Vehicle Description
For years, Model A fans have complained about how most newer
restorations are "over-done" and "over-accessorized," and they're
probably right. These were working-class cars that were affordable
and stylish, but still available to the regular guy. This lovely
1929 Ford sedan is not only a rather attractive pre-war car, but
has a good quality restoration that is ready to enjoy right
away.
Basic black was, of course, Henry Ford's favorite color, but adding
a little color only enhances the very attractive Model A design so
it received a correct two-tone green combination instead. Ford was
building hundreds of thousands of Model As, and the books will show
that more than 140,000 (!) 4-door sedans were built in three
distinct styles. This was the most common version, showing a steel
roof and a quarter window, but it's also arguably the most
attractive (there's a reason it was popular). For Ford fans, it's
worth noting that this is a Murray body, and it was finished using
modern paints, so it should look good for years to come. The
two-tone look with black fenders adds an artistic touch that was
entirely Edsel Ford's doing, making the A far more upscale-looking
than its price would suggest. A single rear-mounted spare is a
refreshing choice (most restorers add dual sidemounts) and dual
taillights are a smart safety upgrade for today's traffic.
The tan whipcord upholstery was probably done a few decades ago, so
it's showing its age, but it looks right in the vintage Ford.
Despite some wear, it has a comfortable period look and details
like the shiny door hardware, map pockets in the doors, and garnish
moldings add to the upscale look. As usual, front seat passengers
get a rubber mat, but the rear seat is carpeted and feels luxurious
with plenty of legroom and a fold-down armrest. The A's usual
single instrument panel with basic gauges remains the highlight of
the interior, along with a hard rubber steering wheel with the
spark control on the left and throttle on the right and the
headlight switch in the center. Of note, this car has been upgraded
with accessory turn signals, another wise safety addition. Roll-up
shades for the rear windows are a privacy feature usually reserved
for high-end luxury cars, but the Ford carries them well, adding to
the upscale feel.
The 200 cubic inch inline-four is surprisingly energetic in the
lightweight little sedan. We don't know a lot of its history, but
it runs extremely well and has plenty of signs of recent
maintenance, including new hoses, plugs, wires, and a correct
2-blade fan. A leak-free water pump is an invisible upgrade and
both the generator and starter appear to have been refreshed at
some point. The 3-speed manual transmission requires a light touch
and a quick double-clutch to grab gears, something you'll quickly
master with the A's easy-going nature, and the chassis shows signs
of use but zero critical issues. Bright Maize Yellow 21-inch wire
wheels look right and carry whitewall tires that really make the A
look well-dressed.
Very attractive and ready to tour, this is a charming Model A
that's closer to the original intent than many of the others out
there. Call today!