The early 38 standards were pretty spartan on the exterior with thier painted windshields and lack of rustless moldings on the grille and down the bodyline. A true embodiment of a more "industrial" 37 style. Things got better after Decemberish 37 when Ford brightened them up with the trim. Seems like they couldn't figure out how to brighten the deluxe grille. Ever notice how the 39 Ford, not the Deluxe, has three horizontal rustless steel trim on each side of the grille, a la 38 standard? Really helps break up the dark paint.
A 24 stud 221 cubic inch cable brake equipped 38 is every bit is as equal to a 39 mechanically. Dare I say the 38 interiors are slightly nicer appointed than either 37 or 39.
38 was a bad year financially so Ford didnt make near as many 38s as they did 37s or 39s; another reason for not seeing many today.