Join the Facebook Group!
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Membership
  • Club Resources
    • Classified Ads
    • Contacts
    • Events
    • Judging Forms
    • Local Chapters
    • NDC History
  • DeSoto Information
    • Automotive Oddities
      • DeSoto Diplomats
      • Dealer Jewelry
      • Dealer Magazines
      • DeSoto Trucks
      • Mopar Record Players
      • Small DeSotos
    • Chrysler Historical
    • DeSoto History
    • Dealer List
    • Model Year References
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Membership
  • Club Resources
    • Classified Ads
    • Contacts
    • Events
    • Judging Forms
    • Local Chapters
    • NDC History
  • DeSoto Information
    • Automotive Oddities
      • DeSoto Diplomats
      • Dealer Jewelry
      • Dealer Magazines
      • DeSoto Trucks
      • Mopar Record Players
      • Small DeSotos
    • Chrysler Historical
    • DeSoto History
    • Dealer List
    • Model Year References
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Membership
  • Club Resources
    • Classified Ads
    • Contacts
    • Events
    • Judging Forms
    • Local Chapters
    • NDC History
  • DeSoto Information
    • Automotive Oddities
      • DeSoto Diplomats
      • Dealer Jewelry
      • Dealer Magazines
      • DeSoto Trucks
      • Mopar Record Players
      • Small DeSotos
    • Chrysler Historical
    • DeSoto History
    • Dealer List
    • Model Year References

1938

The 1938 model year saw declined sales across the board due to the market conditions. Regardless of what the sales figures might show, the new DeSoto was as good as ever. A significant styling change from 1937 was the change in mounting of the headlights from the side of the hood to the tops of the fenders. This would only last the one year as 1939 saw integrated headlights for the first time. Along with the headlights was other revised styling details, especially in the front end, but the notable unseen change was in the chassis, which grew to 119 and 136 inches for the two chassis types. 10% larger brake sizes were used with the previous chassis features. Inside the car, the parking brake moved from the floor to under the instrument panel. 1938 would be the last year for a convertible sedan in a DeSoto.

The National DeSoto Club also maintains a registry for all known 1938 DeSotos. If you have one and would like it added to the list, or would like the data plate decoded, please contact Michael Carney at michaelcarney@me.com or fill out this form located here: https://forms.gle/YFtXmYsPLQjNzAN59.

Engine: 228 c.i. 6 cylinder, 93 hp standard, 100 hp w/optional head

Wheelbase: 119 inches (standard), 136 (7+ passenger cars)

US Deluxe VIN Start: 5598301

US Deluxe VIN End: 5632912

US Custom VIN Start: 6061701

US Custom VIN End: 6064250

Canada (all) VIN Start: 9666936

Canada (all) VIN End: 9668604

US Taxi VIN Start: 5095001

US Taxi VIN End: 5095372

Production Numbers

4-Door Touring Sedans Produced: 23,681

4-Door Custom Touring Sedans Produced: 2,550

4-Door Sedan with Luggage Compartments Produced: 498

4-Door 7-Passenger Sedans Produced: 513

4-Door 7-Passenger Sedan-Limousines Produced: 81

2-Door Touring Broughams with Trunk Produced: 5,367

2-Door Touring Broughams without Trunk Produced: 11

2-Door Business Coupes with Rear Luggage Rack Produced: 5,160

2-Door Coupes with Rumble Seat Produced: 38

Convertible Sedans Produced: 88

Convertible Coupes Produced: 431

Source: The Plymouth and DeSoto Story by Don Butler