Historically Accurate/Ready to Go/Flathead 221ci V8

1938 Ford Standard Tudor Sedan

Break-in rocks in the hot sun...I fought the law and the law won...I needed money 'cause I had none, I fought the law and the law won. Robbin people with a six-gun...I fought the law and the law won!

Officer Elmer Edwards of the Rocky Hill Connecticut Police Department was the first officer on duty when the department started in 1938. The consigner, who was also a police officer for this town for 31 years, was approached by the town to obtain a 1938 Ford Tudor to make a replica of that original car for use as a history piece for parades etc. Coming from a private collection in Arizona the car was brought back east, and the transformation was set about. For consignment the Police car replica from Rocky Hill Connecticut.

Exterior
This Model 8A 700 or better known as the 2-Door Humpback retains very much of its original charm, and indeed is a mostly original car. Bathed in black there are some faults in the paint, and a dent in the hood from it not being closed properly. 2 steady burn red lights, 2 fog lights, and the original teardrop headlights, flanking the curved V shaped grille on this cruiser. Bumpers are original and fairly clean and rust free. A new dual paned windshield has been put in, and the rear window remains original but shows some de-lamination. Running boards have areas where the rubber flooring is beginning to wear off. Also, some areas of paint crackling are noted. In the trunk are the original jack, spare tire and complete set of tools.

Interior
Herringbone textured broadcloth covers the interior of the door panels, as well as the rounded puffy front split bench. Some stains are evident, but that just goes with age and originality. A big rear bench with actual arms stretches across the rear this car, and if you are being hauled into the hoosegow you'll be riding in comfort! Tan mohair is on the headliner which is original as well. A nice mahogany wood dash has all the original gauges, bakelite knobs and buttons. The original patina steering wheel fronts this beautiful dash. A telephone style radio hangs below the dash, and there is a siren in this 6-volt system.

Drivetrain
A 24 stud Flathead V8 with 221 cubic inches sits in a very simple engine bay. It is very clean and well maintained has a 2-barrel Stromberg carb on top, and a 3-speed manual transmission on back.

Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust although the car remains structurally sound. The consigner was adamant that during the restoration it was made "like Henry made it", so we see a period correct muffler, rebuilt knee action shocks, and mechanical cable brakes for the "feeling of steel from pedal to the wheel". Many years on this undercarriage, but it still shows well.

Drive-Ability
I have the hots for these old police cars, and this one though mostly the Humpback form and not the police car. This car started quickly, ran smoothly, and cruised nicely. The mechanical brakes take a little getting used to, but they work as advertised. So did the siren much to the chagrin of our president who merely rolled his eyes when I pulled him over. Next time if I get that attitude, he's going the back seat for a little ride!

A survivor, certainly not perfect, but mostly original, and if not original parts, it has been meticulously worked to "make it like Henry did". A fun piece of history all working and can be driven right out of our mall and enjoyed immediately. Now I'm out for a doughnut run! Hit the lights Elmer...

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.