Vehicle Description
1980 Shay Model A Replica
Take a look at Harry Shay's effort to provide the nostalgic looks
of the Model A Ford roadster with the ease of a late-model car.
Now, however, even commonplace cars of the Shay's 1978-'82 era,
(and its successor, by Camelot Motors), are open to consideration
as something more than just transportation. As such, one can
consider the Shay as a contemporary to the Pinto on which it was
based, rather than in the context of its 1920s inspiration. Take
into account its approximately 5,000-unit production run and it's
even something of a rarity.
For consignment, a deal between Harry Shay and the Ford Motor
company to produce a replica of the Model A without the
unreliability of the mechanicals, rough rides, or problems with the
old steel bodies, and a fully function replica of the classic Model
A. These were even offered through Ford dealers and based on the
Pinto platform.
Exterior
Full on fiberglass exactly replicating the original model A with
its cowled hood, short doors, rumble seat, convertible top, and
dual bar chrome bumpers, and swooping black fenders and running
boards it is looking much like the 1920s all over again. Pale
Yellow, bordering on cream, paint dances with various chromed and
polished trimmings on the body like side view mirror, door handles,
headlights and of course the main front grille...complete with
flying mallard radiator cap. All of this works with the 18-inch
steel spoked wheels in contrasting black. Black fenders curve up
and down in front and in back and are held together by a running
board. Black wire spoke wheels frame all 4 corners of this car and
are wrapped in era correct thing tread wide whitewall rubber. On
the back is a matching black wire wheel with a wide white tire. A
very nice textured black canvas top with plastic side rear windows
and a clear plastic rear window top this reproduction. Side
curtains are also included with the purchase for inclement weather
motoring. The rumble seat is in very nice condition and perfect
distance away from the driver for the mother-in-law.
Interior
A simple single bench in more black vinyl stretches from door to
door. Upfront the black padded dash houses the "mask" like
instrument cluster, but with just a twist of modern design from its
predecessor original. A trio of add-on gauges hang below the center
of the dash and down low on the passenger side is an AM/FM radio. A
modern steering wheel and column is seen on the driver's side, and
black carpet is flooding the floor. The shifter and parking brake
are centrally mounted on the floor all within the driver's
reach.
Drivetrain
Slightly more complex than the original Model A under the cowls,
now mounted is an overhead cam 4-cylinder engine 2.3-liter inline
engine with 88hp from the Ford Pinto. It is topped by a single
2-barrel carburetor. A very recognizable setup for any mechanic,
now much easier to have worked on if a problem should arise. This
car is also equipped with a FOG 4-speed manual transmission, and a
7.5-inch rear axle.
Undercarriage
Pinto independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, and front
disc and rear drum setup are all present. The frame is solid and
mostly rust free save for some surface rust. Mostly fiberglass
abounds underneath, as well as the fairly clean underside of the
engine and transmission. Slight surface rust upfront but nothing
remarkable is noted.
Drive-Ability
The combination of '70s engine, chassis and braking technology with
a 1920s ride height and 1930s tires makes the Shay a uniquely
handling automobile. The experience is very similar to a Model A
until you turn the corner or step on the brakes, at which point the
more-modern technology makes its presence known in a positive way.
On uneven surfaces, however, my ride told me that the shimmy and
wander of the skinny tires bring back the old days. It ran just
peachy, and was a hoot to drive, wandering left and right or
not.
One would expect the usual Model A sound, cantankerous starting,
lack of modern drive-ability, however this car offers up a pleasant
surprise. It is easy to drive, and also attracts attention as any
Model A would. When something goes wrong, just take it to your
local Ford dealer...Shay what??!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
