Possible Bargain: 1928 Ford Model A Tudor

One of the few bright spots in the prewar collector car world is the renewed interest in Ford’s humble Model A.  Built from 1928 through 1931, Ford’s much more advanced successor to the venerable Model T was a hit in its own right.  4,320,446 Model A Fords in varieties ranging from roadsters to town cars found their way into the hearts of Americans in those four short years of production.  Now, almost 100 years later, many new antique automobile enthusiasts are rediscovering the joys of these handsome, well-built but simple classics.  Of course, renewed popularity goes hand-in-hand with rising prices.  Yet there are a few bargains still out there like this 1928 Ford Model A Deluxe Tudor.  Don’t let its down-on-its-luck looks fool you.  This may be a solid car once you get past its flaws.

We have written many times about the Model A Ford here at Barn Finds, and there is not one aspect of these cars that hasn’t been thoroughly researched at one time or another.  Yet a brief introduction to this milestone car is in order.  While the Model T is widely considered the most famous Ford of all time, it was a tough but necessary act to follow.  To say it was long in the tooth by 1927 was an understatement.  Customers were shying away and purchasing more modern cars at higher prices.  Ford had to respond, and Henry’s lust for simplicity, Edsel’s eye for design, and the incredible resources of the Ford Motor Company at that time produced a bases-loaded home run.

The Model A was the car that brought Ford into the modern automotive world.  Anyone today would recognize the controls on a Model A and could likely drive one proficiently with a little training.  That is one of the big draws for these cars.  Others are their mechanical simplicity and reliability, the availability of parts, and the incredible club support from the Model A Ford Club of America and the Model A Restorers Club.  These clubs have been around for decades and were integral in the restorations of thousands of these cars when their popularity soared decades ago.  There are still vibrant local chapters of these Model A clubs throughout the United States brimming with members willing to help Model A newbies get up to speed.

Finding a Model A at a reasonable price, however, has become more challenging.  As more and more people are jumping on the bandwagon, good driver-level cars are being sold for ever-escalating prices.  Most of these have proven to be older restorations, while original cars in need of restoration are rare to find.  If a Model A is restored, the costs of restoration soon far outstrip what a good, restored car can bring.  The 1928 Tudor you see here may be the perfect chance to take an older car that is in fair condition and get it back on the road to improve as finances and time allow.

To see the potential in this Model A, you have to get past the four very flat tires and the J.C. Whitney interior and accessories.  Yes, it needs tires and tubes desperately.  Those are available for fair prices through many different retailers.  Yes, the interior looks like it was made from one of Soupy Sales’s jackets and the vinyl from cheap restaurant bench seating.  Suitable interior kits are sold by multiple sources and are relatively easy to install.  Once you get past these eyesores, the inherent goodness of this car is on display.

First off, all of the parts and pieces you need are present in this very complete and original car.  Rust does not seem to be a major issue either, outside of some rusty plated parts and a few blemishes here and there.  One clue to the car’s condition is that the headliner is intact and free from stains.  This is evidence that the car has not been out in the weather too long, as the vinyl roof overlay would have surely given way to the elements if that were the case.  Other clues point to this being an older “restoration” that could better be described as a refurbishment.  Still, one has to wonder what it would look like if someone took the time to detail it.

The ad is filled with pictures, but there are precious few words to describe the condition of such things as the engine.  This one looks a bit dusty but complete.  There is even an aftermarket horn resting on top of the block.  Model A engines are simple in design.  As long as it is not frozen up, chances are you can get it running again.  If not, check Facebook Marketplace for a Model A engine that has been removed from a car sadly destined to become a hot rod.  Used engines are out there and are usually inexpensive.  The rest of the drivetrain can be found as well if required.

If you are ready to take a chance on what may turn out to be the bargain of the year, then this 1928 Ford Model A Deluxe Tudor is for sale on Barn Finds through an auction in Las Vegas, Nevada.  According to the ad, the asking price on this deceptively complete and solid Ford is $900, but going to the auction site lists a current high bid of $3,600 despite a statement that the auction goes live in two days.  Interested buyers should contact the auction company for more information on this Model A.