For Sale: 1981 Ford Shay Model A in Lutz, Florida

The Ford Model A replicas built by Shay have an interesting history all of their own. They look like a century-old classic, but beneath the vintage looks is a more modern drivetrain. This is a pretty cool setup that Ford dealers officially helped distribute as part of a very special Model A anniversary. It made for the base of a true factory-built restomod, and this rumble seat example takes it a step further with a higher level of fit and finish.


Harry Shay started a new car company that wanted to celebrate the golden anniversary of Ford's Model A passing one million units produced. He didn't just start out on his own to build a fiberglass replica of the iconic Model A, but instead he got Ford's blessing and sold them through Ford dealers. So a Shay Model A is almost like less of a replica and more of a continuation. While all Shay Model As are rare (it's believed only 5,000 examples were made over a multi-year run,) a Deluxe Roadster like this one is considered an even rarer prize. The Deluxe was a more expensive upgraded model that included the side-mounted spare tire and rear luggage rack. That made for a great base for a car that has been given investments to now be exceptional. For example, most Shay As don't have the chrome on the grille, headlight bar, and wire wheels, and this level of brightwork really gives this roadster an upper-class image. The same goes for the look of the tan roof and matching tan trunk against the smooth cream gelcoat body. And there are terrific details, like the whitewall tires, tan pinstripes, etched glass wind wings, and Ford's premium quail hood ornament. The result is quite a stinking classic that you'll soon discover also has an everyday kind of appeal.


The interior strikes a terrific balance between authentic and positively luxurious. It starts with the upholstery. The tan nicely coordinates with the exterior accents to keep this looking well-coordinated when open to the world. And the button-top pattern has a stylishly classic appearance. But it's a newer piece finished in supple leather. This same look goes for the desirable and iconic rumble seat. The controls have the same simplicity as the original Model A, but there has been a big upgrade in style and function. There's a leather wrapped banjo-style sports steering wheel mounted on a tilt column; the floor shifter is now a Lokar unit; and the gauge panel has the cool blue glow of a Dakota Digital setup.


The engine bay has kind of a cool link to the Model A. After all, you could always see a full view of the four-cylinder's long block when you opened either side of the butterfly hood. So that tradition continues here, but with a far more modern and upgraded powerplant. The 2.3-liter motor is from the Pinto era, and it makes for a good base for parts availability. And as you can see this one was already given a ton of upgrades in style and substance. It's built with a Holley carburetor, Holley electric fuel pump, MSD ignition, steel braided lines, AN fittings, and an awesome-looking polished header that feeds the Borla exhaust. And as you look underneath, this shows all the reasons why a Shay A is better. The three-speed transmission, front disc brakes, and an independent front suspension gives you a classic roadster that looks great but drives substantially better.


There's no greater feeling than cruising down the road in a head-turning classic. And now you do that with a more modern vehicle with an interesting story that ties it to Ford's original. Call today!!!