If Ford’s Model T supercharged human progress, the Model A made that progress more comfortable. Introduced in late 1927, and representing the second go-’round of the Model A designation (the first was in 1903), Henry Ford’s new car was an immediate sensation. Looking less like a buggy about to accept a team of horses and more like a car, the Model A standardized the position and operation of driving controls, and offered four-wheel brakes and an electric starter. Plus, it was cheap. No wonder it sold nearly 5 million copies. Here on eBay is a wonderful, usable 1928 Model A from America’s early motoring history, bid to $7700 in a no-reserve auction. The car is located in Kelso, Washington, and if you’re brave, you can drive her home!
The seller refreshed the car’s original 201 cu. in. flathead four-cylinder engine, and performed a host of other repairs during his years of ownership. The car has travelled fewer than 3000 miles on the work completed. A video embedded in the listing demonstrates that it’s in fine running condition. The seller does indicate that the steering box needs to be rebuilt. The Model A could reach 45 mph with a tailwind, but it’s better suited for slower motoring. Careful on the corners – there’s no independence whatsoever in her suspension, and you’re travelling on skinny wires. Speaking of tires, these are old and should be replaced.
The interior is in very nice condition. The two trademarks I always think of when a Model A comes to mind are that four-spoke steering wheel and the “four leaf” gauge cluster. The exterior/interior color combination marks this example as a Canadian-delivery vehicle. The seller does note that the paint on the hood is cracking and could use renovation; if this were my car, I’d leave it alone. A paint job is going to make the rest of the car look shabbier – when it’s really not. This is a phaeton body style, with four doors, generous seating for four, and a convertible top.
Early Model As are distinguished from their later-arriving siblings in several ways – enough so that a knowledgeable restorer will rely on panel stampings or date of production to source parts. Early cars had rounder hood lines, a shorter grille, and different fenders. By the time the ’30 and ’31 cars arrived, Ford was offering trim differences, including cowl lights and a pinstriped or woodgrain dash. Mechanically, though, the differences were minor.
Values have increased lately for Model As. The cars are simple, scads of parts are available, restoration help is easy to find, and several clubs will be happy to have you as a member. No one frowns on upgrades within reason. Later cars and roadsters tend to bring the best prices. Still, this price seems low, judging by the ’29 phaeton that sold just a few weeks ago here for $13,750. I wouldn’t be surprised to see another bid or two before the auction for this ’28 winds down.
Have a heavy duty car guy friend who’s got one of these that,s been in his family for years. Has to be at the top of the Model A line. It’s a gem of car history at it’s finest.
Driver quality Phaetons like this can fetch 25k, while driver quality As in general bring 10 to 15k and with dollars get cheap so are As as I see a lot for 10 to 12k.
Not that it can’t be done, but the 2,600 mile drive to my home would be quite an adventure!
Even the 70 miles to my place would be too much on I-5, but there are back roads… A few years ago I would have been all over this but now have to be a little more selective. These early AR model A’s used to be very sought after. BTW the steering box was rebuilt by the seller’s father. The comment about needing that was from the prior owner according to the eBay ad.
A man just north of here bought one of these, new, in 1929, a sedan in his case: he drove it for the rest of his life. And in his late years, he came in it to town on errands, up until he was 102 — then both he and the car vanished (I assume that he died). He had a tidy and nice house which now has sat empty since about 1994 (I guess), with its lawns overgrown. The separate garage began listing badly, then collapsed maybe 10 years ago; and now I notice an ominous sag in the roof of the house itself, with thick moss growing on it. I imagine that the house will either fall down or be torn down, at some point.
Was he the gentleman that used to drive into Midas every few years for a free replacement muffler for his A?
Lol, I had an uncle that used to do that and eventually Midas refused to put anymore mufflers on his car. They said that the mufflers were no “longer available”. He sued and won, because he provided several sources of reproduction mufflers, so they had to honor the contract until he passed, which was many years later. Another guy I knew used to do that with NAPA Auto Parts, as long as you had your original receipt you got a replacement part for free. Back in the day when your word meant everything and don’t dare go back on it! Nowadays people expect to get ripped off lol.
Just the other day I watched Derek Bieri and Steve Dulcich attempt to drive a Model A coupe called Gumby on a long distance trip. They had their fair share of roadside repairs to accomplish and eventually had to call it quits. I enjoyed it. I always have fancied owning a Model A but alas I have accepted that it ain’t probably gonna happen. This looks like a really nice one. I’d love to take it to C&C or a local show. Just out of curiosity I’m watching the auction. Presently I think that its way underpriced. GLWTS.
It has key AR features, emergency brake by the door, T style headlight lenses, but the hood sides are not right for an AR US car. Maybe Canadians were different. Price is up to just under 9k. They don’t mention side curtains.
The eBay ad says they are under the rear seat.
A Model A touring car is uncommon–and reminiscent of the Model T. This one is pretty in Brewster Green and seems to be fair value. In about 1958, while in high school, my brother and I shared an ’28 Tudor sedan in this color. It had the handbrake on the left, so we were told it was an “early ’28,” never an AR. Sure wish I had photos and its chassis number…
Seams to be some older, knowledgeable people on here. Anyone ever hear of a brass cased “Universal” brand auxiliary transmission for a Model T or Model A?? I have one and can’t find any information about them. Thanks, 406-350-2223 I have the adaptor and driveshaft. I ‘m sure it’s for Ford, just not sure if Model A or T.
Saw a picture of a Model A or T in the snow with the engine all ablaze. I thought it strange, and what could possibly make it burn like that, thinking it wasn’t probable. Then I found out back in the day in cold climates like here in Montana, they ran KEROSENE in the engine for coolant because it wouldn’t freeze!!!
Model A owners here in Western North Carolina did the same thing. I have heard old timers tell how clean kerosene kept the inside of the cooling system. I guess they didn’t consider the danger of fire, but then again the gasoline tank was right above and behind the engine!
and gravity (fuel) feed? Have to back UP the “Lewiston Grade to Pullman ….
I’m very surprised that roadsters bring the most money. I thought that woody Wagons brought the most money.
35 minutes left with top bid at $8,900.
SOLD for $10,400.
33 bids.