Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Genuine Patina: 1928 Ford Model A Tudor

left front

As interest in prewar cars has waned prices have plunged. Older restorations have often sat forgotten for years and when they’re sold prices range from $10,000 to $15,000. Here’s a restored example at the museum priced at $15,500. There are also unrestored examples, some that run and drive that sell for $5,000 or less. On eBay you’ll see several examples listed in this search. This model A listed on eBay in La Center, Washington was sitting for 50 years. It’s ending soon and there are no takers at $5,850. The owner has been working on it for 10 years and done lots of work to get it running and driving, including floors, brakes, glass, paint and electrical. Lots of spare parts are included.

engine left

It’s been converted to 12 volt and some of the wiring redone.

seats and floor

There’s been lots of work done inside, but it has a long way to go. It’s ready for an interior.

right rear

The top needs doing as well. It would be tempting to do the interior and top and drive it as it is, but this is probably a bit too much patina. It’s hard to justify spending much more on this car. Sadly, with restored cars selling so cheaply, it’s hard to justify spending much on these barn finds. These Model As are easy and fun to drive. It would be great to have one as a driver. I hope some these can be saved. Surely some day they will be worth more.

Comments

  1. Avatar Van

    This is what a rat rod should look like.
    Run a straight exhaust pipe out the rear.
    Sew a multi colored umbrella fabric for the top.
    Use chains to pull down the suspension.
    A Packard or Rolls hood/ radiator ornament.
    Cover Seats with a western/ Bonanza blanket.
    Paint with a brush.
    Thin out army green for the body, black for fenders some rust showing through.
    JFK bumper sticker.
    Done.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Joe Nose

    Pond scum green. Put it back where it were.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Mark S

    Personally I’d go with 4 modern leather bucket seats easily obtained from a wrecking yard for cheep. Sheet metal in the top paint the car fire engine red with black fenders. I’d put the engine aside on a display stand and install a 300 CID in line six with a c4 automatic and use it as a daily driver on nice days in the summer. As for the interior black cloth head liner and black vinyl door panels. Oh I’d put a power steering box and column in it as well as some hydrolic disc brakes. Cheers.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar geomechs Member

    It’s all in the journey. Love it enough and it doesn’t matter what it costs to fix it. I love Model A’s, but then, I love T’s, flathead V8s, Chevy Stovebolts and anything else old. I’d love to tackle a project like this one or the previously listed ’31 A. But I’ve got to be realistic; I’ve already got enough projects, and I’ve got to draw the line.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Alan (Michigan )

    Prefer the Pontiac sitting behind it….

    Like 0
    • Avatar Pfk1106

      Or the Pontiac in front of it

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Marty Member

    Too much commentary and emphasis on value and restoration cost. The logical and correct answer is to do as little as possible. Spend just a few more dollars to make it usable, and more or less leave it alone otherwise. Preserve it as-is for future generations. Either until a future where a full restoration makes sense, or leave it more or less original-always. There is no reason to screw this example up with lots of half-measure modifications. They’re only original once. Owning it in original condition with lots of patina won’t appeal to everyone. And that’s fine, because it doesn’t have to.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar peter

    hi there

    i use my Model A as a daily driver and as my only truck.

    at about 750 pound in the bed, it gets a little tipsy in the corners.
    haul gravel, cement, lumber, trash construction debris, freight, garbage to the dump; or just to go and get the newspaper.
    use it to tow full size American cars, park the airplane in the hanger.
    AND never been restored. just fixed as needed
    about 1,100 miles a year
    peter

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jesse Staff

      Very cool. Thanks for sharing Peter!

      Like 0
    • Avatar James D

      This is what I hope to do someday. Big thumbs up!

      Like 0

Leave a Reply to peter Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.