1938 FORD COE CREW CAB DUALLY

The 1938 Ford COE (Cab Over Engine) Crew Cab Dually is a unique and rare vehicle that was manufactured during a time when the United States was on the brink of World War II. COE trucks were popular during this time due to their compact size and maneuverability, making them ideal for a variety of commercial and industrial applications.

Introduction to the 1938 FORD COE.

The 1938 Ford COE (Cab Over Engine) is a classic truck that was produced during a time of significant change in the United States. It was a popular commercial vehicle that was often used for delivery or utility purposes due to its compact size and maneuverability.

As its name suggests, the COE has the cab situated over the engine, allowing for a shorter overall length and greater payload capacity compared to traditional trucks. The 1938 model was the first year of production for the COE, making it a significant piece of American automotive history.

The 1938 Ford COE was available in a variety of body styles, including flatbeds, stake beds, and panel vans. It was known for its simple and durable design, with a rugged chassis and strong engine options that made it well-suited for heavy-duty work.

Today, the 1938 Ford COE is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its classic styling and historical significance. It remains a popular choice for restorations and customizations, with many owners choosing to preserve its original features while adding modern amenities for improved performance and comfort.

The features of the 1938 FORD COE.

The 1938 Ford COE had a number of features that made it a popular commercial vehicle during its time. Here are some of the key features:

1. Cab-over-engine design: The COE design allowed for a shorter overall length and a greater payload capacity, making it well-suited for commercial applications.
2. Rugged chassis: The truck had a strong and durable chassis that was built to handle heavy loads and rough terrain.
3. Engine options: The 1938 Ford COE was available with several engine options, including a flathead V8 engine that produced 85 horsepower and 143 lb-ft of torque.
4. Manual transmission: The truck was equipped with a four-speed manual transmission that provided reliable performance and smooth shifting.
5. Customizable body styles: The COE was available in a variety of body styles, including flatbeds, stake beds, and panel vans, allowing for customization to meet specific commercial needs.
6. Classic styling: The 1938 Ford COE had a classic, art deco styling that was popular during the time. Its rounded front grille, curved fenders, and prominent hood gave it a distinctive look that set it apart from other trucks.

Overall, the 1938 Ford COE was a rugged and reliable commercial vehicle that offered flexibility and versatility for a variety of applications. Its classic styling and unique design continue to make it a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts.

The benefits of the 1938 FORD COE.

The 1938 Ford COE (Cab Over Engine) offered a number of benefits that made it a popular choice for commercial applications during its time. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Compact size: The cab-over-engine design allowed for a shorter overall length, making the COE easier to maneuver in tight spaces and more practical for city driving.
2. Greater payload capacity: The COE’s design allowed for a greater payload capacity compared to traditional trucks, making it well-suited for hauling heavy loads.
3. Durability: The 1938 Ford COE was built with a rugged chassis and strong engine options, making it durable and reliable even under heavy use.
4. Versatility: The COE was available in a variety of body styles, including flatbeds, stake beds, and panel vans, allowing for customization to meet specific commercial needs.
5. Classic styling: The COE’s classic art deco styling and unique design continue to make it a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts.

Overall, the 1938 Ford COE offered practicality, durability, and versatility for a variety of commercial applications. Its classic styling and unique design make it a valuable piece of automotive history that continues to be appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts today.

The drawbacks of the 1938 FORD COE.

While the 1938 Ford COE had many benefits that made it a popular choice for commercial applications during its time, there were also some drawbacks to its design and construction. Here are a few of the main drawbacks:

1. Limited cab space: The cab-over-engine design meant that the COE had a smaller cab space compared to traditional trucks, which could make it less comfortable for drivers on long hauls.
2. Limited visibility: The COE’s cab-over-engine design also meant that the driver had limited visibility, particularly to the sides and rear of the truck.
3. Limited engine options: While the COE was available with several engine options, the most popular option was a flathead V8 engine that was not particularly powerful or efficient.
4. Limited safety features: The COE was built at a time when safety features such as seat belts and airbags were not yet standard in vehicles, which could make it less safe compared to modern trucks.
5. Limited availability: Because the 1938 Ford COE is a vintage vehicle, finding replacement parts and mechanics with experience working on older vehicles can be more difficult.

Overall, while the 1938 Ford COE had many benefits that made it a practical and reliable commercial vehicle, there were also some drawbacks to its design and construction that should be considered when evaluating it for modern use.

The verdict on the 1938 FORD COE.

The 1938 Ford COE (Cab Over Engine) is a unique and classic commercial vehicle that offers a number of benefits and drawbacks for potential buyers. Its compact size, greater payload capacity, durability, versatility, and classic styling are all strong selling points that make it an attractive choice for collectors, enthusiasts, and those in need of a practical work truck.

However, the COE’s limited cab space, limited visibility, limited engine options, limited safety features, and limited availability of replacement parts and experienced mechanics should also be taken into consideration before making a purchase. Ultimately, the decision to buy a 1938 Ford COE will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the buyer, as well as their willingness to invest in maintenance and repairs to keep the vehicle in top condition.