The 1930-31 Victoria’s were the most elegant of the Model A Fords. The “Vicky’s” – as they became known as – were named after a type of carriage and were a cross between a 2-door sedan and coupe with room for four and some luggage behind the back seat. This one has the “leatherback” roof and was last on the road in 1957. When the seller bought it, it was disassembled, but he put it back together for transport. Located in Coventry, Rhode Island, it should be a solid candidate for restoration and is available here on eBay. The bidding has reached $4,150, but the reserve has not been met.
Ford’s successor to the popular Model T was the Model A, which had the misfortune of debuting just before the Great Depression set in. As such, it was in production for a shorter period and sold far fewer copies, some 4.3 million instead of 14.5. The Victoria was introduced in its last two model years, 1930-31. It was only available as a coupe and was the most luxurious car in the Ford line-up. What helped set it apart was that it came with either a steel roof, a canvas top, or a rubberized fabric top (like the seller’s car). It was the only Model A to feature auxiliary trunk space. 40,212 of them were built, mostly in 1931.
The seller found this Vicky in storage where it had been since the late 1950s. It had been dismantled so the seller put it back together to get it home, but I wouldn’t bet on all the bolts being tightened. We’re told the body is solid and the only major rust is on the left lower cowl. Any repair panels needed to bring the ole girl back to life are said to be available online.
These cars were powered by a water-cooled L-head inline-4 with a displacement of 201 cubic inches, good for 40 hp. The internals on this one are still in boxes, so the buyer can choose to rebuild it or get another engine altogether. Most of the wood is good and extra pieces will come with the car. The original seats look to be recoverable and this Vic was treated to a new set of tires. There is no title, so a bill of sale will have to suffice. The prior owner was unable to find it.
These Fords have been quite popular with the hot-rodding set and hopefully, this one will not go that route. It would be quite an impressive sight when brought back to its original 1930s condition! NADA suggests these can be worth north of $30,000 in nice condition.
Interesting car. Looks like the seller forgot to put the rear spring back in. Just not a lot of these running around so restoring this car should be done to preserve the breed. The reference to the “leather roof” is interesting as all the model A coupes, sedans, etc. had fabric roof inserts instead of metal panels. Never seen one fully covering the top before. Pretty slick.
The “Leatherbacks” Model A’s had full “pebble grain artificial leather” covering the top and back of the roof and the area behind the rear side window, not just the insert and are similar to later vinyl roofs we came to adore or abhor as the case might be. This option was available on several models including coups and sedans.
Sold!
Someone got a sweet deal at $5,211.12
I have no idea where the statement of room for luggage comes from because the only thing that will fit in the cavity behind the rear seat is maybe two “soft” brief cases
Nice looking old car. Priced reasonable too. Easy to work on .
Somebody got a great model A Victoria for a very fair price. It would be helpful if the seller has pics of when it was
disassembled as well. It will be a fun project to build back.