November 2025 Hot Rod of the Month
1938 Ford 81A De Luxe Coupe submitted by Eric Crow
Year:
1938
Make:
Ford
Model:
81A De Luxe Coupe
Engine:
59A Flathead V8
Transmission:
3 speed manual
Rear End:
Banjo Rear
More about the car
More about the car:
Purchased by my wife’s grandfather new in 1938 and family owned until early 2000’s when sold to family friend. We were fortunate to get opportunity to return ownership of 38 deluxe coupe in 2024 back into the family.
Car has remained largely true to original, interior, 85 horsepower V8, stylish body and original live axle 112” wheelbase.
Handed down the family line to Laura and Tom Sparks and used to transport parts for Sparks and Bonney and Sparks Automotive speed shops as well as a family car. Later the car was used by Tom being rented out to studios and appearing in “The Rocketeer” and “Two Jake’s”. Although not a traditional hot rod, the stylish sloping hood and heart shaped grill gives this 2 door coupe a cool look!
About the AHRF Hot Rod of the Month Contest
The Hot Rod of the Month Contest is a special opportunity available only to Foundation Members. Active Members have a two-week period EACH MONTH in which to enter a car they own by providing photos and a description of their car. During the following two-week period, all Members, whether they have entered a car or not, can individually vote for their favorite car.
The car with the most Member votes at the end of each month will be the AHRF Hot Rod of the Month and will be featured on the AHRF website and on social networks.
At the end of each calendar year, the Advisory Board of the Foundation will select one car, as the AHRF Hot Rod of the Year, from that year’s Hot Rod of the Month winners. The Hot Rod of the Year will be given special publicity, and the car will be maintained in an ongoing catalog of AHRF Hot Rod of the Year winners.
About the AHRF Hot Rod of the Month Contest
The Hot Rod of the Month Contest is a special opportunity available only to Foundation Members. Active Members have a two-week period EACH MONTH in which to enter a car they own by providing photos and a description of their car. During the following two-week period, all Members, whether they have entered a car or not, can individually vote for their favorite car.
The car with the most Member votes at the end of each month will be the AHRF Hot Rod of the Month and will be featured on the AHRF website and on social networks.
At the end of each calendar year, the Advisory Board of the Foundation will select one car, as the AHRF Hot Rod of the Year, from that year’s Hot Rod of the Month winners. The Hot Rod of the Year will be given special publicity, and the car will be maintained in an ongoing catalog of AHRF Hot Rod of the Year winners.