What is a 1938 Ford pickup worth?
In today’s collector market, a 1938 Ford pickup typically sells for roughly $25,000 to $75,000, depending on condition and originality.
The question deserves more detail: pre-war Ford pickups are prized for their classic styling and vintage engineering, and their value hinges on factors such as whether the truck runs, the quality of its restoration, and the extent of original versus aftermarket parts. Market data from price guides and recent auctions show a broad spread across condition bands, regional demand, and provenance.
Current market snapshot
Market values for a 1938 Ford pickup vary widely by condition, originality, and documented history. Below are general price bands observed in listings, auctions, and dealer inventories as of 2024–2025 to give a sense of where typical examples fall.
Typical price bands by condition
Before exploring the bands, note that these ranges reflect current asking prices and recent sale results for a running vehicle, a solid restoration candidate, or a show-quality example. Individual results may differ based on provenance and specific configurations.
- Project or non-running (needs restoration): $20,000–$40,000
- Running/driver-quality (drives but needs work): $35,000–$55,000
- Good original or well-executed restoration (driver with originality): $50,000–$70,000
- Show-quality/restoration (period-correct, cosmetically pristine): $70,000–$95,000
- Concourse or highly documented provenance (rare variants, exceptional condition): $90,000–$130,000+
Prices above reflect a mix of dealer listings, private sales, and auction results. Regions with strong classic-car markets—such as the U.S. West Coast, the Midwest, and parts of the Southeast—can see stronger pricing for well-presented examples.
What affects value
Several core factors drive the value of a 1938 Ford pickup. Understanding these can help buyers and sellers bracket an asking price or negotiate effectively.
- Originality and matching numbers: engines, transmissions, and drivetrains that match the factory build add value, especially if documented.
- Condition of body and chassis: rust, repairs, panel integrity, and overall fit/finish weigh heavily on price.
- Mechanical condition: engine start-up, transmission behavior, brake performance, and steering quality matter for value, not just appearance.
- Documentation and provenance: build sheets, dealer records, historical registrations, and restoration receipts bolster value.
- Restoration quality and period correctness: high craftsmanship, authentic parts, and authentic color schemes lift prices; excessive modern substitutions can limit top-dollar desirability.
- Completeness and originality of trim: correct grills, lights, bed, and interior components influence appeal to collectors.
Ultimately, the strongest values tend to go to trucks with clear history, robust documentation, and a faithful restoration that respects the period’s engineering and styling cues.
Assessing your own 1938 Ford pickup
Whether buying, selling, or valuing your own truck, a structured approach helps translate condition and provenance into a fair price.
- Gather documentation: collect receipts, restoration records, and any matching-number confirmations for the engine and drivetrain.
- Evaluate body and frame: inspect for rust, previous repairs, and the overall alignment and paint quality relative to period standards.
- Assess mechanicals: test the motor, transmission, brakes, steering, electrical system, and cooling; note any leaks or unusual noises.
- Check originality versus modifications: identify non-original parts and weigh how closely the truck adheres to factory specs.
- Consult multiple sources: compare with Hagerty, Classic.com, Hemmings, and recent auction results; seek professional appraisal for a formal value.
With a clear picture of condition and provenance, you’ll be better positioned to set a realistic asking price or narrow a purchase offer to reflect true market value.
Where to look for current pricing and guidance
Reliable benchmarks come from established classic-car valuation outlets and active auction results. Consider cross-referencing multiple sources to capture a balanced view of market demand and regional pricing trends.
- Price guides and market reports from Hagerty, Classic.com, and Hemmings
- Recent auction results from major auction houses and specialty classic-car auctions
- Classified ads and dealer inventories in regions with strong vintage-truck markets
Always account for regional demand and timing—values can shift with market interest, restorations entering the market, or new discoveries of provenance.
Summary
A 1938 Ford pickup sits at the intersection of nostalgia and collector demand. In 2025, typical values span from roughly $20,000–$40,000 for projects or running but not show-ready examples, to $50,000–$70,000 for solid restorations, and up to $90,000 or more for show-ready or provenance-rich machines. The decisive factors are originality, mechanical condition, documentary support, restoration quality, and the overall presentation. For anyone pricing, buying, or selling, consulting multiple price guides and recent auction results, along with a professional appraisal, provides the clearest path to a fair market value.
How much is a 1937 Ford truck worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $20,950 for a 1937 Ford Model 73 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What is a 1936 Ford pickup worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $29,350 for a 1936 Ford Model 67 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
How much is a 1938 Ford truck worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $24,600 for a 1938 Ford Model 81C 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
How much is a 1939 Ford truck worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $24,600 for a 1939 Ford Model 91C 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
