1931 Ford Model A

Description

I've said it before and it remains true: the Ford Model A is the ideal first hobby car. Cars like this '31 tudor sedan are handsome, reliable, and fun to drive, and at the same time, they teach you about the basics of old car ownership, particularly how they drive. So if you're just starting out or perhaps looking to try something a little older than your average muscle car, this Model A definitely deserves a closer look.

The tudor sedan (yes, that's how Ford spelled it, not "two-door") is a great choice: roomy like a 4-door, but a bit sporty like a coupe. Finished in what appears to be Washington Blue with black fenders and a Dove Gray pinstripe, it's a lot more elegant-looking than you'd expect from an affordable Ford. The restoration is a few years old now, but it still looks great with doors that fit well, a hood that's easy to latch, and a generally dressy look that's quite appealing. The '31s are easy to recognize with their painted grille inserts, and it's nice to see one outfitted pretty much the way they were when new with standard bumpers, a rear-mounted spare, cowl lights and a simple Boyce moto-meter atop the radiator. The long-grain vinyl top insert is in great shape and while the pinstripe doesn't quite adhere to the factory pattern, it does give it a dressy look. Ford pioneered the use of stainless steel, which he called "rustless steel," and the grille shell, headlight buckets (with modern sealed beams inside), and bumpers are all made of the stuff, so they'll stay shiny practically forever. That's just another reason to love the low-maintenance A.

Inside, a handsome gray mohair interior adds to the A's upscale feel. Front passengers got bucket seats, and the passenger's flips forward for access to the rear bench. Simple door panels, a reproduction rubber mat, and a classy headliner add authenticity, and you can tell that this is a late 1931 model by the round speedometer instead of the older oval unit. The black rubber steering wheel feels robust in your hands and is linked to delightfully lively steering and the foot controls are laid out in the usual fashion, so it won't take long to get comfortable behind the wheel. The seats remain in very good condition with minimal wear, and thanks to quality workmanship, it seems to defy the years and should continue to look good for years to come.

The engine is the usual 200 cubic inch inline-four that's rated at 40 horsepower, but that really under-sells the Model A's performance. It's quite torquey and happily zips through traffic without feeling like a rolling speed bump. It'll cruise happily at 45 all day and you'll never get tired of the familiar exhaust note. Aside from green paint that's perhaps a shade or two too dark, the engine is nicely detailed with a Zenith carburetor and flat spark plug leads from the original distributor. It's upgraded with a modern cooling fan to help with traffic as well as an alternator for improved electrical performance. The 3-speed manual transmission shifts easily with a quick double-clutch, and the underside is clean and orderly and ready to tour. Five 19-inch wide whites on painted wire wheels give it an authentic look.

Still affordable and still fun, a Model A belongs in every collector's garage at least once. Come on, give it a try - I promise you'll love it. Call now!