Recognized as a true American icon, early Fords are still abundant almost 100 years later. Reliable, with a plentiful amount of parts available, often these early Fords can be acquired on the cheap. Ford Model A’s and T’s are still a fun, and affordable icon 100 years later as well. This Model A is quite solid, with newer upholstery, and a set of 16” wire wheels. Currently not operable, these old Fords often only need some elbow grease, and some fresh fluids. Bidding has reached $11,000, with 3 days remaining. Find it here on ebay out of Amherst, Massachusetts.
The little old engine turns over easily, and likely needs the basics. There is a fair amount of dirt, and dust, in the engine bay and on the engine itself. Overall this Ford is dry and dusty from barn storage. With plenty of remaining paint in the engine compartment, a patient and careful cleaning would likely yield a lovely aged engine and bay. I always find cars of this magnitude to be exciting, as taking on the task of cleaning and polishing up this old Ford will greatly refine it’s overall appearance. Plus, what is there not to love about awakening an old automobile?
From the cockpit we can see a reasonable condition interior, with what is described as newer upholstery. The door are bare at this point, and some interior hardware is not currently installed. Hopefully the uninstalled items are included with the car. The rumble seat looks equally as nice as the front seat, looking only to need a good wipe down. There are no top bowes, and little else is seen in the photos to show any sort of a convertible top, or any weather gear.
Completely steel, and described as a Barn Find, it is difficult to say if this Model A is a survivor, or partially original. The underbody photos reveal an exceptional chassis, with little rust, or dirt, to be seen. The exterior sheet metal is very nice, but the seller explains there that there may be a patch panel in the driver side quarter. This possible patched area is not immediately visible from the photographs provided. The body is very straight and clean, with only minor surface rust showing ahead of the doors. Otherwise, there is little other surface rust, other than around the edge of the trunk/rumble seat door. All of the surface rust present on the exterior is minor. Rot seems to have missed this car entirely, from the sheet metal, to the wooden portions of this old Ford.
With plenty of promise and potential, the seller mentions that this car would be a good restoration project, or would make a “nice” hot rod. While it would not be my choice to make this Ford a hot rod, I can see where others may lust after this solid steel body classic. What would you do with this Model A Roadster? Restore, preserve, or something else?
Very cool and a real barn find! I feel it is too nice to not restore, or even drive for a while like that however if you need a hot rod go buy a hot rod or build a fiberglass car but leave this one alone.
I’m so surprised no one mentioned this looks like a coupe cut down to a convertible, you rookies, some purchaser will be surprised when they find a convertible frame won’t fit without some work. All the more reason to drop in a late Ford flathead V8 and juice brakes.
OMG…this IS a 1929 Model A Roadster…NOT a “cut down coupe! P.S. I have one sitting in my shop, complete and restored.
Get it running and drive it. I could never justify making this into anything but what Henry built. Lots of body kits, custom frames/rolling chassis, and other parts out there to make your dream bellybutton car. Just add paint. And let someone enjoy this one as is….
I can’t agree with the other commenters, I’d leave everything stock except under the hood. I just love to see an old Ford that looks like the day it was made, but open the hood and a beautiful flathead with 3 carbs would be the finishing touch. Well, at least I wouldn’t be a trader and drop a small block Chevy in there. I really can’t agree with anyone putting a SBC in a Ford, it just goes against all that I am as a car lover…… 😏
I’d do a simpathetic restoration which for the most part is cleaning a fixing what is needed. I would paint it though as I’m not a rustina fan and it would give it some bling. Black fenders red body gold pinstripes. Red is my favorite colour. I know it’s not stock but sometimes you got make something your own. The interior I’d go with a lighter tan I’d do the same with the top. Then I’d just drive it on nice days. Great find.
Man, this brought the memories flooding back. When I was 13, a neighbour gave me a 1929 Model A he had parked years before. Dad helped me get it running again and I was off. The only stipulation he gave me was I had to stay off the roads, but that left me free to travel every back road and trail on our 1200 acre farm.
These old girls are easy to work on, every time it broke down I learned something new. Sadly, I didn’t treat her with the respect she deserved. If I owned this one I’d clean it up, get it running and drive it for a couple years, then probably restore it to as original as possible ( to atone for my youthful mistreatment of my first one). What a beautiful 88 year old car. Great find, hope it goes to a good home.
Restore it to original.
Enjoy this time capsule for what it is, in the time it was built.
do the mechanicals and drive it!
the original 4 can be tweaked with a HC head and better intake/exhaust components if you want it to be fast.
mechanical brakes will be fine if done correctly.
street rodders need not apply here ;-)
Make it pretty as you slowly restore. Color change maybe but please please don’t cut up this car. My heart is aflutter.
Back to original.
It would be a shame to build a hot rod, out of a car there is so fine after 85 years +
Looks like we’re pretty much in agreement on this one. This is one of those once in a blue moon finds. I’m not sure about the comment about it being a cut down coupe, as I’ve never seen one without the top. Can any of you Ford guys verify?
I would bet it already has juice brakes. Those are later wheels on it . These are usually mounted when you have gone to hydraulic brakes.
Nope, mechanical brakes…I have three A’s one of them has 16″ wheels that improve ride and steering. All have mechanical brakes.
Sorry..they are mechanical.
Just look at the windshield stanchions, guys; roadsters had them and closed cars do not. Also roadsters do not have roll up side windows by definition. All convertibles and closed cars do. The backing plates are original style, meaning mechanical brakes. Just look more closely at everything.
Reminds me of e 1929 Willys Whippet that I used to own.
Sorry about the typo.
Chuck&Rusty
As for it being a coupe at one time it is possible, but I doubt it with out seeing it in person. The windshield posts are roadster, the doors are roadster along with the cowl and windshield frame. The space behind the rumble seat lid looks correct. I have seen allot of coupes with the tops cut off, and they do not look like this, if it is the case, it was done by a very good body man replacing many of the coupes parts with roadster only parts. I have seen 32,3 & 4’s, changed at that level of quality, and you would never know it, but not a Model A. It just wouldn’t be worth the effort. I can’t absolutely say your wrong , but I would bet against you, and if you saw it in person you would know in a heart beat!
Believe me…it’s a ROADSTER. I have a restored 29 Roadster sitting in my shop as well as a 31 Deluxe Roadster and a 31 Victoria. No question this one’s a Roadster, just missing top irons and top.
Can you imagine any option as cool as a rumble seat in a modern car? The Subaru Brat was about as close as we’ll ever see!
IF I were to want to hot rod it, I’d really want to do in early fashion. Keep it a period piece of no newer than 50s. Only reason I would consider hot rooding as such, would to be able to drive it more. Dont see it being too fun to drive much in stock form, but I could be wrong.