When you have a website that focuses on older cars, it would be pretty hard to not cover a few Ford Model As. And why not, there were 4.8 M produced in just four years (’28-’31). We have certainly covered our fair share and the variety of body styles was just endless. All in all, however, I would have to say that the Roadster Pickup, such as today’s 1931 discovery, is probably my favorite – it’s like an early version of Ford’s famous Ranchero. And the condition of this Oakland, California truck is not to be denied – it’s a looker. Prospective bidders can find it here on eBay where it’s available for a no-reserve bid of $9,678 with 37 bids tendered so far.
Coupes, sedans, cabriolets, roadsters, pickups, panel trucks, phaetons, and many more, Ford had it all going on with their Model A. A roadster pickup seems, today, like an unusual body configuration but back in the day, it probably made sense. The seller of this truck states, “An older comprehensive restoration that is still highly presentable” and yes, it certainly makes a visual statement. The two-tone finish perfectly contrasts and I would imagine is pretty representative of the era, especially the black-finished radiator shell as opposed to the passenger car’s more commonly encountered nickel-finished piece. The next owner of this truck is going to have to enjoy top downing it as there is no folding or removable roof – fair weather ride I guess. Be sure to cruise the listing’s images and check out the cargo bed’s woodwork.
The passenger compartment is a study in austerity, simplicity, and cleanliness. It’s a tight fit, designed for two but with the size of people today, it might only accommodate one and a half. The environment obviously hasn’t seen too much outdoor time and appears to have avoided inclement weather. It’s a treat to find such a nicely restored interior that mimics originality and has not undergone any modifications.
Power is provided by a 40 HP, 201 CI, in-line four-cylinder engine that is said to run and drive well. It’s tidy and original-looking but there’s nothing said about internal condition, rebuilds, etc., or how many miles that it has experienced. A three-speed manual transmission, which is usually the case, is in place.
As stated earlier, I prefer the pickup truck variant of the model A to others. But that said, I’ll have to admit it, a Model A doesn’t hold a whole lot of allure for me. I’m long in the tooth, or certainly getting there, but I think the Model A’s attraction and collectibility probably appealed to those who came before me and as those enthusiasts age out, the interest in the Model A will likely dim further. It’s unfortunate as the Model A is an important part of American automobile engineering and history. So no, I won’t be bidding on a Ford Model A but if I were to do so, this Roadster Pickup would be the one – I really like it, how about you?
Nice!
Too early for the V8! but NICE11
Nice indeed. I have to politely but completely disagree with you, however, when you say “the Model A’s attraction and collectibility probably appealed to those who came before me”. Yes indeed, the generation before us restored and preserved them but the interest goes on. In our local Model A club, The Capitol A’s, there are many younger folks. So far, there are 9 people signed up for my Model A driving class next month. We have monthly Sunday Drives at the museum where I volunteer (California Auto Museum) where we take visitors for rides in classic cars. Many youngsters choose a ride in a Model A over cars like the museum’s ’67 Camaro RS convertible. Model A’s are an easy way for many people to own a classic car. They are inexpensive to buy, easy to maintain, parts are cheap, there’s great club support and they are a hoot to drive. “The beat goes on” as the song goes.
Yes, I am not so very old but have wanted a Model A for years. Last Christmas my husband bought me a ’31!! It is a great car with a few nice upgrades. On Long Island where we keep it, the turnout at club events is astounding. I think the club has 200 members. One 40-year old has four Model As, each nicer than the last. Speaking of 40-year olds, I meant to include this link when I last wrote about a Model T. Even those very early cars are gathering fans.
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/gow/
Enjoy!
“The size of people today…” yikes. Time to turn the other cheek I guess…
People are larger today than when this truck was new. Especially in height, this was designed for folks around 5’ tall, most folks are closer to 6’ now. Leg room gets real short in these. And I’m not going into waist sizes, but you look at old photos and you’ll see a lot of 30” or smaller waists….
They had just come out of the Great Depression.
First day I got my ’30 2 door sedan, was going to fast on city street, traffic light changed, ran red light and got ticket!
This old disabled veteran would love to have it..
So would this old retired disabled law enforcement officer.
Likewise with this 14-year old whippersnapper.
Shouldn’t this have a foldable top or was that an option? My neighbor had one with a top.
It would have come with a top. Ford made the roadster car and pickup because the fabric top was cheaper. Also the bed would have been painted the body color and I’m not sure if it is an authentic Ford color.
That originally came with a convertible top. Also, don’t count on the prices or popularity of Model A’s by any description dropping any time soon!