Vehicle Description
1931 Ford Model A Roadster
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Ford Model A was one of the
most publicized and best-selling cars in America. It was sporty,
attractive, well-built, and smooth-running compared to the Model T,
which it replaced in the 1928 model year. Thousands of people were
eager to see for themselves that "Henry's made a lady out of
Lizzie," and they stormed Ford showrooms when the Model A debuted
on December 2, 1927. In less than two weeks there were 400,000
orders, and Henry Ford could not keep up with the demand for his
latest "gift" to an increasingly mobile nation. Despite the onset
of the Depression, Model A production remained strong at 1,261,053
cars in 1930 but fell to 626,579 cars in 1931, the last year that
the Model A was produced. (Thanks to the National Museum of
American History)
For consignment a beautifully restored 1931 Model A Roadster which
was the beneficiary of a full frame off restoration. Looking
authentic, with two tone meticulously applied painted exterior,
wire wheels, a black vinyl interior with a pristinely restored dash
and a mother in law seat in back this is a showpiece
restoration.
Exterior
Looking the part of the gangster era with its tall convertible
roofline, extended cowled hood and rounded off back, completed with
fenders and running boards, along with the essential chromed
radiator surround flanked by chromed encased head lighting. All
this chrome is nearly perfect. There are dual bar bumpers in front
and split dual bars on back. From the beltline down on the body is
bathed in pale green and has a black accenting at the door sills
that runs up to the cowled hood and back to the trunk deck. The
fenders and running boards take this black and use it to cover all
their surfaces including the rockers. The canvas top is an ivory
color and shows very nicely with some wood accented framing. On the
back just behind the rumble seat is a spare tire and split dual bar
chrome bumper. Wheels are slightly darker green painted wires in
19-inch form, and rubber is like new. Some serious money went into
this paint job and no dents or dings are seen.
Interior
Black vinyl covers the padded bench seat which stretches from black
vinyl covered door panel to door panel. The seat is nicely aged and
floats above tan carpeting on the floor. The dash takes on the
exterior light green, is mostly oval in shape and has a Ford "gas
mask" styled chromed instrument panel showing some slight pitting,
(the only fault I could find on this car!). A large steering wheel
with a spark advance lever is fronting this near perfect dash.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a nicely, (award winning), restored and 201ci
4-cylinder engine. It is fed fuel by a 1-barrel carburetor and the
original 3-speed manual transmission is on back pushing power
rearward to a 3.78 gear rear axle. All show quality on the finishes
of this engine and bay.
Undercarriage
Extremely clean with no rust in sight, frame and running boards, as
well as body hangers are solid and rust free. Showroom quality
floor pans are all solid and painted black. Transverse leaf springs
are the suspension on all 4 corners, and mechanical drum brakes
show up also on all 4 corners. You will need a mirror when you take
this car to shows it's that good.
Drive-Ability
This old gal fired right up running on all 4 cylinders, and as I
slipped it into gear we were ready to take on the test track. It
has a nostalgic feel to the ride, nice smooth acceleration, a
wonderful sound, and good handling. Braking needs to be planned a
bit ahead but works just fine.
A near perfectly planned restoration, and now as close to concours
as one can get! Amazingly clean undercarriage, perfect paint, and
beautiful interior, (albeit simple), and definitely could be a
shower, as well as a driver. Just do not plan open cruising down
the highway at more than 40MPH!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
