Hand-Built Body: 1929 Ford Model A Speedster

Custom builds come in all shapes and sizes, as demonstrated by this 1929 Ford Model A Speedster. Its creator didn’t aim for pristine presentation; instead, they recreated the look of a vintage racer that will undoubtedly turn heads. What makes it impressive is the hand-built body, utilizing period-correct construction techniques. Beneath the skin, it is all Model A, meaning that mechanical parts should be easy to locate, and maintenance will be a breeze. The seller has listed the Ford here on eBay in Ooltewah, Tennessee. They set their BIN at $18,000 with the option to make an offer.

Vintage race cars have become big business in the classic world, with some cars commanding enormous sale prices. That can place them beyond the means of mere mortals, making vehicles like this 1929 Ford Model A Speedster attractive propositions. The seller clearly indicates that it is a recreation, not a genuine period racer. They based their build on a Model A chassis, using a few factory touches, such as the weathered Ford radiator shell, vintage headlights, and badges. They were striving for the “aged” look, with some areas showing deliberate traces of dry surface corrosion. However, the body is the star of the show. It is a hand-built work of art, with a close inspection confirming that the seller used rivets to hold everything together. There are no welds, screws, or bolts, just construction techniques that were typical of the era. The Blue paint is a Ford shade deliberately aged, with hand-painted White racing numbers on both sides. The hood is held closed by leather straps, and the dual English-made Brooklands Windscreens feature laminated safety glass.

Beneath the Ford’s custom exterior, it is almost pure Model A fare. It features a 201ci flathead four, a three-speed manual transmission, and rod-actuated brakes. However, the seller upgraded the electrical system to 12-volts, fitting an alternator that looks like the original generator. The distributor features more modern internals for easier maintenance. The seller recently fitted new cast-iron front brake drums and new linings to all corners. They have adjusted the rods, stating that the car stops perfectly. The flathead might only produce around 40hp, but the lightweight body would make this turnkey classic a blast to drive. They describe the Speedster as ideal for shows or parades, but it would also be an excellent fine-weather cruiser.

The “handmade” theme continues inside this Speedster, from the buttoned leather seat to the timber dash and floors. Once again, the creator hasn’t aimed for pristine presentation, focusing on the look you would expect from a racer with almost a century under its belt. That said, there are no issues because the leather is excellent and the timber shows no evidence of rot. The wheel has cracked, but given the rest of the vehicle’s presentation, it doesn’t look out of place. As a faux racer, there are no creature comforts like a radio. The interior is simply functional.

I always respect custom builds because they offer creators a chance to let their imagination run wild. Some aim for pristine presentation and mechanical specifications that provide impressive performance. However, this 1929 Ford Model A Speedster is a different proposition, recreating the look and feel of a bygone era. The body is impressive for something that is effectively hand-built, while the seller’s decision to use rivets rather than bolts to attach the panels is a period-correct touch. The interest generated has been fairly modest, but it only takes one enthusiast viewing it as an automotive “must-have” for this classic to find a new home. Do you think that will happen?