Ford began 1938 with a totally restyled lineup and a marketing concept that would be carried through the next three years. Rather than have Deluxe and Standard models that varied only in the level of trim, Ford made the two lines distinct using totally different sheet metal for each; even different Tudor and Fordor bodies for the two lines. Standard models continued to use the bustle back design used on the 1937 Touring Sedans, while Deluxe models had all-new bodies with a streamlined rear end.

The Standard Tudor Sedan, Model 81A-700, was Ford’s most popular car for 1938. Priced at $665, the car achieved 106,117 sales for the model year. Bodies were produced for FoMoCo by Briggs and like all Standard models, included a single left-hand taillight along with left-hand-only windshield wiper, sun visor, and armrest. Optional was Ford’s popular 85-hp flathead V-8, as featured in this Washington Blue example.

From the collection of the late-Don Gibson, one of Canada’s renowned Ford collectors, this is one of the finest examples to be found. With just 23,367 miles, Gibson purchased this car in 1961 and it remained in his ownership since. He and his wife honeymooned in this car in 1967 and for a 25th anniversary present, he restored the car to its current concours condition. It remains so thanks to the quality of restoration and ideal storage conditions. Gibson always serviced the cars and drove them at least annually to ensure they were properly maintained.

The car was restored to exacting standards and was presented by the Early Ford V-8 Club of America with a Dearborn Award in 1993, scoring 996 points out of a possible 1,000. It comes complete with its original owner’s manual, Ford Reference book, spare keys, its Dearborn Award recognition plaque, and a book documenting the restoration process.