Vehicle Description
FROM THE MISSOULA AUTO MUSEUM COLLECTION: Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale WITHOUT RESERVE and SOLD to the highest bidder January 19th - 22nd, 2017 at Russo and Steele's 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
The introduction of the Ford Model A in late 1927 represents one of the most significant business turnarounds of the 20th Century. While many believed by late 1924 that Henry Ford's manufacturing genius had seen better days, Edsel Ford, Henry's visionary son and President of the Ford Motor Company, successfully lobbied for development of a new car to replace the venerable Model T.
When it finally debuted in 1927, Ford Motor Company's long-awaited and all-new Model A was more complex, yet simpler to operate than the beloved old "Tin Lizzie." A new four-cylinder engine produced twice the power output, while the exterior featured a number of modern and upscale Lincoln design cues, inspired by Edsel Ford. Other advances included welded steel wire wheels, Houdaille-type double-acting shock absorbers, and more. Departing even further from the basic Model T concept, the Model A was also available in a choice of several colors. Priced from just $460, the Model A was initially available in nine body types and as before with the Model T, they provided buyers with immense value.
As expected, the debut of the new Model A was highly anticipated event, featuring personal comments by Henry Ford in a flurry of pre-launch advertisements and media interviews. Early customers included eventual U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as several noted Hollywood stars who posed for photos with their new Model A's, enthused by the fresh styling and sprightly performance. Indeed, with the Model A, Ford had perfected the art of effective product placement in one of the most successful new product launches in all of automotive history.
Clearly benefiting from a frame-off restoration performed over some 15 years by a mechanic and cabinet maker, this 1929 Model A is an outstanding example of Ford's salvation during the late-1920s. During the restoration, the frame and body were sandblasted and painted, and the engine was rebuilt by Snyders. As offered, the car is reported to start and shift wonderfully and marks a great entry point into enjoyable classic-car ownership.
