Stepping Back in Time: The 1938 Dodge Series D10

The 1938 Dodge Series D10 stands as a gleaming testament to the ingenuity and elegance of late 1930s automotive design. Born from the industrious halls of the Dodge Brothers Company, this classic car emerged during an era when automobiles were transitioning from mere transportation to symbols of status and style. Notably, the D10 marked a significant departure from its predecessors with its more modern and streamlined look, setting a new standard for American cars in that period.

Design and Innovation: A Leap into Modernity

With its art deco-inspired lines and aerodynamic silhouette, the exterior of the Dodge Series D10 was a sight to behold. The car featured a bold, waterfall-style grille that cascaded down the front, flanked by teardrop headlamps that seemed to pierce the road ahead. Inside, passengers were treated to an opulent environment where woodgrain accents met soft-touch materials—a luxury for its time. The dashboard housed an array of dials and gauges that provided drivers with essential information in an elegant fashion.

Technologically, the D10 was ahead of its time, offering features such as a "safety signal" speedometer which changed color with increasing speed. Color options ranged from stately blacks and blues to more adventurous hues, with Gunmetal Grey being a particularly popular choice among discerning buyers. Body styles varied widely, including sedans, coupes, and convertibles. However, it was perhaps the rumble-seat coupe that captured the hearts of enthusiasts most vividly.

Historical Significance: Paving the Way for Progress

The Series D10 didn't just turn heads with its looks; it also played a pivotal role in shaping automotive trends. Its all-steel body construction set new standards for vehicle safety and durability. This Dodge also helped popularize independent front suspension among American cars, offering a smoother ride that would soon become an industry staple.

Performance and Handling: A Symphony on Wheels

Underneath its stylish hood lay a robust inline-six engine that propelled the D10 to impressive speeds for its era. Though exact figures vary, top speeds approached 85 mph—a thrilling pace at the time—with acceleration that could leave other cars of its class trailing in its wake. The handling was equally commendable; drivers reported a reassuring stability even on less forgiving roads. The symphonic purr of its powerplant added to an overall driving experience that was both visceral and refined.

Ownership Experience: More Than Just A Pretty Face

The 1938 Dodge Series D10 served various roles from reliable daily transportation to weekend showpiece or even as a contender on the racetrack. Owners found maintenance relatively straightforward thanks to Dodge's commitment to engineering excellence and parts availability. While not without its quirks—such as a somewhat temperamental fuel system—the D10 was largely considered reliable for its time.

Fun Facts: The D10's Place in History

This classic car has seen its share of limelight and intrigue. From gracing movie screens to being the choice ride for prominent figures of the era, it's had a colorful history. Although not known for breaking speed records, it certainly set sales records for Dodge during its production run. Criticisms were few but did include occasional remarks about fuel efficiency—a common trait among vehicles of this period.

Collector's Information: A Valued Classic Gem

Today, finding a 1938 Dodge Series D10 can be akin to uncovering buried treasure. Production numbers were substantial for their time, but surviving examples are considerably rarer now. As such, values can vary greatly depending on condition and originality; well-preserved models can fetch anywhere from $20,000 to over $50,000 at auction or private sale.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

The 1938 Dodge Series D10 is more than just an old car; it's a rolling piece of history that encapsulates the spirit of innovation and luxury from an era long past. Its impact on automotive design and technology is still felt today, making it a cherished classic among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Front Bumper Arm Grommets. Hollow construction-BG 94Front Bumper Arm Grommets. Hollow construction. 2-3/4" wide X 4-1/4" long, with 1-7/8" long inner slot. Pair

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. Hollow construction-BG 95Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. Hollow construction. Perfect reproduction. 4-1/4" wide X 4-1/2" long, with 1/2" wide inner slot. Pair

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Door Jamb Bumper. Perfect reproduction-DB 36Door Jamb Bumper. Perfect reproduction. 1-1/16" high X 1-1/4" wide X 7/16" thick. Each

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Windshield Center Bar Gasket. 20" long. Each-DP 12Windshield Center Bar Gasket. 20" long. Each

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Hood Corners. Fits flat corners-HC 19Hood Corners. Fits flat corners. 80° angle, 1/4" to 3/8" corner radius. 1-3/8" wide. Pair

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Windshield and Rear Window Seal. Sold by the foot-LP 30-AWindshield and Rear Window Seal. Sold by the foot

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Tail-light Pads. 2-1/4" wide X 5-1/4" long. Pair R&L-MP 652Tail-light Pads. 2-1/4" wide X 5-1/4" long. Pair R&L

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Trunk Light Pad. 3-3/8" wide X 8-1/8" long. Each-MP 654Trunk Light Pad. 3-3/8" wide X 8-1/8" long. Each

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Headlight Pads. 7-1/4" wide X 12-1/8" long. Pair-MP 660Headlight Pads. 7-1/4" wide X 12-1/8" long. Pair

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Rumble Seat Step-Plate Pad. 2-1/2" wide X 4-1/2" long-MP 660-BRumble Seat Step-Plate Pad. 2-1/2" wide X 4-1/2" long. Each

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Cowl Vent Seal. Made of molded sponge-RP 100-LCowl Vent Seal. Made of molded sponge. 3-3/4" wide at side X 15-1/3" long X 3/8" thick. Each

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Clutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair-RP 31-JClutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Door Check Rubber Cushion. Each-RP 40-DDoor Check Rubber Cushion. Each

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Accelerator Rod Grommet-SM 43-BAccelerator Rod Grommet. For accelerator rod through floorboard. Each

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Step Plate Pad. Rubber face only. 4-1/4" O.D. Each-SP 18Step Plate Pad. Rubber face only. 4-1/4" O.D. Each

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Rear Vent Window Seals, for Sedans-WR 2300-RRear Vent Window Seals, for Sedans. Slight modification required for some models. Overall length is 44". Some models use longer seal, for these use extension piece WREX 2300-R. Pair R&L

1938 Dodge SERIES D10 Rear Vent Window Seals Extension Piece, for Sedans-WREX 2300-RRear Vent Window Seals Extension Piece, for Sedans. Butting of parts is required. 24" long. Replaces OEM #744128-9, 790216-7 & 847090-1. Pair