Vehicle Description
1931 Ford Model A Coupe
So you think Model A enthusiasm is fading out? Guys aging out of
the Model A hobby? Well, guess again. In our more than six years in
business, dozens of Model A's have left the mall with a new owner.
We must admit, it's been a little surprising to us too, but we're
thrilled to have represented so many fine automobiles. They're
incredibly varied and versatile and different iterations of 1931
Model A's have come through our Hallowed Halls; Fordor sedans,
coupes, roadsters, Victorias, pickups, delivery panels, huckster
woodies, Tudors, phaetons, and of course, a slew of hot rods.
For consignment, another winner, a 1931 Ford Model A coupe showing
108,924 miles, but the true miles are unknown. The car was restored
between 1991 and 1992 soon after our consignor purchased it and the
engine was rebuilt in 1994.
Exterior
The two tone paint job sandwiches Ford Maroon between a black cab
and black lower, while parallel red pinstripes augment the shoulder
line and continue through the black stripes that run the edge of
the engine cover. The curved fenders, lower body panel, and
adjoining running boards are black as well. Our example has well
minded gaps throughout, is rust free, and the paint is still
looking deep and shiny but does have a few scratches on the
fenders. All glass is clear, chrome trimmings are excellent and not
pitted or faded. This chrome includes the radiator surround,
headlight buckets, door handles, cowl trim, rear tail light
housing, and dual ribbon bumpers on front and back. A polished
flying quail radiator cap is now on and still shines leading the
way. The roof is vinyl, and this is due to the fact that back in
1930 the technology did not exist to stamp a panel large enough to
fit the entire roof, so it was left to be canvas with lath
structure, modernized with vinyl. Out back a wood trunk holds tools
and provides visual evidence of where the term "trunk" came from.
19-inch wire wheels in beautifully restored red paint are on all
four corners and are wrapped in 4.75/5.00-19 wide whitewall
rubber.
Interior
The interior features a refresh from Lebaron Bonney beginning with
the tan mohair like door panels which are topped by wood and hold a
pleated storage pocket along with full metal hardware. Column
tufted broadcloth with beige piping makes for handsome and clean
bench seats while brown vinyl covers the rumble seat for more
resilience to the elements. Your typical four spoke steering wheel
fronts chestnut colored wood on the dash header over maroon painted
metal that houses the cloverleaf faceplate, ribbed in this example,
housing the gauges and ignition, and it's all in great shape.
Fantastically clean tan carpet is home to the shifter and handbrake
along with a black heel pad while above us, the soft and stitched
headliner is in nice shape.
Drivetrain
Lifting either side of the cowled hood we are greeted with a
rebuilt inline 201ci 4 cylinder that appears in very well kept
condition. A nice coating of steel green engine paint is in the
engine bay along with wisps of surface rust. This engine is fed by
a 1-barrel carburetor and has a 3-speed manual transmission
attached to the back and sends power further behind to 3.78 gears
in the rear axle. Mechanical drum brakes are in front and back and
our consignor states that the wheel bearings and kingpins have
recently been replaced.
Undercarriage
Clean and just a bit better than driver quality with some thin road
dirt, minimal surface rust, and some residual oil appears on the
pan and rear differential. Transverse leaf springs were the
suspension of the era, and these are on the front and back. A
single exhaust encounters a stock style muffler before snaking its
way to terminate under the back of the car.
Drive-Ability
Starting is a breeze once you figure out the choke and which pedal
to push, but it was off to the races with this car and on our test
track it certainly did not break any speed record, but what it did
do was run smooth as silk, smooth effortless shifting, and with a
new steering column, turn in was effortless. The interior is
comfortable, brakes are good, and every other functional item
operates as it 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.
A well restored and sorted car showing the final year for the Model
A. A car meant to be driven and enjoyed. This is a wonderful
earlier restoration still holding its own which is a testament to
the preservation of this beautiful example. Step inside this Model
A and enjoy the warm cabin and classic looks.
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!
