Pretty older restoration. Runs and drives very well. Loaded with accessories like dual sidemounts, trunk, and oil pressure gauge. No modifications, ready to tour!
The colors are traditional Victoria, Elkpoint Green and Kewanee Green with Apple Green pinstripes and wheels, and it’s as elegant a combination as you’ll find on a Model A. It was restored perhaps 25 years ago and has been used as a Model A should be: shows, parades, tours, and light driving around town. We don’t know the details of the restoration, but it was clearly very well done, as the paint, while showing some signs of age, carries a soft gloss that’s entirely appropriate for a car of the ‘30s. There are no signs of rust or improper repairs underneath and only one or two spots where it’s getting a little thin thanks to decades of buffing and waxing. The honest patina has its own appeal that we like very much. The black fenders have been painted more recently and look great and all six wheels were refinished two years ago, so it’s ready to go. The stainless steel trim is in excellent shape, with the painted insert at the top of the radiator shell denoting a 1931 model, and the chrome bumpers are in excellent condition. It is no longer a show car, but it really looks good.
The interior of the Victoria shines with its luxurious brown mohair upholstery, which is very similar to the fabrics found in closed sedans from Lincoln and Cadillac. Front bucket seats make it easy to climb into the back seat area and are supportive enough for all-day touring. There’s some light wear on the driver’s seat and the flap of cloth that covers the gap between the seat back and seat bottom has come loose, but overall there are few complaints inside. Closed Fords received pretty woodgrained garnish moldings on the dash and windows, and the floor is covered in carpets, not rubber mats as with the open cars. The gauges consist of a fuel gauge directly tied to the cowl-mounted gas tank, an ammeter, a speedometer, and an aftermarket oil pressure gauge—a welcome upgrade that goes hand-in-hand with the oil pump working inside the engine to keep things healthy. You’ll also note an aftermarket turn signal apparatus on the steering column, which is a great addition for safety in today’s world, and that’s the choke/carburetor adjustment knob over on the far right. The door panels, carpets, and headliner remain in very good condition and the luxurious rear compartment even includes silk shades for the windows! The rear-mounted trunk offers decent space for spare parts, tools, or cleaning supplies and makes touring a real pleasure.
The Model A’s stout little four-cylinder engine really needs no introduction. On paper, its specifications seem modest, but the torquey little powerplant pulls the Vicky around with genuine enthusiasm. It isn’t this car’s original engine but a rebuilt crate motor installed about 10 years ago and it runs superbly. Turn on the gas, turn on the ignition, pull the choke out about an inch, and hit the starter. About five seconds later, you should have a running Model A that settles into an even idle with no hiccups or other bad habits. It’s properly dressed in Ford Green engine enamel and as far as we can see, it’s completely stock without any of the questionable “upgrades” that so many of these cars receive. The only notable modification we see is a fuse added to the ignition circuit, which is really a good idea for safety purposes. A 6-volt generator still makes the electricity and seems to have no problem keeping the battery topped up. Things like the hose clamps, splash shields, wiring, and fittings are all quite correct and it’s easy to see why these cars are so durable and reliable.
The chassis, like the engine bay, was restored at some point but has been driven and used since then so it’s no longer shiny and perfect. The 19-inch welded wire wheels were refinished a few years ago and wear fresh 4.50/4.75-19 Lucas blackwall tires that are exactly the right choice.
If you’re just starting out in the hobby, there’s no better place to get acquainted with an old car than a Model A. And if you’re already a veteran, why doesn’t your collection have one of these in it? They always run, they’re easy to fix, tech support and parts are plentiful, and it’s shockingly affordable. What have you got to lose? Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
