Vehicle Description
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!!!
