The growth in technology and social media has seen many families become isolated as each member becomes involved in their own little electronic world. That is a price that many are willing to pay for this information age, but some families want to get back to basics. That is where cars like this 1930 Ford Model A can fit into the equation. Restoring this car is a project that could involve an entire family. Once completed, it would be a classic that everyone could appreciate and one that would instill a sense of pride. It is located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. There has been a single bid of $6,750 submitted at this point, but the reserve has been met.

The seller of the Model A purchased it from a family who had owned it since the early 1950s. It seems that it has been out of action for many years, but it is none the worse for the experience. There is some minor rust in some of the lower body extremities, but this could be addressed with patches. There are a few dings and dents, but none of these are severe. The Ford appears to be structurally sound, with the majority of the rust that is present around the vehicle being little more than surface corrosion. The top is shredded, and a replacement will need to be sourced. The buyer will also need to replace some of the glass, and the bumpers will need to go to the platers. The wire wheels need work, but the radiator surround and headlights are in good condition. These are such a simple little car that dismantling them entirely to perform a high-quality restoration is not difficult. It is this simplicity that makes them such a strong candidate for a family-based project.

It isn’t just the structural integrity of the Model A that is the source of good news. The car is not only mechanically complete, but it runs and drives. What we find is standard Model A fare. That means that the engine is a 201ci flathead 4-cylinder engine that is capable of producing 40hp. This power finds its way to the rear wheels via a 3-speed manual transmission. For many potential owners, it is the conventional drivetrain and controls that make the Model A a more attractive proposition when compared to the Model T. Today, the controls of the “A” feel intuitive and natural. Slip behind the wheel of the Model T, and it’s like stepping foot on an alien planet. It is possible to adapt to the quirks, but there are people who don’t want to do this. This Ford runs and drives, although it isn’t roadworthy. It has recently been treated to a new battery and a rebuilt carburetor. It starts right up, and the owner drives it around his yard. Given the mechanical simplicity of these old classics, returning it to a roadworthy state might not be a significant undertaking.

Ford’s aim with the Model A was to make it simple and affordable. To that end, this is not a car that is loaded with luxury features. The word utilitarian springs to mind, and it is appropriate. There are minimal gauges, no radio, no heater, and no carpet. The gauge cluster is present, although it looks like it will require some restoration work. The seat will need a new cover, and I suspect that some fresh stuffing and padding won’t go astray. With new door trims and the painted surfaces refreshed, it should present quite well. Spending $60 on a rubber floormat would finish the interior off nicely.

The Model A could be considered to be Ford’s “difficult second album.” The Model T was always going to be a hard act to follow, but this car did it admirably. In 1930, Ford managed to sell 854,263 examples of the Model A. That was no mean feat and learning from the mistakes of the Model T, the Model A didn’t remain in production past its “use by” date. The first cars hit the market in the 1928 model year, with the last vehicles finding owners in 1931. Their simplicity makes them a favorite as family project cars or for those who are dipping their toe into the water of classic car ownership for the first time. So, maybe the time has come to put down the iPhones and pick up the spanners. That sounds good to me.