Vehicle Description
Alongside the ground-breaking, world-changing Model T passenger
cars that Henry Ford built by the millions, he simultaneously
changed the scope of the the commercial truck market with the Model
TT. The medium-duty TT was built in smaller numbers (approximately
1.4 million to the 15 million Model T cars) yet still in massive
quantities and at a much cheaper price compared to its competition,
allowing many businesses to motorize their operations for the first
time. Based upon the standard Model T passenger car, the TT was
enhanced for a 1-ton capacity and heavy-duty service. It proved
popular with bus builders, local delivery businesses and
construction companies. But as the Model T reached the end of its
production, competitive trucks were becoming ever more car-like and
easy to operate, something that was never the TT's strong point.
With the introduction of the vastly refined Model A in 1927, Ford
replaced the Model TT with the fully revised AA truck. Like its
predecessor, the AA shared its engine, main body, and basic layout
with its lighter duty sibling. The AA featured an all new frame
built to handle the rigors of work, as well as oversized four-wheel
drum brakes and heavy-duty wheels. Power came from the same 3.3
liter, 201 cubic inch four-cylinder engine as the passenger car but
was fitted with a larger radiator and backed by a new four-speed
gearbox with substantially lower ratios and a reverse lockout. The
suspension was much like the A up front, with a transverse leaf
spring on a solid beam axle. In the rear, early trucks got a
worm-drive rear axle and heavy-duty leaf springs, with later trucks
gaining a ring-and-pinion axle. The AA was a work truck first and
foremost, but was simple to operate and easy to service as so many
parts were in common with the standard Model A. �It also shared
much of the body work with the A, making it a rather good looking
machine as well. The Ford factory and countless aftermarket
suppliers offered a variety of commercial bodies from ambulances to
dump trucks to tankers. The AA was a global success for Ford, with
Model AA trucks serving in military and civilian duty around the
world for many years to come. This wonderful 1931 Ford Model AA is
a desirable late production model benefitting from many of the
running changes made over the course of Model A production. It is
presented in fabulous condition, with a period appropriate and
authentically presented Gilmore Gasoline tanker body finished in
the famous Gilmore "Red Lion" red and yellow livery. It was
formerly part of the Pat Phinny collection of Carmel California
where it was often displayed at Pat's Baja Cantina restaurant; a
sort of mecca for gearheads - loaded to the gills with genuine
motoring memorabilia. This Model AA is a beautifully restored
truck, with distinct red cab and hood accented with black fenders,
a yellow swage line and a yellow tanker body. The base paint
quality is excellent, and the body is very straight with
factory-appropriate panel fit and fine detailing. Gilmore livery on
the doors, tank, and roof-mounted placard has all been
painstakingly and beautifully hand-painted. The truck is equipped
with the optional dual-rear wheel axle, and the factory correct
Budd wheels are finished in black and wrapped in Firestone
blackwall tires as would have been appropriate when new. A single
side-mount spare wheel can be fitted front or rear, and the truck
features an interesting recess in the driver's door to clear the
oversized spare wheel. The tanker body appears to be an authentic
piece, and is of course beautifully restored and presented with
correct-type fenders, fittings, gorgeous hand-painted signage and a
heavy-duty rear bumper. Inside is essentially standard fare for
anyone familiar with the Model A passenger car, but the AA's were
obviously very basic in specification. Like the rest of the truck,
it has been restored to a correct and good-quality standard with
correct-type upholstery material on the seat and door cards, a
hard-wearing rubber mat for commercial duty and very basic
controls. The shift lever retains the correct reverse lockout for
the four-speed gearbox and the original steering wheel is in
excellent condition. Ford's small but mighty four-cylinder engine
presents very well with mainly correct detailing and paint
finishes. It runs well, starting easily and pulling the big AA
truck along admirably, thanks to the low gearing in the four-speed
transmission. While speeding will not be much of a concern, it is
no doubt a delightful thing to drive, relying on the easy,
low-revving and torquey nature of the engine, and of course turning
heads with those stunning looks. With its high quality presentation
and well-executed restoration in period correct livery, this
charming and attractive Ford AA Tanker would be most welcome at
casual shows, used in business promotion or simply to cruise to
your favorite local. Regardless of how it gets enjoyed, it is
certain to be a conversation piece wherever it goes.
