Vehicle Description
1930 Model A Coupe
The original Model A's had a top speed of about 65 mph. In 1930,
that was very fast for a road car. They had mechanical drum brakes
because short of hand brakes and a few outliers, that was the
standard. The fuel tank was located in the cowl between the
firewall and the dash panel and had a visual gauge. Now you know
where the firewall got its name!
For consignment, a 1930 Model A that we're going to assume can go
more than 65 mph. This is a road ready steel and fiberglass street
rod with a raspberry coat and all the right ingredients for some
showtime and icecream run enjoyment. Inside and out, this checks
all the boxes for the Model A you've always wanted but didn't have
the time to build.
Exterior
Two stage Raspberry Metallic paint covers this car in a style they
couldn't even have imagined in 1930. Clearcoat wasn't really
invented yet and metallic paint, made from fish scales in the 30's,
was only available for the very rich. That said, it fits this car
well and is contrasted by the chrome bumper, lightbar, and grille
which is topped with a quail ornament, symbolizing quickness. The
all steel tall cab has not been chopped, so full sized windows
prevail and the windshield is shaded by an exterior visor. The cab
sits on wide flowing fiberglass fenders connected by a large
running board. Glossy raspberry paint covers the rear section which
is enhanced by split bumpers, (oh, you thought they were invented
by Chevrolet in 1970?), and rectangular chrome exhaust tips. The
car wears 15-inch Crager SS wheels and has a desirable raked
stance. Imperfections are small but numerous and include scratches,
bubbles, chips, and cracking.
Interior
Open the doors and the first thing that came to this writer's mind
is old fashioned ribbon candy. The panels carry over the raspberry
although it's mixed with white vinyl. The bucket seats have white
inserts on raspberry sides and headrest. The headliner and
sidewalls take on the white and create an airy, open feel to the
interior. A wood rimmed Grant 3 spoke steering wheel is front and
center on a modern tilt column. Matching wood covers the dashboard
where two big gauges flank the column, backed by diamond shaped
billet plates. More Equus white faced gauges take the center
position on the dash, old school style, embedded in a polished
clover shaped frame. A modern Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit is in
front of the passenger but easily reachable by the driver. An
American Shifter push button knob tops the floor mounted shifter in
a rubber boot. Loop style carpeted black mats cover the floor and
external speakers are mounted in the footwell which also has
raspberry vinyl walls.
Drivetrain
A 302ci Ford V8 is under the hood, a welcome sight for those who
disdain the common Chevy small block transplant. Even better, it
has aluminum heads and a Holley 4-barrel carburetor on top. A C4
3-speed automatic transmission backs it all up and sends power to
the Ford 9" rear. Vintage drum brakes wouldn't make sense here, so
the car is now equipped with power discs in front and power drums
in the back. Headers take the place of exhaust manifolds and send
the burnt gas southward. The exposed engine shows well with
gleaming chrome valve covers, yellow wires, and a polished
carb.
Undercarriage
Generally, driver quality underneath with minimal surface rust and
some road dirt. The oil pan and transmission pan look dry. The dual
exhaust finds its way back to Flowmaster mufflers then heads over
the axle to exit and finally exit out the back. Front and back have
four bar suspension with transverse leaf springs.
Drive-Ability
The unchopped top allows for great visibility. Even the back window
is larger than many A's we've driven. The seats are comfortable,
and the cabin is compact but not claustrophobic. We prime the carb
and turn the key and she rumbles eagerly onto the test loop. The
exposed engine is not only great for show, but emits pleasant
noises and the exhaust note chimes in. The car runs solid and
shifts smoothly. We find all functions work except the headlights
and taillights, so you'll have to stick to daytime cruising until
that's addressed.
This is a wonderful Model A that's comfortable and color
coordinated! Raspberry is a great color for this body style and is
a bit different from most of the cars we see. If building one is
out of the question and you find this one as attractive as we do,
check in with the mall today and arrange for a closer look.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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