Vehicle Description
1980 Ford Shay Deluxe Roadster
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 1920's 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, dual
bar chrome bumpers, and swooping black fenders and running boards
it is looking much like the 1920's all over again. Patinaed black
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. Shiny chromed and black 18-inch spoked
wheels wrapped with wide whites adorn the corners, and even the
spares are inserted into the front fenders,part of the deluxe
package. Those black fenders curve up and down in front and in back
and are held together by a running board with an inserted chromed
framed rubber grip for easier entry. Mounted on the firewall
outside are large fresnel lens turn signals. On the back is a wood
and chromed steel luggage rack that folds down. A lightly faded
black canvas top has a yellowed plastic rear window and shows with
a notable tear above the passenger's entrance. The rumble seat is
showing nicely and is the perfect distance away from the driver for
the mother-in-law. Noted on a few surfaces paint is showing some
aging, slight scratches in the form of dulling, and some of the
chrome shows early signs of delamination with rusted screws.
Interior
A simple black bench in vinyl stretches from door to door. Upfront
the black padded textured vinyl dash houses the "mask" like
instrument cluster, but with just a twist of modern design from its
predecessor original. It has a larger sweep speedo with inserted
fuel and temperature gauges, and turn signal indicators. An under
dash mounted stereo is seen on the passenger's side, and black
carpet is flooding the floor. The steering wheel has modern turn
signals, wiper lever, hazard flashers and a locking ignition. On
top is a smaller steering wheel to make driving just a bit less
unwieldy. The door panels are nice with some white stitching on
black vinyl in a keystone pattern and a pouch storage in the
center. Actuating hardware is missing for both sides, so you ll
need to do a reach over to open the doors when inside. Residing on
the floor is a modern handbrake and the long shift lever for the
automatic transmission.
Drivetrain
Slightly more complex than the original Model A under the cowls,
now mounted is an overhead cam 4-cylinder engine, 2.3 liters with
88hp from the Ford Pinto motor. 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 Ford 6-3/4 inch rear axle. A bit more complex
than the late 1920's version underneath this hood, it has just more
electronics noted. Some surface rust in a fine coating is also
present on various parts under this hood, along with a round chrome
topped air cleaner housing.
Undercarriage
Mustang II independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, and
front disc and rear drum setup along with some rear leaf springs
are noted. The frame is solid and shows some surface rust. Mostly
fiberglass abounds underneath, as well as the fairly clean
underside of the engine and transmission. Slight surface rust
upfront from scraping of parking lot cement bumpers, but definitely
structurally sound.
Drive-Ability
The combination of a 70's engine, chassis and braking technology
with a 1920's ride height and 1930's 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 bias-ply 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 850 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.