In the 1930s there was a brief, limited fad that called for different grille designs for a brand's entry and prestige models. For example, 1933-1938 Oldsmobile eight cylinder cars had grilles that differed from those on six-cylinder models. Differences were minor 1933-35 and major 1936-38.
Ford picked up on this idea for model years 1938-1940, but with a twist. The grille theme on 1937 Fords was carried over on 1938 Standard Fords (the entry-level models), while De Luxe Fords received a different design. Then for 1939 Standard Fords got a variation on the '38 De Luxe grille and De Luxe Fords had a new design. For 1940, the lines had slightly different designs, but there was still carry-over from the previous year. And 1941 Ford grilles were essentially the same across the board.
Gallery
A 1937 Ford Fordor sedan, factory photo.
Mecum auction photo of a 1938 Ford Standard Tudor. Its grille differs from 1937 grilles in detail, but the design feeling is clearly the same.
Here is a 1938 Ford De Luxe Tudor with its different grille design. Its rear end has also been slightly redesigned.
1939 Ford Standard Coupe, RM Sotheby's photo. Its grille design is a facelift of that of the '38 De Luxe.
This is a "for sale" photo of a 1939 Ford De Luxe Tudor showing its new grille design.
The '39 De Luxe grille was carried over almost totally for 1940 Ford Standards such as this coupe (Mecum photo).
Instead of totally new grilles, De Luxe Ford grilles used almost the same opening as in 1939 (and on '40 Standards), but had a different arrangement of grille bars as well as slightly different hood shaping. Barrett-Jackson photo.
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