There’s still something intriguing about a photograph of a solid-looking, unmolested black Model A Coupe in a barn with just the right amount of dirt, dust, and fingerprints on it. That’s what we appear to have here. What we don’t have here, unfortunately, are many details and basic information. Starting with the question of does the Model A run? The skimpy description only reads: “1930 Ford Coupe W/ Rumble Seat – Barn Kept – Last Registration was 1987 – All Original $10,000 Firm!!” Currently resting in a structure in Lubbock, Texas (the hometown of rock legend Buddy Holly), this desirable 5-window, 2-door coupe is for sale here on craigslist for “a firm” $10,000. Thumbs up to our pal, T.J., for sending us another interesting barn-kept classic to feature.
The Model A had the daunting task of following the Ford Model T, a truly game changing, hugely successful vehicle that sold over 15 million units. The Model A had to feel a little bit like Fred Kaps. Who’s Fred Kaps you ask? He was the Dutch musician who had the daunting task of following The Beatles on their historic Ed Sullivan Show debut in 1964. But, no worries, the Model A delivered and Ford had their second market success that they produced from 1927 to 1931. In fact, in 1930 when this Coupe was produced, Ford Model A sales hit the three million mark. I’m always skeptical when a seller puts the words “All” and “Original” together in a description. I’m not a Model A expert, so I can’t say for certain if this is a totally unmolested 92-year-old survivor or not. Those out there with much more Model A knowledge than me, please chime in. Playing photograph detective though, this black Coupe seems to be a solid survivor. It’s not a rust bucket, so maybe it’s spent its life in Texas. I spot a fender dent or two and I can’t tell if the driver’s door window is cracked or if it’s a reflection. The cool rumble seat is open but the back cushion is missing.
There’s only one dark photograph of the Coupe’s interior and it’s hard to see details and give an assessment of its originality. The seat isn’t showing rips and tears and the steering wheel isn’t cracked, but the passenger door panel appears to be missing and the headliner is peeling. There’s also carpeting on the floor that I’m guessing isn’t 92 years old.
It’s unbelievable how many online ads for antique cars don’t show a photograph of the engine and engine bay. I can understand maybe skipping a trunk photo, but not something as vital to the sale of a five-figure car as its engine. If it’s original as advertised, you’ll find a four cylinder, 200-cubic inch, 40 horsepower engine that was touted in Ford’s sales literature of reaching speeds of 55 to 65 miles an hour. But this Model A hasn’t been registered in 35 years, so I’s guessing it’s probably not running. On the surface, there seems to be a lot of potential here for a very desirable Model A body style. As with past Model A Coupes featured on Barn Finds, there will be debates about whether to make it roadworthy and keep it as is, treat it to a full restoration, or hot rod it up like many other surviving Model A 5-windows. There will also most likely be some debate about the seller’s firm 10 G’s asking price (Hagerty’s currently values 1930 Model A Coupes in #4 Fair Condition at $10,000). If you were the next owner of this ’30 Model A Coupe, what would you do with it?
The car’s destiny is to become a street rod. People that want stockers are dying off and the young car guys, with some exceptions, are interested in hot rods these days. Build a flathead (Ford,Caddy) or a Studebaker powered hot rod. Be different.
I’d internally modify the engine for full
pressure oiling and cooling, add a dual circuit master cylinder with juice
brakes, upgrade the electrical system,
replace the tires and tubes, and use it
as it is for awhile before I decide what to fix next. These used to be a
pretty common sight in barns and
garages in and around my hometown
in the ’60s and ’70s. And most all their elderly owners kept them just in
case that new fangled car they bought broke down and cost too much to fix. Sure is nice to know that
you can still find ’em out there in this
condition. Well, that’s what I’d do with
it, how ’bout you?
I would convert the lights to brighter LEDs, 12 volt alt. And battery. For night safety.
Hopefully, it won’t get the small block chevy, TH350 ruination. It’s sickening, how many of these A’s have been desecrated by the “crate.” At least, rebuild the 4, or install something Blue Oval in it!
You can get an overdrive unit for these and modify the 4 banger for unl gas, Also the model A wizards firgured out how to put in a larger v8 clutch. Can run all day at 60 mph with the 4 banger. many options at your disposal. Or (flames starting) you can get a full chasis set up for small block v8, disc brakes, 4 link 9 inch rear from Brookville. Drop the coupe body on and go. Yea I know, blasphemy. Just another though from an ol grey hair. Happy Motoring.
Cheers
GPC
Just as an aside , I love the car and would just restore it. However, Fred Kaps was a magician not a musician- and a very good one at that- but as they say timing is everything.
Just to be persnickety, the headlights aren’t original and I don’t think the upholstery is either.
And I think you might need some help to sell the antique, if your photos and description are any indication of your salesmanship.
Sorry Bill, during my 77 years, I’ve owned several Model A Fords. The headlights on this one are correct … however, sealed beam lamps have been installed replacing the original bulb and reflector units.
If they are sealed beams, the lights have been modified.
Not original. And they look it.
Can anyone tell what that chrome strip around the back of the roof is for?
Is there some kind of vinyl top that covers the whole roof been installed?
Not a chrome strip it is a reflection on the body roll
Thanks for the reply but I still think it’s some kind of chrome (or stainless)
moulding. I looked closer at the pictures and there looks like another strip on the front of the roof. It’s hard to tell from the pictures but I’m thinking someone installed a vinyl roof over whatever was left of the original roof.
The aluminum moldings are used to secure the Pantasote
material to the roof.
What appears to be carpet on the floor is actually the light reflecting off of the gravel floor due to the lack of the wooden floor boards. In the limited and far less than quality photos there are, it looks to be well worthy of Preservation and repair NOT necessarily restoration. Sure upgrade some facets and repair and update some of the mechanicals but by no means discard and replace. New is nice but these were also at one time NEW so new is nice just return it to nice and enjoy the OOhs ns Ahhhs and admiring stares.
Wondering…. I’ve been following the asking price on A’s for quite awhile. And, there are many ‘high-dollar’ ones. And… there seem to be quite a few that look decent, and are running & driving, for a little less than 10. So, I wonder if the ‘firm’ should really be ‘firm’.
The headlight housings appear to be correct but there’s some kind of conversion in them. That’s definitely a chrome strip above the rear window. All closed car A’s had a bins
Insert in the top
Should read vinyl
$10G looks a bit firm from what I can see. Want 10G then give better photos and descriptions.
I think $10,000 is too much. The rumble seat is missing and the cab upholstery is wrong. No look at the 4 banger or what ever is under the hood. I have a 1929 AA and I had hard valves and hard valve seats installed in the block so I can burn no-lead gas.
In the last 2 months how many auctions that included many A-bone ‘s, and 30’s era Ford’s, and other old cars have taken place? Some sold for decent money, some not, this guy’s dreaming. Hot Rod or not, personally couldn’t care less, if it gets on the road, fine, doubt that the buyer will pay $10K.
I don’t believe the top material is correct. It should only be an insert in the top, not a fully covered top.
For $ 10,000. firm let him keep it. The longer he has to sit on it the more likely he will be willing to negotiate. Whoever buys this one is going to have to spend a boat load of money to fix it up and get it roadworthy. This is another example of Junk & Scrap Dealers retail price guide. Specifically designed to remove the contents of your wallet.
Just for a Joke some one should make up that price guide!!!