Vehicle Description
We sell a lot of hot rods and a lot of Model As, so you'd think
quite a few Ford 5-window coupes would have passed through our
showrooms. Wrong. Turns out, these are still somewhat uncommon, and
when they're done to the level of this 1931 Ford coupe, it makes it
easy to understand why their owners are reluctant to let them go.
It's not radical, but it sure is pretty and that counts for a lot
in the hot rod world!
Neat to see a Model A coupe without a chopped top or fenders that
have been removed. Instead, this one is an all-steel car with
fiberglass fenders that retains the factory look. The '32 grille
shell seems to be the lone modification, but it's a good one that
makes the car seem longer and sleeker than it is. The Burnt Orange
finish is a great color that glows in the sunlight and emphasizes
many of the Ford's curves and ornate details, things that make it
look far more expensive than it is. The builder wisely kept the
stainless trim largely intact, including the bumpers, cowl lights,
and taillights, and there's even a correct luggage rack mounted out
back. Fit and finish are very good, surprising for a Model A, and
it's clear that a lot of time went into getting the little stuff
right before they started spraying paint. Man, they really built
this thing right.
The tan interior is beautifully trimmed and the vinyl upholstery is
not only durable, but it does a great impersonation of leather so
it feels upscale. Door panels were trimmed to match so it seems
period correct and the original dash has been carefully modified to
blend old and new in a seamless way. There are classic Auto Meter
gauges along the center, a steering wheel that looks to be from a
'50s Ford, and A/C ducts neatly installed in a panel underneath
(the system needs to be serviced). Dark carpets anchor the interior
and a stubby shifter manages the TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission underneath. An AM/FM/CD stereo head unit is tucked out
of the way up on the headliner and the windshield still tilts open
for ventilation on not-so-hot days. And unlike most rods, this
Model A still has a fully operational and comfortable rumble seat,
ideal for taking friends along when you cruise.
Nothing radical under the hood, just a bulletproof 350 Chevy V8
dressed neatly and built to be reliable. There's plenty of power on
tap, don't worry, thanks to an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and
intake, center-bolt heads, and a set of block-hugging headers.
Plenty of polished aluminum and chrome makes it worthwhile to open
the hood at shows and the big radiator and electric fan don't have
any problem keeping things cool. The chassis is augmented with an
A-arm front suspension, coil-over shocks, rack-and-pinion steering,
and disc brakes, while the Ford 9-inch rear end is suspended on a
4-link. Twin fuel cells give this car massive cruising range and
the frame is heavily reinforced and the floors are painted to match
the bodywork, making for a very clean presentation. A custom dual
exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers sounds suitable for a
'30s hot rod and the stance is perfect with those Torque Thrust
wheels and 195/60/15 front and 255/70/15 rear BFG radials.
Solid, comfortable, powerful, and fun, this Ford coupe gets
everything right. If you're looking for an unusual turn-key Ford
that doesn't stray too far from the norm, this is a fantastic
choice. Call today!
