Vehicle Description
The Model A comes in a dizzying array of shapes and styles, but
none are as stylish and elegant as the phaeton. Fitted with an
upgraded powertrain and finished like it's late for a trophy
ceremony, this is a fantastic little 1929 Ford with a ton of
personality.
In hot rods, it matters what they're made of, and this phaeton is
100% steel, including the fenders. The Model A DNA is unmistakable
and it's worth noting that none of the truck's original features
have been significantly modified. The curving fenders still wrap
neatly around the tires, the hood is a stock-looking louvered
4-piece affair, there are no door handles (which was a 1928-only
feature that looks good on this 1929), and the addition of a 1932
grille shell makes it look sleek. Luscious is the only way to
describe the cranberry red paint, and while Henry Ford didn't like
reds because they were expensive, someone obviously spent a good
pile of cash here. It's an older build and shows some signs of use,
but the assembly quality and attention to detail stand out, so you
know that someone did things right when it was built. The grille,
headlights, bumpers, and taillight stanchions are all bright
chrome, the running boards are rubber-covered so they're still
useful, and the rear end is nicely finished with a chrome spreader
bar and custom fuel tank.
Simplicity was the phaeton's strength. As one of the lowest-priced
Fords, it was certainly basic, but the basic goodness of the Model
A design makes it special. And with some user-friendly upgrades,
this one is easy to drive and comfortable behind the wheel. Pleated
tan leather upholstery looks period-correct and the simple door
panels have a custom look, and you'll note that the front seat has
been subtly modified to increase legroom, although it's at the
expense of rear seat access. The Model A's cowl/gas tank is gone,
replaced by a dashboard with a custom insert and gold-toned VDO
gauges to monitor the engine's vitals. Tilt steering makes this one
feel more modern than the original and with a smaller banjo-style
steering wheel, there's considerably more room in the cab. Leather
boots for the shifter and E-brake make it look finished and the tan
canvas top folds like the original, offering decent weather
protection and a sporting look when it's down.
A 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 provides motive force. Torquey,
smooth, and utterly bulletproof, it delivers great performance
thanks to the phaeton's diminutive curb weight, and fits so neatly
under the hood that you'll almost forget that it was originally a
4-banger. A lot of polished aluminum, machined aluminum valve
covers, a 4-barrel carburetor, and block-hugging exhaust manifolds
make for a very handsome engine that will make folks do a
double-take when they see it, and it runs superbly. Highway speeds
are not a problem thanks to the TH400 3-speed automatic
transmission and it rides better than any Model A you've ever
driven, with A-arms and coil-overs up front and a 4-link on the
9-inch Ford rear end. Everything underneath is neatly finished in
basic black and there's a rumbling dual exhaust system that gives
the Chevy V8 a very impressive voice. Elegant chrome Torque Thrust
wheels are a great choice on a vintage car like this and wear
staggered 15-inch blackwall radials.
Kind of an old-school build that recalls your childhood at the
Auto-Rama, this neat Ford is a great choice for the guy who doesn't
do things like everyone else. Call today!