For Budget Car Collectors, A Handsome Ford Model A Convertible
Classics
American
Henry Ford’s Model A was very late to market, but not too late. By the time it appeared at the end of 1927, the Model T was very dated. But the A was a huge leap forward, and dealers soon made up for lost time. By the time production ended in 1932, Ford had sold more than 4.8 million Model As.
Back then, a trunk was actually a trunk. The Model A sports a brand-new one with leather straps.
This blue Ford Model A Convertible with black fenders recently offered at eBay Motors is from 1931, the penultimate year of production. It’s the handsome Deluxe Roadster and in very good driver condition. “The engine starts right away and works just fine,” the seller says. “This is an older restoration with visible flaws to the paint, but shows very well for its age.”
The Model A features many extras, including Ford covers and rearview mirrors on the dual sidemounts. This car dates from the era when a trunk was, in fact, a trunk—a big suitcase strapped on back—and a lovely new one with leather straps is fitted. The upholstery, top, rumble seat, chrome, grille guard, and flying goose radiator mascot all look excellent. The brakes work well, and the wide whitewall tires have plenty of tread.
The car features good-looking chrome, from the grille guard to the flying goose radiator ornament.
“This car has all the little extras and nothing is missing,” the seller said. “It’s very rare to find in this condition and at this price.” The main problem to solve is an oil leak, which can likely be repaired with a new rear main seal.
The engine is a simple L-head water-cooled four.
Model As are among the most ubiquitous collector cars, and make a great introduction to the hobby. The mechanicals are straightforward: a water-cooled L-head, four-cylinder engine making 40 horsepower, an unsynchronized three-speed manual transmission, and drum brakes all around. Top speed was around 65 miles per hour. The 1931 option list included a radiator cowling and headlight buckets made of stainless steel.
And because so many Model As were made, both the cars themselves and parts for them are affordable. Also, just about everything is re-manufactured, from complete interiors to wheels. It is quite possible to build a complete Model A from parts found on eBay Motors.
eBay Motors offers numerous 100 Model As - opens in new window or tab., including roadsters, coupes, pickups, and hot rods. eBay also has a wide selection of Model A parts.
There would be more original Model A coupes and roadsters around, if they weren’t hugely in demand as the basis for hot rod builds—from the early 1940s (when they were run on dry California lake beds). A fenderless 1932 roadster with a hot V-8 - opens in new window or tab. under the hood is the ultimate for many rodders.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.