What an evocative picture! I can only imagine the thrill of the discovery. Even if it’s a rather ordinary 1929 Ford Model A, there’s nothing quite like looking a dusty car over in whatever dim light is available. After being discovered, this Model A is being auctioned here on eBay at no reserve, with bidding only a little over $4,000 as I write. It’s located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and must be one of the few things up there that isn’t green and yellow (I speak from experience, Packer fans).
I see surface rust, but no really large holes here. That’s a lot of solid metal compared to many finds I’ve seen of this vintage. I think the license plate is dated either 1965 or 1969; either way the car has been off the road for a very long time. I’m guessing this picture is the car arriving at the seller’s house after unearthing it.
It would be a shame to do so to such a solid car, but Model A values are low enough this may well end up being turned into a street rod. I’d certainly rather see it back on the road in stock form, but who knows. Maybe one of you readers will buy it?
Heck, even the floors look pretty solid. And I’m glad to see that fourth wire wheel in there to replace the later steel rim that has been installed on the right rear. Other than this shot, we don’t get to see much of the interior, so the seat condition is unknown. We do know that the roof had disintegrated and will have to be replaced. I was wondering why Ford was still using a fabric roof (not rubber as called out in the auction listing) at this point, and it turns out I’m not the only one that was wondering. Take a look at this forum discussion by Ford enthusiasts if you are interested.
One odd thing here. I didn’t start seeing cogged type V-belts in common use until about 20 years ago–am I wrong on that? If so, maybe someone has done some more recent work that you would expect? Anyway, we are presuming that this is the original engine, although we have no idea of its condition. Now, before you say it, I realize that in the long run it’s less expensive to purchase an already-restored Model A. But then it won’t be “yours”. What do you think?
I know the thrill! Found this 32 in a garage in town, washed it, sorted the mechanicals & left it alone. Gets more attention then any of my restored ones.
Now that is a cool car! Especially cool to see all the lighting intact.
Gary, that’s certainly an awesome find!
– John
Prices are indeed way down on most pre-war cars but it’s great to see people’s interest in flat and round fender cars as well. Folks at a charity event last night actually seemed more interested in the Model A than the Jaguar Mark IV we brought and asked lots of questions about old cars. They were surprised to hear how cheaply they can be purchased and about their driveability. (“You drove this all the way out here from the museum?”)
I’d luke #’s for a few if those Flapper Cuties! ! 23 Ski-Doo
I continue to be amazed at the ongoing meth, that if you don’t restore a car you destroy it’s value. Model A’s are the perfect example, there value is lower than I can ever remember, ( I Am74 years old, bought my first Ford, a1934, in 1963, and still have it), and it is now starting to depreciate. I don’t care, it I not about the money, for me. But the point is it is happening, but if you look at pricing, you will see that modified Model A’s, nice ones, compared to restored Model A’s, the nice ones. the modified cars are bring much higher price’s. There are allot of reasons for that, but the basic one is, see how much fun it is to drive a stock Model A, for any extended length of time or distance.
Same here model As and Bs are at a all time low, $10k or so buys a nice older restoration. Rather see them rodded than scrapped. And I have done both to antique cars. Beginning to like unrestored stockers more and more.
Joe, you must not have grown up in rural Middle America – Model As were not exactly ubiquitous but they were still just Old Fords, available for $50 to $500 or so, depending on condition and model. $150 was the sum I heard most often from anyone showing up with his “new” A, most usually a coupe. I have mentioned before that one of the “Popular” magazines in the early Fifties – Mechanics, I believe – had a feature article about why a Model A was a splendid choice for an urban commuter car. Pin-money prices were their starting point.
As for me, I wish I could find another ’36 Ford flatback for $25, like the one my dad bought in ’54!
Fix it and drive it. I’m not sure about paint but certainly the car deserves a place in someones collection or as a parade car, whatever. If you don’t paint it, simply do the interior and mechanicals and enjoy.
Will you are right , grew up in Colo. and in High School a Model A was 50 to a 150 dollars depending on body style and condition. But even back then a stock was not a great car for everyday driving, you were young and it was cheap, but you would really rather have a Ford V-8 or had rich parents a 55 chev.
Had a 1930 sport coupe model A in high school. Dead cell in the battery, kids would stand in line to “crank” it. Paid $50.00 for it. The relay would stick sometimes and the headlights would look like someone welding. Pull over, tap the relay and continue on. Not unusual to have to fix a flat tire many times, along the road. Hand pump, etc. Wish I still had it.
It sold for $5100, seems like a decent buy for what it is.