Ford made one significant but subtle change in its product line for 1938, creating separate Standard (82A) and Deluxe (81A) models and making their external appearance distinctly different and instantly recognizable.

Ford’s intent was to position the Standard in competition with the base Chevrolet and Plymouth models and move the Deluxe models up to compete with Pontiac and Dodge.

The missing element in Ford’s lineup of Standard and Deluxe Ford, Lincoln-Zephyr and Lincoln K was a car to compete in the fast-growing middle market against Oldsmobile, Buick and Chrysler.

That would come in 1939 with the introduction of the Mercury.

For 1938 the Model 81A Deluxe got a new grille with turned down, pointed hood and a tall, sharply vee-shaped grille with horizontal elements extending up and back on each side of the hood.

As in 1937 the headlights were inverted teardrops set into the fender catwalks.

Ford now actively promoted its all-steel welded bodies, first seen in 1937, and still mai...