It isn’t unusual to find classics that have spent decades squirreled away in a barn, but this 1931 Ford Model A is an extraordinary discovery. It is staggering to think that this beauty has ninety-four years under its belt, and that it has never seen a road. It is as close as you can come to buying a brand-new Model A, although it will undoubtedly require revival before it takes its rightful place on our roads. The seller has listed the Ford here on Craigslist in Canyon Country, Santa Clarita, California. The price of $50,000 is well above the market average, but you will struggle to find another Model A that has never seen active service.
The Model T was always going to be a tough act to follow. At one point during its production run, over 50% of all vehicles plying the planet’s roads were Model Ts, demonstrating how readily the buying public had embraced Ford’s affordable motor vehicle. Buyers began taking delivery of the Model A in December 1927, with the company finding itself with another showroom success. The final cars left the factory in 1932, with its successor emerging later that year. The first owner ordered this “A” in 1931, and its discovery in a Californian barn is an exceptional find. The seller claims that it has never seen active service, but they offer no explanation as to why this is the case. They emphasize its originality, including all of the appropriate documentation. The first task awaiting the buyer is to perform a deep clean to determine whether the car’s Ford Maroon and Black paint is presentable for a survivor-grade vehicle. Even if it looks tired, I believe that preservation would be the best option that would showcase this classic’s history. There is no evidence or mention of rust, and the trim and glass are intact and in good condition.
Some people found driving a Model T challenging, courtesy of Henry Ford’s choice of transmission. However, the company followed a more conventional path with the Model A, teaming a 201ci flathead four with a three-speed manual transmission. The biggest gain was in performance, because while the T’s engine delivered 20hp, Model A buyers had 40hp at their disposal. The seller doesn’t indicate when the engine in this Ford last fired into life, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was when the car entered storage. It will require revival, and some enthusiasts may feel that an engine rebuild might be worthwhile to ensure that this classic is in sound mechanical health. Others may believe that a thorough inspection is the most appropriate path, but that will be a matter of personal preference.
I had expected the inside of this Ford to show evidence of rodent infestation after decades in storage, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. It is disappointing that the seller only supplies one interior image, because that makes a full assessment impossible. This is a case where an in-person inspection is warranted, because that will provide a guide regarding what tasks await the buyer once this beauty finds its way into their workshop.
Barn Finds was established on the philosophy of protecting and preserving classics, and cars like this 1931 Ford Model A form the backbone of that belief. This is an extraordinary vehicle, and the only thing that is missing is the backstory that has seen it spend its entire life in storage. It is as original as they come and is worthy of revival. Vehicles of this caliber deserve their place on our roads, but I harbor doubts as to whether that might happen in this case. The seller’s price is well above the market average, and its history may prompt the next owner to preserve it as a museum piece. I hope that isn’t the case, because this classic deserves to be driven and enjoyed.
Obviously, the presentation of this supposed remarkable car leaves a lot to be desired. It seems odd that it should be listed on Craigslist, rather than on some Model A forum site or Hemmings, or Mecum etc.
Now that’s a barn find! I sure wouldn’t steer this away from my place, if I was closer and had a pocketful of cash. I’ve got a barnfind in my collection in the form of a ’49 Chevy Styleline, which had 19K miles on it when it was pulled out. This would be a lot better in that it has close to ZERO miles. Kind of reminds me of the Lambrecht Auction 12 (seriously?) years ago.
I remember a Ford dealer from Colorado (If memory serves me correctly) who took all the remaining inventory home to his place at the model year end. He amassed quite a collection in 20+ years. Luckily, he kept everything inside. That would’ve been quite the collection to tap into.
The Lambrecht auction was a waste of numerous good vehicles left to rot. He was nothing but a hoarder.
Especially disgusting was how Lambrecht parked so many cars under the trees and allowed the debris to completely fill up the vent plenums under the windshields causing all of that area to rust away. He could have hired some kids for peanuts to take a broom and clean the crap off. Then all the buildings with roofs caving in on the cars. Not as if he didn’t have the funds. People tried to buy their old cars back from him and he refused, he was a self centered man.
Without a picture of the speedometer I don’t believe the mileage claim.
Steve R
I sent the CL ad to a friend that’s been building model A’s since the mid-1960’s when he was in high school. He believes it’s been restored and likely parked. He said there are a lot of cad plated parts that would have been bare metal. You obviously wouldn’t see that on an unrestored car. It’s up to the seller to provide documentation to back up the claim and justify the price.
Steve R
Yes, the engine compartment tells the true tale. Lots of non-original parts. The biggie is the lack of a white asbestos head gasket.
He is correct. The engine compartment especially has many replacement parts.
Yes. I noted the two hose clamps on the small rubber hose in the centre of the engine block.
An “original” Model A with a non original fan blade…
I know little about the Model A but a few observations make me suspicious. The light layer of dust tells me the car hasn’t been parked there for an excessive amount of time. Yeah, there could be reasons for that. The same can be said about the lack of insect damage to the mohair interior. But how about those tires! They still hold air after all these decades.
Whether the seller truly believes the tale he tells or was told does matter. The little details suggest a relatively recent refurbishment occurred before the car was stored.
This must be the guy we heard about all our lives…the one who has some swamp land for sale in FL.
If you are going to ask 50% more based on the originality, it would be best to have some examples of the proof in the ad. Even if it is as described, I don’t think it is worth it in the condition it is shown.
The radiator shell is a 1930, not a ’31. Add that to your list of red flags.
There are too many knowledgeable Model A people around to pull off this deception, why would someone even try? No one is going to shell out $50k for a Model A without getting an expert’s opinion, after an in-person inspection.
I don’t believe it is an original car and maybe not a 1931. It does appear to have been restored. A pic of the speedometer and the Serial number would be helpful. Some documentation of the originality and a title history should be provided by the seller. It could very well be a scam. Also, the price is way beyond optimistic.
I knew of a model T that a Ford dealer had in their showroom that had 12 miles on it and never titled. Even the window sticker was still in the car, dealer sold out and sold the car to a local family. The car was moved to their garage and an electrical fire took the car and another classic before the title had even been handed over. That’s the only one I know of that truly never was on the road.
not buying what they are selling. need to see evidence to back up this claim especially for 50k
That’s not a vehicle to try to fool people— they are very well known.
Lots of experts out there..
These guys come around a lot lately. The sad thing is, there are folks that get sucked in. Then? The circle continues.
This is a prime example of why Barnfinds is such a great company to me.. not only are you guys committed to the preservation of old cars etc but the folks who know a lot about many of them weigh in and provide years of knowledge and experience for those of us who never would have known to look for the things like what has been pointed out here. I am apparently quite good at run-on sentences however, as I’ve just demonstrated. :-)
Most likely someone inherited this nice old Ford, their Auntie told them it was Grandpa’s “all original Ford and he never drove it” and the part where he didn’t “drive it after it was restored” got displaced. Looks like a lovely 15-20k car but it’s not been in a closet for all of its years.