1930 Ford Model A, Sport Coupe, Original AAA Service car
The current owner of this 1930 Model A found her buried in a warehouse in Newport RI a couple of years ago. It had been sitting in that warehouse for nearly 50 years and was in tatters. The roof and interior were shot, used as a condominium for mice and rats. The history that we're aware of is that she started out as many early Fords did, black. She was painted green at some point and then we're thinking that in the late 30's - early 40's she went into service as one of the first AAA service cars in Providence, RI. Just 20 years earlier, the very first roadside service was established in St. Louis. She was stationed out of North Main Auto Body Works in Providence.
This Model A is a sport coupe and was modified in a couple ways to make it easier for the driver/team to provide service; there were two holes cut in the front fenders to allow for a chain and hooks to be drawn through when a tug was needed to get another car unstuck and the rumble seat was removed and replaced with an oak platform to be able to carry tools and parts, with a slight drop in front of that for an actual tool box. The bumper was from a coupe with the rear mounted spare tire, so access to the rear compartment was easier. It reportedly stayed in service through the 50's and into the 60's and then at some point after that, was purchased by a Newport collector. It is believed he had the engine rebuilt as it is the brightest piece on the entire car and was in great condition when the current owner found her.
True mileage is unknown - the odometer reads 155 miles.
With the idea of keeping her as close to her origins as possible, he set out to only replacing what was necessary in order to drive her.
He installed a new wiring harness as the original had become mouse bedding, insulation and possibly food, he also installed new padding and vinyl upholstery on the seat and surround as it too had succumbed to the mice. While he was at it, he fabbed up a new top in the black waterproof canvas that had been there but was also destroyed by mice.
He went through the brakes, installed a new front spring (the original was cracked in half .. maybe from pulling one too many cars out of ditches), new grease fittings front and rear and rebuilt the shocks. (those haven't been installed but will come with the car). When attempts were made to start her, she initially balked at the idea, but when they discovered the issue was a stuck valve, they cleaned them up, repacked the water pump, put her back together and she fired up.
The original brass distributor and wires come with the car.
Today she starts right up and runs and drives.
To make regular public road use of her, she'll need tires, the shocks installed and a couple of other tweaks. Every electrical bit works - lights, horn and gauges.
When she was found, she was so dirty it was difficult to tell her colors, after careful and meticulous cleaning, the red and yellow Shell colors really glowed. North Main Auto Works was a Shell station on the corners of Olney and Pratt Streets in Providence. The AAA decals on the side are coded as 1949.
Today she looks MUCH better than she did when found. There are some areas of rust, along a door bottom, and some break throughs in the "trunk" area, as seen in the additional photos.
We feel that she is a true part of Rhode Island history and should be kept in her present, mostly original, patina'd state, of course, any new owner would be free to restore her if that was their desire.
While the market for running, driving, Model A Sport Coupes in this condition might only be a few grand, the AAA aspect and the story make this more like drivable automobilia, that can do more than just be displayed in a garage, it can be brought out and shared with others. The story of the AAA, both nationally and locally, can be relayed to younger folks so they can learn that the AAA started out as a legislative entity to press the government for better automobile and highway/road related laws. They acted in that part up into the 60's and 70's.
With all of that, this car is being offered at $8500
Any questions, for several hundred additional photos and video, to schedule a time to see her in person, or to simply make an offer, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for the interest!
