Even though the last Ford Model A rolled off of the assembly line 91 years ago, they are still found with amazing regularity. And the fact that almost 5 million saw the light of day over its four-year production cycle has helped with the cause. Today’s find, a 1931 five-window coupe, is dolled up like an old-school hot rod. Located in San Pedro, California, this Model A is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $13,100, with the reserve not yet met.
If you noticed this car’s location, you may recall the following song lyrics, “Pulled outta San Pedro late one night, the moon and the stars were shinin’ bright, we was drivin’ up Grapevine Hill, passin’ cars like they was standin’ still…” (Hot Rod Lincoln by Charlie Gray c.1955) OK, so this chopped (slightly) Model A is not exactly the same car as depicted in the song but the geographical coincidence is too much to ignore.
This A has it all going on with its high-boy stance, primered finish, missing fenders and bumpers, wide whites, doggie bowl hubcaps, and of course the previously mentioned top chop. The evidence of some scrapes and scratches just adds to the hot rod vibe.
Surprisingly, this A is still sporting a 201 CI, in-line, four-cylinder engine and hasn’t undergone a flattie V8, or horrors of horrors, a small block Chevy transition. Sorry, no hot rod Lincoln here. The notable thing about this four-pot motor is the Stromberg carburetor topped ANSEN intake manifold and the finned aluminum side plate. The intake likely dates to the ’50s and can be a tough, and expensive, aftermarket component to acquire. The accelerator linkage is interesting looking, it appears to be home-crafted as many hot rod mods were so long ago. The seller claims, “supped up 4 banger, drives and runs great“. Also mentioned is the conversion to a 12-volt electrical system – always a helpful upgrade. Nothing is said about the gearbox so I’ll run with the assumption that it’s the original three-speed manual unit.
The interior is a bit rough but that’s in keeping with the character too. It’s actually a stock environment that has seen the addition of an aftermarket engine gauge and the removal of the door panels. The literal floorboard appears to have a new steel cut-out for the handbrake and gear shift slots but nothing else notable is evident. I wonder what’s up with that old Quaker State oil can?
Kool Kar? Kompletely! At least eight bidders think so, though I imagine that four-cylinder powerplant is holding it back a bit. But maybe the next owner’s intention will be to perform an engine swap. I understand a Lincoln V8 will fit, right?
Put a flat head in it, dropped front axle, and fenders/running boards and you’ve got something you can drive anytime and anywhere. Nice condition but looks unfinished.
The subtle chop is a nice look. The 4banger with rare speed shop parts is a VERY interesting survivor. Agree with @bobhess it could use a restancing but overall a pretty Kool Kar!
I really wouldn’t change a thing about the base car. Might put rear fenders and Motorcycle style on the front to make it more street able. Sweet ride and with the 4 banger being original with period speed mods just make it for me. I had a 30 5 window that was missing the drive train so I put in a Pinto 4 banger and 4 speed so I could retain its outward originality.
Pulling off fenders does not make it a hot rod. Should have left them on.
Chop top and speed parts do.
So Jim a small block Chevy in a Ford coupe is horrors of horrors,my self and John Milner disagree with you.
No, not to me at all. But the real Ford fans will take me to task for even suggesting it.
JO
Look hot rods were about speed and that included dropping an Olds, a Caddy or any other larger and more powerful engine in the frame rails. Ford sold lots of cars and they were really cheap and available. No crime committed with any pre war car (WW2) getting a drivetrain that was faster. They are real hot rods! Don’t be haters because it it’s a Ford with a Chevy. It is a Hot Rod! This isn’t quite there yet, yes has some go fast A parts but the running boards?
I agree a caddy, Buick nailhead or even a Y block Ford would be right at home in this.
Definitely has a correct “period” look to it , unlike todays imagined 50s look with license plates and road signs covering the interior and silly doo dads that no self respecting rodder would have used back in the day.
The added weight of a big motor might not be “OK”, brake-wise, anyway.. Wheel sizes totally “OK” , also mini-chop. ” … that no self respecting rodder would have used back in the day.” Indeed, very much so: DoB: 10/21/1939.
She could be a great car,love the old hotrod,needs a motor and trans and drive shaft and a rear end and interior and she would be done.
Old-timer’s POV: ‘High boy’ was a dry lakes/B-ville term for any unchanneled body (mainly roadsters). This looks more like a unfinished full-fendered effort. Many guys back in the day would have at least heated the front spring to lower the stance – putting in a dropped axle was/is a lot of hard work. Still a worthy start. I believe I can see juice-brake plumbing along the frame rails in one of the pics.(tony t & I are in the same DOB group – IYGAS – mine is 10/31/1939).
Yes ,juice it is.No visible eny mec brake bars.
Before I go for my last ride, I would love to put a late model Ford V8 in a ‘57 Belair 2 door hardtop. (And a tranny that shifts more than one time) Turnabout is fair play.
Went for 16. In my opinion, a bit steep, for what it is. The CA license plate suggests that it has been registered recently (beginning with a 7). If it was really an ‘old-timey’ rod, it very likely would not have that plate. Or, maybe there is some explanation, like old title lost, or old plates lost….. It would come with a 62 black plate, if it originated in the old days, and was kept current.
Black plate in’63, blue plate in ’68, white plate in mid-80’s….
Small block chevy only way to go