This 1929 Ford Model A Roadster is a true Depression-era survivor, complete with period modifications that tell a story of how ordinary Americans kept their cars running through tough times. Now listed here on eBay by a private seller in Iowa, this Model A has been revived after decades of sitting and is said to run, drive, and stop, though it hasn’t been road-tested recently. The car retains its well-worn patina and quirky homemade fixes, making it an appealing piece of rolling history for Model A enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates authentic survivor vehicles.

By early 1929, Ford had already sold over one million Model As, and by midsummer that number had doubled. Affordable, rugged, and easy to repair, the Model A became a workhorse for Americans during the Great Depression and even into World War II. This particular roadster embodies that history perfectly. Purchased in the 1960s in Alexandria, Virginia, by a painter, it was pressed into hard service with a variety of utilitarian “fixes.” The fenders still wear welded-on brackets that once held ladders, a screen door hook keeps the door closed, a chain raises the trunk lid, and tar seals the windshield—testament to a time when practicality came before aesthetics.

The seller notes that it remains exactly as it was found decades ago, right down to its time-worn black paint and hand-made repairs. The current Iowa owner purchased it a few years back and got it running again, installing a new radiator and ensuring it starts, drives, and stops under its own power. However, it hasn’t been driven on public roads recently, so a mechanical inspection and brake check would be wise before attempting any longer trips.

For collectors, the appeal here isn’t show-quality restoration potential—it’s the authenticity. Many Model As have been fully restored, but few retain this kind of genuine “working man’s history.” The seller’s decision to leave the modifications untouched preserves its story, and enthusiasts who love patina will appreciate its honest, unvarnished look.

Whether you’d continue to preserve it as a Depression-era survivor or restore it into a proper touring car, this 1929 Model A Roadster offers a fascinating glimpse into how ordinary Americans kept their cars alive through resourcefulness and ingenuity. Would you keep its rough-and-ready character intact or give it a fresh start with a full restoration?