1931 Ford Model A

Description

We continue to believe that the Model A Ford is the best possible introduction to the old car hobby. Fun, handsome, reliable, and with massive parts and knowledge support, this 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Coupe delivers an authentic old car experience with a classic look that makes the Model A a perennial favorite.

Mostly original but repainted a few years ago, this neat Deluxe coupe still looks sharp even though it's been a favorite tour car for many years. Despite being a low-cost car, Ford offered a dizzying array of colors for the Model A, and this one has been refinished in traditional black with a straw-colored pinstripe and matching wheels, which was probably Henry Ford's personal favorite. Finish quality decent despite the age, and while Model As are simple machines, getting them to fit together this well can be a challenge, so someone did their homework here. The paint has an appropriate shine but not a modern one, so it looks quite authentic and the pinstripes highlight the belt moldings, an echo of big brother Lincoln's upscale look. Ford's use of stainless steel was extensive, so it all got polished up and the bumpers give the car a bit of jewelry to go with its no-nonsense look. The rear-mounted spare has also been fitted with a tan vinyl cover that really dresses it up.

The interior gets cloth mohair upholstery, while the rumble seat is fitted with correct brown leatherette, and it's quite possible that the upholstery is original. The driver's part of the seat in particular is pretty worn, but then again, on a car that hasn't been fully restored, perhaps replacing it would be a mistake, it's hard to say. The instrument panel features a round speedometer, which was introduced in late 1930, and but the rest of the controls should be familiar, including the ammeter and fuel gauge. Once you get it started, you'll find it's easy to master driving a Model A with no special knowledge required, and control action is light, including steering and brakes. The rumble seat has probably been restored at some point, offering comfortable, if somewhat cozy, accommodations for two on black leatherette upholstery that's simple and easy to maintain.

The tough little 200 cubic inch inline-four out-performs its spec sheet, and you've never had 40 horsepower feel so energetic. Most of that is due to the engine's stout torque curve, which pulls the little coupe around with enthusiasm. The engine runs superbly, as most Model As do, and hasn't been "upgraded" with questionable mods that are never really necessary anyway. It's still got a Zenith updraft carb, a standard generator, and even the flat strips of copper that serve as ignition wires. This is an early-production '31 (probably fall of 1930), as evidenced by the flat firewall with glass fuel bowl, and it has all the little stuff right, from the paint on the block to the hose clamps and fabric hoses. A 3-speed manual transmission was your only choice in a Model A (brush up on your double-clutching!) as were mechanical brakes, which are effective if maintained properly. 19-inch wire wheels are correct and wear right-sized 4.75/5.00-19 whitewall tires, which really add some sparkle to the blue-collar Model A.

These are simply wonderful cars to own and drive, and if you haven't experienced the joy that is a Model A, this coupe is an excellent place to start. Call today!