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No Bargain: 1931 Ford Model A Coupe

The Ford Model A was introduced in 1927 and was a huge leap in technology from the Model T. Chevy, Chrysler, and other companies had moved on from the T era to equipping their cars with 4 wheel brakes, geared transmissions, standard pedal arrangement, electrical systems and other features found on more modern cars. The Model A was competitive, and Ford sold almost 4 million of them by the time production ended in 1931. Many have been made into hot rods and many others have rusted away, but there are still a lot left. Many were restored in the 1950s and 1960s. As their owners lost interest, energy or died, the old Fords were left in garages, sheds, barns or even outside. Rocco B found this Model A listed on craigslist for $5500. It seems to be located somewhere in Massachusetts. The owner describes this Model A as original, but it’s actually an older restoration. It looks complete, but the engine is seized.

The interior isn’t original, but it looks usable. However, if the rest of the restoration was done like those masonite door cards, it doesn’t look good for the the quality of the restoration work. Up close, the paint looks like it was sprayed over rust and bad body work.

They weren’t bashful about the overspray! The engine may be locked up, but it could be the starter. Model A engines are plentiful and parts are cheap. There is a chance the new owner could get this running without spending too much money.

At first glance, this Model A looks like it could be a great deal. Compared to this one listed on eBay, it looks like a great deal. But compare it to one that sold recently on eBay. That car looks pretty nice and is running and driving. The Model A is a fun car to drive and is cheap and easy to work on. However, they just aren’t worth much money. Really nice Model As sell for about $12,000 to $14,000. If one could get this one running for not much money and you didn’t come across any serious issues, it could be a fun driver. You would have to do something about the interior as well, of course. I hope somehow this Model A is saved, but perhaps $5,500 is not the great deal it looks like at first?

Comments

  1. Avatar joeinthousandoaks

    That’s the worse seat I’ve ever seen. It looks like a sack of fertilizer. It could be worth half of the ask.

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  2. Avatar Mr. Bond

    That front seat looks like a futon.

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  3. Avatar BRAKTRCR

    Squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil in the spark plugs holes, for a couple days, put it in 1st gear, and rock it back and forth. Ya never know. They are fun cars. I agree, the price is a bit optimistic.

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  4. Avatar Dave Member

    Look at those sparkers! You couldn’t even get them out with c4!

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    • Avatar Glen

      It would be fun to try, though.

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  5. Avatar BRAKTRCR

    Now that I look at the pictures on my desktop, and not my phone, Yikes. Those plugs look like they have been underwater. He lowered the price to $5,000 firm, but I am guessing he will have it for a while.
    Looks like it was just a driver or parade car. Sad to see folks let stuff go, but as we have all said before, those interested in these are dieing off, and perhaps some family member let the engine get seized.

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  6. Avatar Joe Haska

    Maybe introduced in 1927, but the first Model A was 1928 , the last 1931. Sort of like there really aren’t any 19641/2 Mustangs, they are all titled 1965.

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    • Avatar Vince H

      Not in PA. Even some of the true 65s are titled 64. New 65 models that were titled before December 31 will show on the title as 64.

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    • Avatar Derek Snead

      And then came the famous 32 ford with the V-8 and doors that actually closed instead of overlay!

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  7. Avatar Mickey Dorsey

    Sealed beam headlights, V8 wheels and tires, brake pedal hanging vertically hints at hydraulic brake conversion. Definitely not ALL original but if the body is solid sheet metal it is worth the price and could still be restored or street rodded. Earlier comments are correct…Model A prices have not changed for 30 years and expecting to make money on a restoration is not going to happen. I’ve restored about 15 of these for customers, but they always had a sentimental reason to spend the money and never could sell them for what they had in them. Fun cars but you need strong arms, legs, and willingness to fix something on every trip.

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  8. Avatar Chris in WNC

    if the body is solid and rust-free, the asking price is good.

    if it is full of cancer and bondo, let’s negotiate.

    a good driver Coupe with a solid body is worth more than twice the asking.

    BTW, total Model A production was over 5 million, not just under 4 million…….

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  9. Avatar Graywolf

    You won’t find an easier car to work on, even if you have minimum skills! My Dad and I bought one in 1962 before I had my license. It was a family affair, Mom cooking up burgers on the grill, while Dad and I worked on the car. At that time you would have to source your parts at swap meets, catalogs or Ford Parts Obsolete. The swap meets were a blast! All three of us went on the hunt, digging through mounds used parts, bargaining and learning! Soon our driveway was full of friends with their Model A’s, looking for parts and help fixing theirs. Mom at the grill with Dad and I turning wrenches! This brought tremendous smiles from my parents and friends! Come on parents, get your kids involved, Model A’s are an inexpensive and fun!!

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  10. Avatar Joe Haska

    Vince, I understand what you are saying about title dates, many states make their own rules, or use too. The fact is no Mustang ,ever left the factory titled as a 64 !/2. My source for that fact is Gayle Halderman the head designer of the Mustang, ranked just below Lee Iacoca. Gayle told me personally ,as I was fortunate enough to get to know him, that is a fact. The early introduction of the car was a marketing ploy of Iacoca’s ,and it worked very well. Until then all the manufactures introduced the new model’s in Sept. I have seen many titles that are wrong because of the DMV, but that doesn’t change the year of the car!

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  11. Avatar David

    I’d take it in a minute. I’m old school and class is still in!

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  12. Avatar Jon

    Craigs listing is gone…
    ..

    Like 0

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