BF Classified: 1931 Ford Model A 160-C

• Seller: David B rill (Contact)
• Location: Ellington, Connecticut
• Mileage: 35,000 Shown
• Chassis #: A4816000
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 201 Flathead Inline-4
• Transmission: 3-Speed Manual

The uncommon body first catches your eye, but the touring upgrades may be the real reason to own this Model A. This 1931 Ford Model A 160-C is the De Luxe Fordor commonly known as the Blind Back, and its lack of rear quarter windows gives back-seat passengers more privacy than the average Model A provides. This example has also received a replacement engine, rebuilt transmission, Mitchell overdrive, and a 12-volt electrical system. It is located in Ellington, Connecticut, and the asking price is $25,000.

The Model A Ford Club of America identifies the 160-C as a 1931 De Luxe Fordor Sedan with a slant windshield and blind rear quarters. Production records group the 160-C with the earlier 170-B, so exact totals for this specific late body style vary by source, but there is no question that it is much less common than a Tudor or conventional Fordor. A pull-down rear shade reinforces the private-car feel, while four doors and a spacious rear seat make it one of the more practical Model A body styles.

The car’s known history reportedly stretches back about 40 years, including ownership by a Model A Restorers Club board member and time in North Carolina and then Washington before it returned east in 2019. Its late owner preferred driving his cars to showing them, so the restoration work focused on reliability. The seller says a replacement 201-cubic-inch L-head four has approximately 10,000 miles, the three-speed manual was rebuilt, and a Mitchell Gear-Splitter overdrive was installed for longer trips. The 12-volt conversion includes an alternator, LED brake lights, turn signals, and charging outlets. The cowl lamps now serve as front signals, and the headlights, twin taillights, auxiliary brake light, fog lamps, horn, gauges, and wipers are said to work.

The black body, green accents, twin side-mounted spares, whitewall tires, rear trunk, wind wings, spotlight, and traffic-light viewer give the car plenty of period presence. The beige interior was replaced and still presents well in the supplied photos. This is not represented as a concours restoration, however. The paint has chips and other age-related flaws, including a scrape along the passenger-side roofline, and one of the slightly oversized 5.50-19 Lester tires has developed a bubble that should be addressed before serious touring. An Autolite heater is included but is not currently installed.

The five-digit odometer shows about 35,000 miles, although total chassis mileage is unknown. More importantly, this Model A was prepared for regular use rather than short trips around a show field. The overdrive and electrical upgrades should make it a much more enjoyable companion for tours, while its unusual body should still earn it plenty of attention when it arrives. Would you preserve its well-used character and keep adding miles, or finish the paintwork and take it closer to show condition?