As I’ve gotten older, I tend to prefer original and unmolested classics. However, that doesn’t mean that I dismiss custom builds. I am particularly drawn to traditional Hot Rods. These vehicles invariably demonstrate the builder’s creative thinking, and the result is often a car that possesses a winning combination of stunning looks and excellent performance. This 1931 Ford Model A fits that mold and is a turnkey proposition. Not only would this be a blast to drive, but the seller’s decision to slash the price makes it more affordable for potential buyers. They have listed the Rod here on eBay in De Witt, Iowa. My illustrious off-sider, Russell Glantz, spotted this beauty, and while the bidding is below the reserve at $777, the BIN figure of $26,997 represents a $3,000 drop since the seller first listed this fabulous Ford.

Ford was in a difficult position during the late 1920s. The Model T was still selling in significant numbers, but its competitors were closing the gap with more modern and user-friendly cars. Henry Ford resisted the concept of a replacement, but finally relented when it became clear that the situation was unsustainable. The Model A was a risk, but it proved to be one worth taking. Sales remained excellent during the 4½ year production run, and the “A” became a firm favorite years later as the base for Hot Rod builds. This Roadster reflects that trend and is a stunning vehicle. The Yellow paint isn’t subtle but is more bright and vibrant than any shade offered by Ford during this period. The builder based it on a genuine Ford steel body, following the traditional path of eliminating items like the bumpers, fenders, and the hood. The result is a distinctive vehicle that presents beautifully, with sparkling paint and arrow-straight panels. The beauty is more than skin-deep because the paint shade extends to the spotless 1932 frame. The windshield is clear, and the Rod sits on Red steel wheels with old-school hubcaps and trim rings.

While the Model A featured more modern styling than the car it replaced, it was below the surface that buyers noticed the most significant changes. The “A” featured a 201ci flathead four that produced double the power of its predecessor. The cumbersome two-speed planetary transmission was ditched in favor of a more user-friendly three-speed manual unit. Ford’s latest model received widespread praise, but that is largely irrelevant with our feature car. Nestling between the front wheels is a 239ci flathead V8 featuring Edelbrock cylinder heads, a Sharp dual-carb intake, and a Fenton exhaust. The power feeds to the road via an unspecified automatic transmission, while the brakes have been upgraded with four-wheel discs. The builder created a total package, adding coil-overs and other suspension upgrades to improve this classic’s road manners. The results justified the effort, with the seller claiming that this Model A runs and drives perfectly. They include this YouTube video of the car running as proof, and that flathead sounds pretty sweet. The new owner can slip behind the wheel and head into the sunset once they have handed the seller their cash.

This Hot Rod’s interior is elegantly simple, with the painted surfaces matching the exterior shade. The seats and door trims feature Gray vinyl, with matching carpet covering the floor. The dash is equipped with a selection of Faria and Sunpro gauges to monitor progress and mechanical health, with the driver gripping a chunky Grant wheel. That last item is the only thing that doesn’t “work” for me, although I struggle to think of an appropriate replacement off the top of my head. I would probably find an alternative, given enough time, but some readers would probably leave it untouched. The interior presents nicely, with no significant wear or other problems. There is no top, so this Ford is undoubtedly a fine weather classic.

In case you haven’t guessed, I really like this 1931 Ford Model A Hot Rod. It isn’t subtle, but that was never the point of Hot Rods. The scene allows builders to release the shackles and let their imaginations off the hook. Therefore, the sky is the limit. The builder has followed a relatively conventional path with the mechanical specifications, but the paint and interior guarantee it will draw crowds wherever it goes. If a Hot Rod has been on your Wish List, could this Model A be a contender?