Introduction:
1938 marked a significant year in pickup truck design, with both Chevrolet and Ford offering distinctively styled light-duty trucks. Today, we’re exploring two decidedly different approaches to preserving these prewar workhorses – a custom-built Chevrolet rat rod and a carefully restored Ford “barrel nose” pickup.
The Vehicles:
Chevrolet Custom (Cookstown, Ontario):
Currently offered via McKenzie’s Auctions, this 1938 Chevrolet features:
• 455ci Buick V-8 engine (1972 Riviera sourced) • GM 3-speed automatic transmission • Ford 9-inch rear end • Front disc brake conversion • Custom dual exhaust stacks • Current Ontario registration • Build documentation included • Two leather captain’s chairs included (uninstalled)
Editor’s Note: shots of the engine/engine bay, undercarriage would be useful for the auction listing and help bring more confident bidding.
Ford Original (Bradford West Gwillimbury, Ontario):
• Original all-steel construction • Period-correct cloth wiring • Original-style restoration • Side mount included • 59,744 miles reported • Short bed configuration • Rare “barrel nose” styling
Market Analysis & Comparable Sales
Chevrolet Rat Rod
Current bid: CAD$4,300 (auction closing today).
Recent Comparable Custom 1930s Pickups:
• March 2024: 1937 Chevrolet Custom – USD$12,500 (Mecum, including fees)
• February 2024: 1939 Ford Rat Rod – CAD$15,800 (Facebook Marketplace, Ontario)
• January 2024: 1938 Chevrolet Modified – USD$9,800 (eBay Motors)
Restored 1938 Ford
Asking Price: CAD$39,000
Recent Comparable Stock Restorations:
• March 2024: 1938 Ford Pickup – USD$42,500 (Bring a Trailer, including fees)
• February 2024: 1938 Ford Barrel Nose – USD$35,000 (Hemmings)
• December 2023: 1938 Ford 1/2-Ton – CAD$45,000 (RM Auctions, including fees)
Market Position:
Chevrolet Custom:
• Entry-level custom pricing • Modern drivetrain appeal • Street rod market segment • Driver-focused build • Current Ontario registration
Ford Original:
• Premium restoration market • Collector-grade specification • Original components preserved • Show-quality potential • Investment-grade example
Ownership Considerations
Chevrolet Rat Rod:
Maintenance Profile:
• Modern GM V-8 serviceability • Standard automatic transmission • Readily available brake components • Custom parts require documentation • Interior completion needed • Current registration simplifies use
Support Network:
• Hot rod community resources • Local GM specialists • Custom truck forums • Parts readily sourced • Build photos aid future work
Ford Original:
Maintenance Profile:
• Period-correct components • Original wiring specifications • Headlight circuit completion needed • Documented restoration work • Stock parts availability • Heritage support network
Investment Potential
Chevrolet Custom:
Market Factors:
• Growing rat rod appreciation • Modern reliability benefits • Active custom scene • Usability advantages • Build documentation value
Ford Original:
Market Factors: • Rising prewar truck values • Original steel body premium • Documented restoration • Rare “barrel nose” design • Show circuit potential
Future Outlook:
Chevrolet:
• Custom market stability • Usage-focused value • Modern mechanicals advantage • Active buyer segment • Completion opportunity
Ford:
• Strong appreciation potential • Increasing prewar interest • Original specification premium • Show circuit eligible • Investment-grade status
If they’re still available, you can find the 1938 Chevrolet here
and the 1938 Ford here on Facebook Marketplace.
Remember, all specifications and statements are subject to verification upon inspection.
Leave a Reply