Some classic projects provide a wealth of options as the owner contemplates how they would complete the build. Such is the case with this 1931 Ford Model A Coupe. Its creator treated it to a chop and various mechanical upgrades, leaving the buyer to personalize the finished product. The Ford has generated considerable interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Plenty of enthusiasts seem to want a slice of the action, with seventeen bids pushing the price to $10,100. However, with that figure below the reserve and plenty of time remaining, there is still a chance for you to throw your hat into the ring.

This Model A will almost certainly not appeal to potential buyers seeking a sparkling Hot Rod to park in their garage. However, for those with a leaning towards the ratrod look, or anyone who wishes to transform the car into something truly spectacular, the pieces are there to make it happen. The seller treated the vehicle to a 5″ chop, giving the Coupe a more sleek appearance that is almost iconic within the Hot Rod scene. They haven’t focused on the cosmetic aspects of the build, with most of the all-steel body wearing surface corrosion. However, penetrating rust appears minimal, and what is visible in the supplied photos could be eliminated with well-engineered patches. The Ford is also true to its Hot Rod roots courtesy of its lack of fenders and side engine covers. The louvered hood and decklid are cool, and the car rolls on 16″ steelies with period-correct hubcaps. As the signage on the side of the cowl confirms, there is more to this classic than meets the eye.

Ford upgraded the drivetrain when it replaced the Model T with the Model A. The car received a flathead four with a capacity of 201ci, while the T’s two-speed planetary transmission made way for a more traditional three-speed manual. The increased engine capacity resulted in a boost in power from 20hp to 40. However, this Coupe offers a bit more. The engine is a desirable Diamond Block featuring a Weiand aluminum cylinder head, a Thomas dual downdraft intake, a pair of Stromberg 81 carburetors, and custom-made stainless headers. The seller removes the guesswork from the equation, quoting an output figure of 46.2hp on the side of the cowl. They didn’t end their mechanical build with the engine, adding 1940 brakes with new wheel cylinders, new kingpins, new wiring, and Firestone tires on the 16″ steel wheels. They don’t indicate whether the Coupe is roadworthy, but they describe it as the ideal foundation for a period-correct Hot Rod.

This Coupe’s interior is a blank canvas for its new owner, featuring a seat trimmed in Black vinyl, a Stewart-Warner water temperature gauge, and a standard wheel. It is serviceable in its current form, and the new owner could add a few appropriate touches if they wish to pursue a ratrod look. However, it could also be the ideal foundation for a total retrim where the choice of materials and features are only limited by the buyer’s imagination. That is a decision they wouldn’t need to rush if they wished to experience immediate fun behind the wheel.

Apart from its inherent charm and the potential lurking within, one of the factors that attracted me to this 1931 Ford Model A Coupe is the seller’s apparent sense of humor. This is demonstrated by the signage they have applied in various locations, demonstrating my belief that fun is the most important aspect of the classic ownership experience. The bidding has been solid during this auction and with eighty-four people adding it to their Watch List and over 570 views in the past day, the action will almost certainly intensify during the final hours. Are you tempted to join the party, or will you join me as an interested spectator?