1938 Ford Street Rod

This 1938 Ford four-door convertible is a custom-built street rod that received a restoration encompassing fresh upholstery, Foose wheels on whitewall tires, disc brakes, a modern stereo system, a Carson top, and a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel. Power comes from a 350ci V8 that has been upgraded with a performance intake and a Griffin radiator, and is sent to the road through a Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission and Ford 9-inch rear end. Finished in black over a two-tone black and white vinyl interior, this street rod is now offered with a clear title.

Ford’s 1937 lineup of full-size cars went through changes that softened the overall lines and incorporated a V-shaped grille and faired-in headlights into the front cowl. A four-door sedan with a retractable top was offered for the first time that year. The following model year, the grille became heart-shaped and additional refinements were applied to the interior and trim options. This 1938 four-door convertible retains an all-steel black body that was restored and capped with a removable Carson top. Additional aesthetic treatment includes a molded hood, a split windshield, color-matched running boards, dual dummy spotlights, and accent pinstriping. The glass, rubber, and brightwork were replaced as part of the refurbishment process.

Chrome turbine-style Foose wheels are wrapped in whitewall tires that were installed less than 400 miles ago.

The interior is fitted with reupholstered black and white two-tone vinyl front and rear benches, matched to the door panels, carpeting, and floor mats with accent piping. Features include power-operated rear windows, removable B-pillars, a tilt-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel with a V8 insignia, and a glove-box-mounted stereo system with a remote control.

Information is delivered by a modern gauge set with a 120-mph speedometer, an 8K-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary readouts for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The odometer reads 678 miles. According to the seller, this reflects the mileage accrued since the completion of the restoration. True mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The upgraded 350ci V8 has been outfitted with performance components for the intake, carburetor, and ignition system as well as a Griffin radiator accompanied by dual electric fans. The powertrain has reportedly covered fewer than 700 miles since installation. Power is transferred rearward through a Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear end.

The front brakes have been upgraded to discs.