Vehicle Description
1984 Ford Shay Roadster Pickup
It was a great idea. Recreate Model A's using fiberglass bodies.
Use a modern frame and drop in a modern engine. Voila! An antique
car that could be driven and maintained like a modern car and with
a bit of fanfare, Harry Shay started production in 1978. Before too
long, problems set in, and the small company was unable to keep up
with orders. They also had financial issues and faced a number of
big dollar lawsuits causing the company to file bankruptcy in 1982.
Assets were sold to Camelot Motors, Inc. in 1983.
For consignment, a Camelot Shay Model A roadster pickup truck,
manufactured in November 1983 using the material and methods
developed by Harry Shay, however Camelot beefed up the frames and
added windshield defrosters and included a five year, 50,000 mile
warranty.
Exterior
This handsome pickup truck mixes a Burgundy body with a black bed,
including stakes and white walls, and a retractable top. True to
the real thing, the paint is shiny but not glossy and is
accentuated with taped pinstripes that outline the square panels
and flow over the arching fenders that flank a rubber coated
running board. The tailgate is adorned with a large stamped A, also
outlined with pinstripe over the double ribbon bumper that
replicates the original. 18-inch wires wheels with a different hub
design from Ford cars, benefit from a spare mounted on the driver's
side fender. The bed is lined with wood planks in weathered
condition. And although this car is from the 80's, there's an
authenticity to the overall patina which includes extensive
checking on the horizontal surfaces, surface rust in several
locations where paint fell off, tears in the vinyl top, and
metalwork that would benefit from some restoration.
Interior
Inverse rounded corners highlight the stitched vinyl pattern on the
door card, and in the center of the box, a pleated storage pocket.
Smooth black vinyl covers the bench seat which has a stitched lower
to match the column tufted upper, and it's in good shape. The
modern, (for the times), steering wheel on a thick column is
plastic and is the first visible clue that this car may not be from
1930. Then of course, there's a radio which features AM/FM/Cassette
capabilities, something no one dreamed about in 1930 and is rarely
added to authentic Model A's in stock configuration. The center pod
resembles the original but the gauges are brought up to modern size
and spec. A floor mounted shifter stands tall on the flat floor
covered in back carpet and lined footwells.
Drivetrain
Your mind plays tricks on you as you gaze upon the 2.0 liter SOHC
inline 4 cylinder sporting a mid century airbox and duct system.
The engine is rated at 100 horsepower and is fueled by a 2-barrel
carburetor. A 4-speed manual transmission sends power to the Ford 6
� inch rear. Brakes are front disc and rear drum.
Undercarriage
Patina is carried under with plenty of surface rust and general
usage. That surface rust included the oil pan which is otherwise
dry and free of oil as is the rest of the underside. In fact, a
little bit of cosmetic restoration on the intact underside would go
a long way. The single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler
and exits via a polished tip. Suspension consists of a Mustang II
front end and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
The little four banger came to life without hesitation and if
you've ever had a Ford Pinto, the level of power will be familiar.
It's certainly adequate for this little truck which provides a
comfortable ride, endless visibility save for this slight haze to
the rear window, and instant fun! The working parts of the Model A
replica all worked as they should. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Manufacturers are no strangers to churning out modern
interpretations of classic cars, think Chevy HHR, PT Cruiser,
Camaro, Bronco, and coming soon, Scout! But this is more akin to
the Cobra replicas that have had great success. Keep the body and
appearance the same but beef up the suspension and fit with a more
modern engine, or at least a new version of an old engine. Thus is
the case with Shay and Camelot's Model A. An antique with an
automatic choke, modern ignition, and more stout underpinnings. In
our years of representing these recreations, we can confirm that
every one of them has found a new home which indicates some
popularity. Here's your opportunity to pick up a fairly rare
representation of an incredibly common antique.
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
