retain its original motor, differential, and transmission. It is truly a statement of a bygone era telling the story of success in the most adverse economic conditions. 

Highlights

• Faithfully preserved for over 40 years kept in period correct condition

• Fitted with a 24 stud,221 cu-in flathead Ford V8 (believed to be the original) producing 85 horsepower paired to a three-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in Gull Grey over what is believed to be the original brown mohair interior

• Newly restyled for 1938 with “sweeping streamlines”

• Completely redesigned dashboard with a “rich mahogany finish”

• Seats six comfortably

• Benefits from recent maintenance

• Odometer displays 27,272 miles although true mileage is unknown

Features

• Solid front axle

• Three speed manual transmission 

• Manually operated windows

• Rubber front floor mats

• Manual brakes drum

• Operating on a six-volt electrical system

• Oil bath air cleaner

• Single barrel Strombergcarburetor

Known Imperfections

• Wear on running board rubber cover

• Damaged trunk liner

• Worn steering wheel horn button 

• Light scratches on wooden dash face 

• Minor crack on steering wheel

• Engine oil leak at rear of oil pan

• Interior courtesy lights and cigarette lighter inoperable

• Windshield wiper motor inoperable

• Exterior paint has thin spot above trunk lid

• Minor imperfections on roof

• Drivers' door has small dent below door handle

• Carpet is worn

Included 

• Ford toolkit 

• Spare tire 

• Spare tire spacer 

• NOS brake shoe linings and rivets

Ownership History

This 1938 Ford Tudor Standard originates from the private estate of a devoted collector spanning over 40 years, maintaining its unaltered, and believed to be untouched state. It showcases what is believed to be its original 221 cu-in V8 Flathead engine, paired with a three-speed manual transmission and differential. The interior, presumed to be the original mohair, exudes authenticity. Adorned in an older repaint in the factory Gull Grey color, recent maintenance includes a new fuel tank, fuel sending unit, fuel pump, professionally rebuilt Stromberg 97 carburetor and generator, new kingpins, and the fitting of a correct 6-volt battery.