This Ford Model A has all the makings of a fun restoration project. This car is 87 years old, and if a good restoration were performed then there’s no reason why it wouldn’t go for another 87. Located in Albion, New York, it is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has risen to $3,500. The owner does throw a bit of confusion into the equation. He lists the car as having a clear title, but then states that he has no paperwork for the car.
This old A Model looks to be in quite respectable condition. I’m under no illusions. It is going to require a full restoration, but the “bones” of the car appear to be quite sound, so hope springs eternal. The biggest issue appeared to be that there is no glass with the car. However a quick online search revealed complete glass kits to fit this particular car for under $500, so things continue to look very promising.
The engine for this old Ford is a source of more good news. The seller says that it was rebuilt in 2000, and that it runs well with no blow-by. It does need a new radiator hose which the seller has, and in addition some of the brake rods need replacing, but once again the seller has these. It’s just great news that the car runs and drives because that means that the major work required in the engine bay would be cosmetic if you felt inclined.
We get no shots of the interior, but there are a few things that we can deduce from the available shots. It appears that the driver’s seat is the only one installed at present, but that the rest are all there, but all will require a re-trim. The lack of glass doesn’t auger well for the condition of the dash, nor does the condition of the top. I’m not sure how the roof bows are, but at the worst you could use these as templates to make new bows.
As the seller states, this car needs a full restoration. To me it appears to be a solid project that is also mechanically sound. The ambiguous comment about the owner not having any paperwork for the car is the only thing that casts a shadow of doubt over it. If that all sorts okay then this Model A would be a fun and rewarding project that if restored properly should have no problems seeing in the next century. I doubt that we can say the same thing about the majority of the cars sitting in new car showrooms today. This could become a legitimate family heirloom.
Clyde Barrow wouldn’t touch it because it’s not a V8 and no BAR comes with it.
No title and it shouldn’t be listed on barn finds. Im starting to hate the low standards this website has on “barn autos”
Jimmy the flathead V8 came in ’32. Though I’m sure you know this. I was looking to see if someone put a v8 under the hood too. Though I’m happy it didn’t have a chevy. I could be happy with a flat 4 Ford. Yet again. no title no deal. Crush it.
Lack of a title is a problem, but not an insurmountable one, as others have pointed out. This car absolutely is suitable for a site called “Barn Finds” – it’s a pretty solid old A-bone that needs restoration and is selling (so far) pretty cheap. Not sure what a barn find is, if not that.
I’m starting to hate the low standards this website has on “comments”.
“Crush it”? Seriously?
Mikey, New York state does not require titles on 25 year old vehicles. No biggie.
Why crush it???? If it’s “not perfect everyone wants to crush it or modify it”. I know restoration takes work, BUT, do the work. This is History.
No title crush it he says😒
No title isn’t really a big problem. If the price is low enough to pay for the transportation, I’ll buy every one I can!
Many states don’t require a car over ten years old to have a title in order to sell.
The grill shell and two piece splash aprons indicate that this is a 1930, not a 1931. If the owners had a title they would know this.
Pre 1973 vehicles in NYS transfer on the registration. There are no titles prior to that model year.
This car is a sister to one that a couple from CO drove in 2015 when a 25 car caravan did the Great American Tour from St Louis to Santa Monica CA. The owner’s daily ritual was to get a large bag of ice every morning and put on the floor boards over the transmission hump by the accelerator pedal to keep from burning his right foot doing the driving. They made with trip with less issues than I had with my 76 Avanti II!
Before buying any car on ebay it would pay to check with the advertiser about whether it has a title or not, no matter what the info box says. The problem is that on the listing form ebay has a box check system that does NOT include “no title” or similar statement. You can’t post the ad without filling in something so many just check the “clear” box to get the posting up. New York in fact doesn’t have titles on vehicles of this vintage (as stated above) but if the seller has a Serial Number matching Registration other states will accept that in lieu of a title.
Too much discussion about the title, how about the car! I think that it deserves to be fully restored! There is so much history with early Fords, it’s everyone’s duty to pass on true history to our youth today! They need to be proud of our past no matter which history it is! It’s for sure the schools only pass history on that they think is important! Half of what is taught is from a one sided view! Us who lived 75 years ago and witnessed history it’s our serious responsibility to pass the truth on! Sorry for rambling on I do get a little upset when there are those who just want to crush history in it most beautiful form! The Ford! :-)
Here in New Mexico, titles for cars without one are very expensive and difficult to obtain.. I have restored many model A Fords over the years and this is one I would consider, but no title takes it off my list.
NH does not issue titles for vehicles built before 1999. So I buy and register my ’93 Allante in NH and all is well. I move to CA and I can register it, and, they will help me get a title, that involves finding the bill of sale from 7 years ago, a fee, and a long wait at the DMV and then a long wait for the paperwork to come through, but, DMV promises me, it will.
Wow-this one is halfway decent and maybe a half hour drive from me,but it sold before I read this ad.oh well,maybe the next one……