Vehicle Description
The 1930 Ford Model A replicas built by Shay have an interesting
history all of their own. They look like a 90+ year-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.
Harry Shay started a new car company to help celebrate Ford's 50th
anniversary in 1979. Ford granted the rights to use the Model A
design and provided the drivetrain components. Shay built the
bodies and assembled the vehicles. It's believed there were less
than 5,000 original Shay Model As produced over a few years, and of
those, this looks like it may be a very rare Super Deluxe Roadster.
This was a more expensive upgraded model that included the dual
side-mounted spare tires and rear luggage rack with a locking
trunk. The cream and black two-tone is impressive and glossy. Plus,
there are terrific details like the dual bumpers, full-length
pinstriping, quail hood ornament. Running boards with step plates
and wire wheels. In total, it's exactly how you would expect a 1930
Ford to look, but it has the benefit of a lighter fiberglass
body.
First look at the interior, and you would not immediately notice
this is a replica. The black vinyl seats and door trim are very
well presented. And this one also gets the details right from the
wind wings on the side of the windshield to the fantastic rumble
seat. But then you slip into the driver's seat and find a more
comfortable wheel than an original Model A. The gauge package is in
the center and simple looking, just like any other Model A, but
it's a much crisper/cleaner VDO unit. There's even a quality heater
and full top/curtain package to keep this one useful in all
weather.
Where there's no mistaking this car's pedigree is when you lift the
hood. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder motor is close to the size of
what came on the original Model A, but a half-century of progress
means this pinto engine is much more powerful than what was in a
'30 Ford. It's not just the engine that's upgraded. There's a
four-speed manual transmission, front disc brakes, a newer
stainless exhaust, and an independent front suspension. So in the
end, you have a classic roadster that looks vintage, but it drives
substantially better.
There's no greater feeling than cruising down the road in a true
classic that feels authentic right down to the "Aoooga!" horn. And
now you do that with a more modern vehicle with an interesting
story that ties it to Ford's original. Call today!!!
