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Cherry Red on Red: 1929 Ford Model A Roadster

The iconic Ford Model A could be had in several body styles, from coupes to phaetons, trucks to sedans, cabriolets to roadsters. For the sporting set, a roadster was the clear choice. Here on craigslist is a 1929 Ford Model A roadster for sale, with an asking price of $11,500, offers considered. This is a project car located “outside New Oxford, Pennsylvania”. The car was found in a barn after being stored for over thirty years. While the ad has only sketchy details, the color is certainly obvious – someone painted this baby a bright cherry red. We have T.J. to thank for this true barn find!

The seller indicates that the car will start and run but needs its gas tank cleaned out; apparently, dirt from the tank is causing the motor to stall after start-up. Model A’s came with a 201 cu. in. flathead four-cylinder; Henry Ford was nothing if not consistent, so this motor was used from 1927 through 1931. It was good for about 40 hp and propelled the Model A to a top speed of roughly 65 mph. The transmission was a three-speed manual. Brakes were mechanical four-wheel drums, so the “whoa” just about matched the “go”. Maybe that wrench is part of the deal?

The interior is a different shade of red than the exterior, and it does need attention. The car comes with an optional rumble seat for the passenger who doesn’t mind a windy experience. Speaking of colors, the Model A was offered in a limited palette; sources say grey, rose beige, blue, green and brown. If you are a stickler for stock, you can check out the Model A Restorers Club for guidance.

The seller indicates that the car’s body is solid, and despite the color, it is appealing. The roadster is one of the most desirable body styles today, but interestingly, it was the cheapest body style Ford offered at about $385 in 1929 dollars, while the bigger sedan ran up to $1,200. This car looks straight as a pin. Of course, making the motor run is only half the battle here; driving it could reveal any number of other issues. Wouldn’t it be great, though, if it could be made to run with minimal effort so it would drive right out of this garage into yours? And it would polish up – inside and out – without too much fuss? I’ll bet some Barn Find reader could put this car back on the road and have a ton of fun with it.

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    Clean up the mechanicals, wash it, put the top down, and drive it. Fun in the sun.

    Like 14
    • Solosolo UK Solosolo Member

      Did Model A’s come with those wheels originally or are they from a Model B or later? I have seen many A’s with skinny wire wheels but never one like this.

      Like 0
      • Jack Benny

        Looks like 16 inch wire wheels….1935 fords had them.

        Like 0
  2. 8banger 8banger Member

    I like!

    Like 4
  3. Derek

    Nice car as a driver, agreed; is it not a bit dear for what’s essentially a non-runner?

    Like 2
  4. Steven

    Back on the road at 30 miles per hour? Maybe not so much fun and definitely dangerous. Great little car though.

    Like 2
  5. Connecticut mark

    Terrible to think, but if you hit into a head on accident, the person in the rumble seat would fly out? No seat belts back then?

    Like 1
    • Cadmanls Member

      Here is a thought, driving a car should be a priority. People used to pay a little more attention driving a car in the past than they do today, because if you screwed up you got hurt. Sorry but today people expect to open the door and walk away after hitting something. That wasn’t always the case years ago, you didn’t control the car you lost. Just the way is was, don’t expect a classic car to protect you. The owner operator has a big responsibility, keep the car mechanicals up and operate it within its limits. By the way a Model A will run quite a bit faster than 30 mph mentioned.

      Like 18
    • dan joyce

      No seat belts back then
      Not mandatory equipment until the 1960s

      Like 0
      • DavidL Member

        Growling up, I remember when I was small riding in the front seat(!) whenever my mother hit the brakes/stopped, her arm flying out to keep me from going forward. Seatbelts came a lot later.

        Like 0
  6. Bob

    Rather expensive for a complete but not running Madel A. I think 5-6 K would be a reasonable price.

    Like 2
  7. Rob Cole

    6000.00 is more like it.

    Like 1
  8. Troy

    Nice ride, seams high on the price if I recall Gas monkey garage just sold two fully restored drivers for $15k each on BAT and at a small dealership in Clarkston WA there is one that was restored in the 80s runs and drives good they are asking around $19 k for that one

    Like 3
  9. Bob Mck

    The price may be VERY agressive. You can buy a really nice one for 15K. But who knows. Someone may prove me wrong.

    Like 2
  10. V12MECH

    Bide your time, prices for these may stay stable for a bit, but will come down. Probably sooner than later.

    Like 2
  11. Lowell Peterson

    Not sure how they arrive at prices sometimes. For about $20k you can get absolutely beautiful stockers. No way this one makes it there for less than $$15-$20k after purchase. IMHO?

    Like 1

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