When many Americans think about an “antique” car, a Ford Model A is what they picture in their minds. The follow-on to Henry’s Model T was incredibly popular at the time, with over 4.8 million produced in only about 4-1/2 years of production. This one is in “driver” condition but doesn’t drive yet. However, it’s listed for sale at no reserve here on eBay, where bidding is only up to $5,706 as I write. The Model A is located in Dade City, Florida.
The underside of the Model A carries similar corrosion to the upper surfaces. We’re told the car was part of a “man cave” for a long time. You can look at the 189 photos (!) in the ad for more details — I’m sure if you are looking for a show-condition Model A this wouldn’t be the car to start with — but if you want a fun driver, perhaps this is it! Trivia time: did you know that the Model A was assembled in nine different countries? I didn’t! And who would have thought that not one, but two universities have a Model A as their mascot! North Texas and Georgia Tech are the two schools; if you click on those links you’ll find the North Texas machine was electrified in 2014.
Think of this photo as a microcosm of the whole car. Everything is there, but there are some lumps to be dealt with.
Wouldn’t it be fun getting behind that huge steering wheel? I haven’t had the pleasure of driving a Model A — have any of you? Please share the experience with us in the comments; I’m curious as to what it feels like to drive something 90 years old!
While the engine looks nice on the outside, the seller explains that it was assembled without all the components so that the car could be displayed. It’s also from a 1929 Model A, so it isn’t the original engine (not that it matters much in a driver, right?) So what would you do with this car — hot rod it? Restore it? Get it running and safe and drive it for fun? All of the choices sound good to me!
MAJOR project, but fun for a knowledgeable Model A person or a newbie who has a good mentor.
If the bidding gets much higher, this one could be seriously upside down financially.
Looking at the photos I see months of work and lots of places to spend some serious cash.
First car I ever worked on was a 1930 rumble seat coupe just like this, I was 11 and my uncle was restoring, it curious as to what engine parts are missing. He had the engine rebuilt by an OLD mechanic named Joe, I watched as he poured and hand scrapped the babbit bearings. He won First in class 1963 Hershey.
Regardless of what you think of the car, can we all give props to the seller for their presentation? This is by far the most thorough I’ve ever seen on ebay. I didn’t even know you could post that many photos at that size on there. And after all that, they even say, “don’t hesitate to ask for more photos”! I am beyond impressed. If the price is right, it gives you some peace of mind to bid sight unseen in person.
Model As are great fun to drive. They have a unique sound and feel. The museum where I volunteer is closed, of course, but I’ve been driving some of the cars we regularly use and I’ll take the Model A for a little drive today. When you get a chance, give one a try!
My uncles model A was the first car drove, on the field in Hershey, I was 14
I received my first Model A (a 1929 Murray bodied Town Sedan) in 1958 at the age of 12.At that time it had gone approx. 20k miles. I drove it a daily driver through my college years and for many years thereafter. I finally sold it to an enthusiast in 2018. She was my first automotive love. Her name was Bedelia.
Ownership from 58 to 18. I am surprised you were able to part with her after all of those years. I know you must have some really good stories.
I have an “early” 1928 Model A Roadster (open) pickup. If you want to see it and learn more about it. It has a Facebook page. Look for @ModelALilly.
There is so much to do while starting and driving a Model A: adjust the mixture, retard the spark, hit the starter button on the floor, double-clutch, shift, etc. One of my favorite features is the early “cruise control” throttle on the steering wheel hub. You could set the the throttle to a position and leave it there. Oh what fun mechanical brakes are when it’s time to stop.
Yep,helped my Dad restore two of them. They are fun to drive for about 10 minutes,thats enough. Its incredible how crude a car they really are. The starting procedure alone is enough to make them theft proof today. First,reach under the dash and turn on the gravity feed gas to the carb. Then retard the spark(left lever) all the way,pull down on the hand throttle(right lever) a bit,turn on the key,reach over in front of the passenger to pull out the long choke rod that goes through the firewall,then step on the starter button. After the engine fires re adjust the spark advance and hand throttle,then you’re on your way,brake rods clattering over every bump. At 45 mph the engine feels like its telling you “Thant’s enough”. Yep,fun for very short drives.
Went to look at 1 a couple of years ago in nowhere near this nice condition. They wanted $6,000 for it. At 6’4″ it took several minutes to figure out how to get in the vehicle and when I did my knees were up against the dashboard and the shifter was up against my right leg. There was barely room in the car for my much smaller friend who was with me 2 sit next to me. I did not buy it
Nice project…
I have had two Model As. It is a visceral experience driving one. It isn’t the driving which is the most memorable experience; it is stopping one!
I got my 1930 Model A rumble-seat coupe in 1950. Still have it. Drove it through college, commuting from East Lansing to Ann Arbor 1953 to 1958. The seat can be moved to the rear, which I accomplished. Easy to maintain. parts still plentiful even today at fair prices, fun to drive, Robert Black’s remarks notwithstanding. And a great car for a financially limited collector, beginning or experienced. It will always get a smile and a wave.
My comment is not about this nice prewar Ford. My comment is about how I pay $54 a year to be a member of Barn Finds and I have pop up ads clogging my screen. Seems to me joining was to get rid of the Spam. What’s the deal Jesse???
Really Guys? I’ve been a ” member” here along time,
I have a 1931 Deluxe Roadster that my uncle bought new. They used it as a tractor in the 40s.
I’ve driven it from Ohio to Canada, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin. It’s not as awful as some seem to think, as long as you are okay with leisurely drives on scenic back roads. I grew up without A/C, radios, power steering and brakes, and cruise control, so I don’t miss them.
My weekend ride is my 1929 Model A Ford 1/4ton pick up. What fun to drive n enjoy the Pinelands if South Jersey.