- Seller: David B (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?
Haven’t seen one since the late ’60s. A friend of mine’s father owned a real estate company and
had several Model As he used to
chauffeur prospective clients to
the properties he had for sale. I wanna say that he had almost every body style they offered back then as I didn’t know which
one I’d see when Mr. Riss would
drop my friend off at school every
morning. And Mr. Riss even had the town car version of this body
style with the open space up front for the driver. I even got to
ride in some of the cars when Mr. Riss gave me a ride home from school. And when I found the Hubley metal model kit of this car, I bought it. Can’t say where it
could be, I’ve moved too many times since then. Nice old Ford
though a bit overpriced for today’s soft market for pre war stuff. $25K? Maybe, maybe not.
I think the seller should take a reasonable offer for the car if they really wanna sell it.
Seller is entertaining reasonable offers 👍🏼
I’m representing this Blind Back for the widow and also the Chicle Drab 31 Vicky just listed.
I have several hundred additional photos and videos, any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thanks!
Both cars are absolutely beautiful!!!
This Model A is absolutely beautiful. I think the Overdrive is a great addition too. Very nicely done!!!
Another classy Depression Era Ford for sale! Sweet ride though might take some education to get it going and drive it smoothly but well worth it.
I was going to comment on the Victoria, now I will just repeat my comment for both cars. They are outstanding examples of Model A’s. But Model A’s values are dropping faster than a brand new Cadillac when you drive it off the dealers lot. If you pay asking on these two A’s you will only realize depriciation, just as you would when buying a new car.
Cars should be pitched to be driven and enjoyed, not as investment potential.
Of course, people are going to, but really shouldn’t be.
Sweet ride! Very nice upgrades. The OD makes 55 on the main roads between towns easy. Manual choke, double-clutching, and stiff braking doesn’t bother me, I’d drive it every chance I had. With prices falling on the depression era cars I wonder if it could be had for 20k?
I could probably make that happen 👍🏼
Hey AutoA, unfortunately, my wife is addicted to A/C and wouldn’t give up her Toyota. Besides, if you remember our exchange at the Shelby Mustang, I’m not much of a car guy, now, if this was an AA. :)
Nice piece of history. No clue on value, but someone made an investment
Simply Elegant!
My experience with the Mitchell overdrive was fine, about 20 years ago with a Mitchell in a 41 Ford sedan that belonged to a friend in the Ford V-8 Club. We drove it from Philadelphia to Dearborn Michigan for a national meet. It kept up with traffic on the turnpikes. This nice looking Model A may sell for something near the ask.
My old 1946 Ford Super Deluxe V-8 with Columbia Overdrive kept up with anything on the roads, too. So, THIS is the “other” Model A! I like this one better than the Victoria, but not sure about all of the updates — especially 12 volts. But turn signals are a great plus. But on a car already overpriced, you have to install the heater?? Eh…NO thanks.