Very Solid Mopar Body Off Restored Vintage Antique Dodge DeSoto Auto Classic 37

OVERVIEW:This is a very nicely restored example of a late 1930's Chrysler. It is a Canadian built car, erial # 9711434, hich has spent its entire life in the dry climate of western Canada, nd at no time did it suffer from the ravages of rust or decay. This model rode on a 119" wheelbase, nd weighed in at 3,180 lbs.

This particular car has been in the care of its present owner since 1983, nd today the odometer shows 95,620 original miles. A very solid survivor, t was the subject of an extensively photo documented, omprehensive body off restoration that spanned 20 years and was completed in 2005. Over the last 10 years since, t has travelled only 5,000 miles on fair weather outings, nd remains in excellent condition. It has never seen rain in that time. The car has also attended numerous local shows, eceiving 1st Place awards in both Judges' Choice and Peoples' Choice categories.

Current presentation is very clean and tidy, howing only very minor dust and such from its few outings and garage storage, ostly just evident on the chassis. Some time spent on light cleaning and detailing would quickly reveal that this car would still show virtually as fresh as the day its restoration was completed. As a black sedan with wide whites it has terrific curb appeal, he body is extremely straight, nd the paint job virtually flawless.

All mechanical aspects of the car were fully and properly addressed, s evidenced by its performance and the numerous photos of tear down and assembly procedures. The starting, riving, nd handling attributes are what one would expect of a new 1938 Chrysler. The welcoming and comfortable interior deviates from original only in the owner's choice of fabric and color, ith seams and stitch patterns remaining true to original.

DRIVETRAIN:These C-18s came equipped with Chrysler's well known L-head six cylinder. This flathead is a replacement in the larger 251 ci. version. It was a fully and professionally rebuilt unit the owner located which had virtually no miles on it. This engine is 3 and 7/16" bored .040 over, ith mains and rods at .030 under.

The engine starts up instantly and runs strong and smooth. It displays good power, nd no smoke. After driving several miles during a very hot day, he car sat idling in the sun for about a half hour during picture taking, nd the temperature never rose above 165 degrees. There are no overheating issues with this automobile.

The engine bay presents itself as restored and detailed, uite clean and tidy. Overall the engine compartment and components all appear as correct and original. The only deviations from originality are modern hose clamps. All components were either new or rebuilt at time of restoration, ith nothing overlooked. The original honey comb radiator was flushed and cleaned. The upper tank is very nice, ree of dents or signs of fatigued stress cracks, r the common gobs of solder from previous repairs.

The 3 speed transmission and differential have been overhauled as required and fitted with new bearings and seals. Photo documentation displays the level of attention given to all component parts. Nice detail with correct leather boot wraps around the original style ball and trunnion u-joints. There are no signs of serious leakage on the underside of the car, esides the usual minor weeping from the rear pinion seal, lthough it did receive a speedy sleeve on the yoke and a new seal.

CHASSIS:The solid original and damage free frame and chassis component parts were sandblasted, rimed and painted black. The leaf springs were disassembled, lasted, ainted and reassembled. The original front coils and arch of the rear leaf springs were all very good and maintain the car in a proper stance with a good ride.

The steering box was rebuilt and new front end components were installed. The complete 4 wheel hydraulic brake system was rebuilt, ith new steel lines fabricated and new hand brake lining installed. The exhaust system is in excellent condition. The gas tank was flushed, leaned and lined.

The tires are a matched set of Firestone Deluxe Champion wide white wall 6.50x16s in excellent condition, ounted on steel rims, porting hand painted double pin striping. The spare in the trunk is an older age checked blackwall 6.00x16, ut there is another spare mounted on rim included which matches the 4 running tires.

BODY & PAINT:When first acquired this car was still wearing it's original dark blue paint. The body on this Chrysler was in overall very good solid condition. The body was blasted clean down to bare metal using walnut shells. The only damage was the rear lower pan below the trunk lid, hich had suffered a couple of dents and some minor rust out. This was professionally and properly repaired with new metal before the car being primed and painted in base/clear using quality materials. This car carries all its original sheet metal and fenders, nd all panels and body work are very straight.

The owner's color choice was black, nd the paint finish is excellent, eally nice. It has never been wet sanded or polished, nd has a very smooth finish, reat shine and reflection. This car requires no pin striping as it carries full length belt line stainless trim that gives it that extra little spiff of eye appeal. The running boards are straight and solid with new rubber matting.

ELECTRICAL:The car has original 6-volt electricals, nd received a new YnZ wiring harness. The headlamps retain their original bulb, eflector and lens configuration. The reflectors have been refinished using the non-tarnishing Uvira aluminizing process. It is equipped with turn signals which run thru the front fog lights and rear tail lights. All lights are in working order, nd glass lenses are in good condition.

The speedometer and gauges all appear in very nice original condition and have a nice art deco look. There are also 3 spare speedos and 2 spare gauge clusters. The amp, il pressure, emperature, nd gas gauges are all in working condition, lthough the background color of the faces varies in color tone. Nice original pull knobs along lower dash for lights, tarter, nd throttle. These are rare in such nice condition.

The clock is in working order. The car is equipped with a cigarette lighter, ut the knob is of a later Mopar style. Original vacuum wipers were in working order, ut chose to be temperamental and seemed a bit sticky on the day of the test drive. The car has a rare factory original heater, issing one knob and the upper of 3 trim bars. Duct tubes to the defrost vents have not been installed. Twin horns are mounted low on the left side of the firewall.

INTERIOR: The seat covers and interior panels are nicely upholstered in the owner's choice of burgundy colored material, ith correct original patterns and stitching. A touch of class is added by way of gray accent piping and gray carpet kick areas on the lower door panels. The interior burgundy color is best represented by the parts pic in the photo album showing the arm rests not yet installed. The color is darker than it appears is most of these interior shots.

The same quality gray carpeting is found on the front and rear floors, ront kick panels, nd floor mats. The aluminum door sill scuff plates are in original condition, ut the right rear is missing. It received new rubber pedal pads and shifter boot. Shifter sports a non-original 8 ball shifter knob.

The seats are plush and comfortable. Front door panels include arm rests which the owner will install prior to delivery. The rear seat passengers are provided with a carpeted foot rest, n assist robe cord, nd dual arm rest ash trays.

The white deluxe steering wheel and dash accents are original colors that were originally on the car. The steering wheel has been restored but does show some minor hair line cracks. It has a nice thin inner chrome horn ring and center button with Royal script.

The interior door handles, indow cranks, nd escutcheons are from an early 50's Mopar. However, ll the originals are present and included and could be put on the car, hough one of the escutcheons is missing it's plastic trim.

The headliner, atching sun visors, nd wind lacing are in very nice condition. The passenger sun visor has an accessory vanity mirror. The wood graining on the dash and window garnish moldings has all been redone and clear coated. Glass sweepers or 'whiskers' were left off the door garnish moldings and are not present. A new glove box was installed.

The trunk is carpeted, long with a gas tank sending unit access panel. New weather-strip was installed. The original jack is not with the car.

BRIGHTWORK:Most of the chrome plating on the car, ncluding bumpers and guards, as been redone and is show quality. The stainless windshield surround and belt line moldings are very straight with no dings. Interior brightwork in in very nice condition also.

About the only items not rechromed and in original condition are the pot metal hood side moldings and trunk lid hinges. These are in good condition with virtually no pitting, ut the hood side pieces do show the wear of age, he trunk hinges not so much.

Very nice Chrysler emblem on the trunk lid. Very nice, ool and funky tail lamp bezels.

The hubcaps are very nice originals, n very good condition. They are quite free of dents, ave excellent shine, nd the Chrysler scripts are painted black. You'd be hard pressed to find other used ones in such nice shape, ever mind NOS.

All glass on the car is new and clear. The owner retained the original glass, ncluding the cracked windshield, nd can include it if desired by the new owner. New glass channels and rubber seals were installed.

SUMMARY:These Chryslers were originally well appointed, nd this one presents itself as a classy sedan. It has proven itself mechanically reliable over 10 years and 5,000 miles and remains very dependable, traight, nd clean, ith very presentable body, aint, rightwork and interior.

This is an affordable and easy car to maintain and keep roadworthy, nd is an ideal car for family outings and touring. This black sedan is turnkey ready to cruise and enjoy, nd is a nice driver that one can be proud of. An original Owner's Manual and Shop Manual are included, long with some spare parts. There are no hidden secrets or horrors with this car.

If you are considering a roomy and curvy styled sedan from the late '30s, hen this could be it! This is a great car to get into the hobby with, nd be able to enjoy with family and friends. You won't need to spend a bunch of money on restoration parts and labor, or several years in the garage restoring it. After many years of owning, estoring, nd enjoying this car, he owner still has other projects and priorities he would like to tackle, nd as a result has decided to make this special Royal available. This fine Chrysler is being offered with a reasonable reserve, et far below its restoration cost and appraised value. You could not begin to acquire one and bring it to this level for the price.

PAYMENT TERMS:This classy Chrysler Royal is being listed on behalf of the owner. Please email 'carsgoneby@telus.net' or phone Rick at (403)534-2222 for additional honest and accurate information from a professional auto restorer. All information listed has been gathered from discussions and test drive with the owner and visual inspection by me. Near 150 pics are available for viewing at www.carsgoneby.com/PhotoAlbums/1938Chrysler . Additional specific pictures are available upon request. No warranties expressed or implied. Successful bidder to make a minimum payment of 50% of closing bid amount (US funds) within 5 days of auction closing, ith the balance payable upon vehicle pick up within 21 days (international) or 14 days (US/Canada). Payment must be in certifiable form such as cash or wire transfer. Other forms of payment only acceptable with time allowance for instrument to clear bank prior to vehicle being released. Any deviation from, r changes to the preceding terms must be reasonable, nd should be requested, iscussed, nd agreed to prior to bidding and auction closing.

IMPORTANT OTHER:Please submit all inquiries prior to bidding, nd please only bid if you are able and willing to conclude the transaction should you be the winning bidder. This vehicle is being sold with a Bill of Sale, nd a current Alberta registration document (title). The car is located in Lethbridge, lberta, anada, hour north of the Montana border. Please be aware of your shipping costs before bidding, uotes can be provided upon request if necessary. We can help make this a smooth, assle free experience by arranging all inclusive international transportation and brokerage for you. References relating to similar transactions are available. Cars Gone By has sold and shipped numerous collector vehicles to the USA and worldwide, he majority through Ebay transactions. Please do not ask us to disclose the reserve price. In fairness to all bidders we will not do so and request that you simply place a bid that is comfortable for you. Thanks for looking!

On Oct-16-15 at 10:12:05 PDT, eller added the following information:

It was brought to my attention that there is an error in the link to the Photo Album, y apologies.

The correct link is http://www.carsgoneby.com/PhotoAlbumsPro/1938Chrysler