1938 Dodge D8 Business

Coupe - Coupe

6 - Cyl.

Manual

300480705

Gasoline

1938 Dodge D8 Coupe 20K original miles Mostly original paint Incredible 73 year old survivor Here up for bids on eBay is this fantastic business coupe, a 1938 Dodge D8.  This car was discovered in a church basement in 2001, where it had been stored for over 20 years, put away with an incredible 16,933 miles.  After extensive mechanical freshening, the car has logged an additional 3400 miles and has a new lease on life, like a time traveler from another era.  The car wears most of its original paint and shows quite a bit of patina, however the body and undercarriage are totally solid.  As the saying goes, it has good bones.  As each year passes, survivor cars like this become harder and harder to find, this Dodge represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire an original, unaltered business coupe.      Click to enlarge any of the photos below, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged images is available at the bottom of the page.   I've looked this car over very closely and the only paintwork I've found is on the fenders.  The hood, decklid, doors and roof all still have the original paint.  Additionally, I have taken a magnet to the entire car and have found no areas of filler, with this car what you see is what you get.  It's the proverbial 20 footer - at times I've been ready to pick up the phone and call the painter, other times I frown on the idea of altering the car's well earned patina.  So expect to see lots of imperfections in the paint, and I'll leave the preservation options to the new owner.  If you did decide to repaint the car I can tell you that you couldn't ask for a better body to start with.  This car is very straight, has great panel fit, and shows no rust issues anywhere - no bubbling, no blistering, no problems. All of the trim on the car is clean and straight, showing minimal pitting.  The back bumper has a small dent on the left that's hard to notice, the front bumper is perfectly straight. The grill is in terrific condition and is a testament to the cars low miles.  It's totally straight and crisp, still with good chrome.  Headlight lenses are clear and look like new.  The hood has an area of paint that's been rubbed through, right in the center. The driver's door jamb offers an interesting glimpse into the car's history, showing service stickers at 14K and 16K.  The sticker for the 14K service still uses letter prefixes for the phone number, which was phased out in the 60s.  The sticker at 16K is from Haller's Sunoco of Brooklyn, Ohio.  It's dated from May of 1976.   The car traveled 800 miles more and was then put into storage (donated?) at the church in 1979. The windshield gasket shows some age, but the glass itself is in great shape, crystal clear with no road rash, chips, or hazing.  Weatherstripping on both wing windows is in great shape.  The driver's side quarter window gasket and glass shows aging, the cracking that you see in the photo is in the laminate, not the glass.  The passenger side quarter window and gasket look fine, still with an original Pinkerton Security sticker, probably from when the car was new.  Pretty heavy lacquer crazing around the decklid area.  The trunk in this business coupe is simply cavernous.  I actually own a '37 Dodge business coupe and at times use it for hauling when I go to get tire changes done, fitting 8 tires in this trunk is no problem! The trunk lip on this car is totally solid, as well as the lip on the lid itself, no rust problems here. The interior is like stepping back into time.  Aside from the neckers knob, nothing has been modified or changed here, it's exactly as it left the Hamtramck Plant 73 years ago.  The seat upholstery is still serviceable, door panels are intact, and the rubber mat flooring is very well preserved.  The lower door weatherstripping is original and still pliable.  Both windows wind easily and have their original weatherstripping fuzzies, still in good shape. The beautiful woodgrained dash and garnish moldings have held up very well, showing only minor flaws. All gauges function correctly, the car shows great oil pressure and cool running temperatures.  Every control operates as it should: lights, horn, wipers, etc. The condition of the floor mat is impressive, as well as the foot pedals. The heater and fan operate correctly. Behind the passenger seat is where the spare tire is kept, the oilcloth cover has shrunk a bit but is still in nice shape for its age. The headliner in this Dodge is in terrific condition. The flathead six fires to life immediately and just runs super.  It motors along strongly with no issues or drama, sure and steady, just a pleasure to drive.  The motor makes good power and has good throttle response, freeway driving is no problem with this car.  The car runs cool, doesn't smoke, has adequate brakes and is not a leaker.   When the car was brought out of its hibernation, the following work was done: Cleaned and sealed gas tank Carb rebuilt New fuel pump Flushed radiator, replaced water pump, new thermostat Rebuilt master and wheel cylinders, new lines installed Replaced fan belt, coil, plugs, points and condenser New Firestone "Deluxe Champion" tires from Coker Transmission and rear end fluids changed Wheel bearings repacked New exhaust The car comes with its original owner's manual, sales brochure, and tune-up guide.  In addition is a copy of the October 2009 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine, where this car was featured. The undercarriage shows all original sheet metal and no history of accident damage or repair.  I've inspected this undercarriage closely and have found no rust issues, not even pinholes. Film noir fans will recognize this 38 Dodge business coupe on the streets of Los Angeles from Billy Wilder's "Double Idemnity". Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price: The reserve is held in confidence, please just bid at the level that you are comfortable paying.  This auction ends Sunday, 12-11-11 at at 6 PM Pacific Time , 8 PM Central , 9 PM Eastern. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit (paypal, money order or bank check) within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car.  Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  License plate is not included unless the winning bidder is an Oregon resident.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon.  I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week.   You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5.  Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com I also welcome you to visit my blog, where I write about the back stories of some of the cars that I've sold. Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate.   Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo Horizon Auto Services California Shipping Thanks for looking!