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 year’s body styles. It was acquired by the Dingman Collection in March 2002 from Samuel Hilton of Seekonk, Massachusetts. Equipped with the early, 21-stud V-8 engine, it was treated to a full restoration at Jim Lowrey’s Auto Restoration in Tilton, New Hampshire.

The car is immaculate throughout. All body contours are correct, door gaps are even, and the doors shut well. Painted in gloss black, the car exhibits a deep shine, accented by excellent brightwork. The accessory door hinge mirrors, wind wings, and spider hub caps contribute to the effect. The interior is done in brown buttoned leather, with matching door panels and black rubber floor mats. Correct wood-grain makes the dashboard a thing of beauty, complemented by an 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 engine compartment is correctly detailed, using all period hardware. The undercarriage is exceedingly clean and properly detailed. The wheels, fitted with Ford-script 6.00 × 16 double whitewall tires, are accented with spider hubcaps and trim rings. Like all cars in the Dingman Collection, it has been maintained in exceptional condition.

The last of the last, this car truly represents the end of an era.