Vehicle 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
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 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 tan with a brown pinstripe and matching wheels,
which was probably Henry Ford's personal favorite. Finish quality
is 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, a nice authentic detail the
restorer chose not to ignore. The mohair seat was reupholstered at
some point in the not-too-distant past and has held up very well,
showing off the likelihood that this has only been a parade/Sunday
jaunt antique for quite some time. 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 was properly restored at some point recently as well, offering
comfortable, if somewhat cozy, accommodations for two on brown
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 an updraft
carb and even the flat strips of copper that serve as ignition
wires, although it has been upgraded to a 6v alternator for added
reliability. This is an engine bay that shows lots of evidence of
proper maintenance, 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 when maintained properly. 19-inch wire wheels are correct
and wear right-sized 4.75/5.00-19 black-wall tires, which flow
perfectly with 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!