2025 AFD highlight - 1938 DeLuxe coupe hot rod

Ford-based hot rods have always been a part of the annual All Ford Day in Geelong, thanks primarily to the efforts of the Geelong Street Rodders. This year’s All Ford Day, celebrating 100 Years of Ford Australia, seemed to attract more hot rods than usual, though. The greater number of hot rods reflected the overall increase in show cars and attendees that made this year’s All Ford Day the biggest in the event’s 34-year history.

When it comes to Ford hot rods, ’32s are out there in abundance, with ’33, ’34 and ’35 models being popular choices, too. Rodded 1937 and 1938 Fords are rarer, which made it refreshing to spot this high-quality example.

Based on a ’38 DeLuxe five-window coupe, the Champagne paint suited this car well, accenting its curves. The lack of chrome on the grille and other areas reflects how these cars were finished when new, with bright trim usually limited to a spear at the front of the grille and a slim accent line along the waist.

The distinctive colour extended into the engine bay that housed a V8, but no 1930s 221ci (3.6lt) flathead. Rather, it was running a much more modern 5.0-litre (305ci) V8 from the EL-AU Falcon era, which made a nice change from the ubiquitous Small Block Chev. The 5.0 V8 sat neatly in the engine bay, with a large pod air filter amongst the obvious custom touches.

Rolling on 18-inch Billet Specialties wheels, with disc brakes visible behind, attention to detail on this rod was impressive. Alongside the teardrop tail lights, motorcycle-style tail lights were fixed to the rear bumper. At the front, the indicators appeared to have been incorporated into the headlights to keep the broad, rounded front end as clean as possible.

This car didn’t pick up the ‘Best Hot Rod’ award, but maybe it should have, because it looked fantastic!

To see JUST CARS’ report from the 2025 All Ford Day, click HERE.