Vehicle Description
As evocative of the past as a classic can be, this 1931 Ford Model
A Phateon is a veritable rolling piece of Americana. It absolutely
radiates class and, whether you're looking to make a big entrance
at car shows or turn heads on the boulevard, you can just get
behind the wheel of this ride and watch it happen. Looking vibrant
after a thorough restoration, it also offers a solid running
condition and is ready to create future chapters of open-air
cruising memories just as soon as you bring it home.
This vintage Ford represents its manufacturer at a time when it was
at a crossroads. Despite being the preeminent nameplate in the
marketplace, Ford's lead had been shrinking rapidly, as competitors
were introducing more inspired styling and several convenience
features. Henry Ford himself finally turned his designers loose to
forge a new path, and this '31 illustrates the results of their
efforts, which really paid off in terms of sales. Even though the
body is fiberglass, the flowing fenders leading to broad running
boards, dual spare tires mounted just in front of both doors and a
much more modern overall sensibility thoroughly recaptured the
interest of the car-buying public. The black paint draped over this
classic is in fine shape and serves as an effective backdrop for
the crisp green pinstriping. This car is very much a driver - its
lights all work as intended and it starts up surprisingly easy.
Should you find yourself out on the road when the skies darken, the
added LeBaron Bonney convertible top is in great shape and fits
nicely.
Inside, a number of modern touches have been blended into the mix
to increase driving comfort. A pair of contoured reclining bucket
seats take their place up front, with seat belts for increased
safety, as well as far more padding and support than their original
counterparts, while a spacious bench seat occupies the rear portion
of the cabin. Both are straddled by very clean door panels - the
pair on this car fit nicely. Though not an overly sizable car, the
Phateon provides plenty of room inside the cabin and you'll have no
issues bringing along a trio of passengers to accompany you on your
adventures. Farther forward on the shiny black of the dash area,
the gauges inside the signature clover-shaped instrument panel all
work properly and the additional water temperature display comes in
handy to keep tabs on things while on the road.
Mechanically speaking, this Phateon strikes a fine balance of
authenticity and drivability. It's propelled by an inline 4
cylinder engine that's fed by a period-correct 1 barrel carb, wears
a vintage Snyder head with a 5.5 to 1 compression ratio that was
state of the art during the era and pairs with a 3-speed manual
transmission that shifts smoothly. The Mitchell overdrive extends
the capabilities of this icon, allowing lowered RPMs when the final
gear is engaged, and Flathead Ted Brake Energizer kits at both ends
enhance stopping ability. To provide more precise navigation, a
steering box lifted from a Ford F1 pickup is also in place. This
great looking, pivotal classic will turn plenty of heads as it
cruises down the road on its set of clean 19" spoke wheels
outfitted with 4.75/5.00-19 bias ply tires.
You'd be hard pressed to find a more fitting representative of such
an important time in automotive history and the ultra-clean state
and strong running form of this 1931 Ford Model A Phaeton will make
it a prized centerpiece in any garage. Call today!
