Vehicle Description
Closed Model As always look more substantial and expensive than
they really are. In 1931, this Model A Victoria was affordable
transportation and made its owner look and feel like a million
bucks (particularly important during the Depression). Today, it
does much the same thing, with elegant styling that looks like it
should cost thousands more than it does.
The restoration is now several years old, but it was done quite
correctly. Chicle and Copra Drab was a popular choice on the Ford
color chart and with contrasting black fenders, moldings, and
splash aprons, it looks simply fantastic. Someone spent a lot more
than the asking price getting it into this condition and it shows;
the paint is glossy, the doors fit well, and aside from some minor
checking due to age, it has held up extremely well. The Victoria
was a late addition to the lineup and came in two styles, the
"leatherback" and the steel version seen here, both of which were
regarded as the top-of-the-line. Relative to a lot of other Model
As, the Victoria is rather rare, and it offers the utility of a
sedan with a bit more style. The rear-mounted tire is joined by an
accessory trunk rack that allows the installation of a rear-mounted
trunk, which enhances this Model A's touring capabilities. A
straw-colored pinstripe highlights the subtle curves of the
bodywork without looking gratuitous and the long-grain vinyl top
insert is correct and nicely installed. Other accessories include
the Boyce moto-meter on the radiator and a mesh grille guard.
The Victoria got lots of upgrades inside, where it feels as
luxurious as its big brothers over at Lincoln. Correct broadcloth
upholstery, an adjustable front seat, and woodgrained moldings all
contribute to the upscale look and feel. Materials and patterns are
correct, and this is a comfortable cruiser for four passengers. The
standard Model A instrument panel is a late-31 piece with round
speedometer and the dash has been properly pinstriped to highlight
its shape. The hard rubber steering wheel with center-mounted horn
and headlight controls makes you feel like you're at the wheel of
something significant, and aftermarket turn signals were added for
touring safety. Proper carpets with heel pad for the driver were
installed over the original-style wooden floorboards, and thanks to
restored weather seals, it closes up tightly and feels hushed
inside. Can you believe that a car this nice costs so little?
The little Ford inline-four makes big torque and moves the
relatively lightweight sedan with ease. 45 MPH cruising is not
unusual for these cars, and their reliability and fun-to-drive
quotient are legendary. How else do you explain that there are
still millions on the road today? While many have been haphazardly
restored and feel ancient from behind the wheel, this one is tight
and confident, with good brakes (as good as Model A brakes get,
anyway), and after you master the art of the double-clutch,
shifting is fun and easy. The engine bay was obviously detailed at
the time of restoration but has been driven quite a bit since then,
making this a tour car, not a show car, but that's where Model As
really shine. The only notable alteration from stock is a 6-volt
alternator, but it's done right and doesn't call attention to
itself. It's much the same underneath: clean and functional with
signs of a lot of restoration work in the past. The original
19-inch wheels are fitted with accessory trim rings as well as a
set of proper blackwall tires that suit the humble Model A just
fine.
Who doesn't love Model As? This Vicky makes a convincing argument
for simply getting into an old car and heading out on the road just
to see where it leads. Call today!