Some project candidates offer buyers several choices when contemplating their build. Such is the case with this 1931 Ford Model A. It is only missing a couple of minor parts, making it a prime candidate for a faithful restoration. However, the deal also includes a complete frame from Speedway Motors, which is configured to accept a Chevrolet small-block if the winning bidder wishes to transform the Ford into a Hot Rod. Whichever path they choose, they will commence their build on solid foundations. The seller has listed the Model A here on eBay in Newton, Kansas. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,100 with a BIN of $11,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Any musician will tell you that if they score an initial hit, their second album can sometimes struggle to meet buyers’ expectations. Ford faced a similar challenge with the Model A. Its predecessor was an overwhelming success, with the Model T accounting for around 50% of all cars plying the planet’s roads at the height of its power. Left to his own devices, Henry Ford would have continued to produce the Model T until the day that he died, although technology had overtaken it by the time he relented and closed the curtain on the Model T in August 1927. Henry’s son, Edsel, oversaw much of the Model A’s design process, although the great man was to provide final approval before the first example rolled off the line in October 1927. Everybody at Ford held their breath when it finally hit the market in December of that year, hoping the latest offering would win over buyers. They need not have worried, because over 4.8 million cars hit the road before the last car emerged in March 1932. The history of our feature car is unknown, although the listing images suggest it hasn’t seen action for many years. The Black paint is tired, and the panels sport a selection of dings and dents. However, rust appears to be confined to surface corrosion, with no evidence of steel penetration. The frame is solid, and the glass generally looks good. The buyer will probably adopt a nut-and-bolt approach to achieve a high-level finish. That may provide the opportunity to drop the body onto the Speedway Motors frame if they wish to create something special.
Apart from his dislike of modern creature comforts, Henry Ford was renowned for his disdain for cars with more than four cylinders. The 177ci flathead in the Model T developed 20hp and provided respectable performance, although some buyers battled to make sense of the two-speed planetary transmission. The company followed a more conventional approach with the Model A. It once again featured a flathead four, although with a 201ci capacity, it is unsurprising that power leaped to 40hp. The transmission was a more conventional three-speed manual, which provided a more user-friendly driving experience. This Model A retains its original drivetrain, although the carburetor and starter have gone AWOL. Sourcing replacements shouldn’t be difficult, and the motor’s well-earned bulletproof nature means this may be all that’s required to coax the flathead back to life. Of course, if the buyer decides to follow the Hot Rod path, they could recoup some of their costs by selling the existing drivetrain.
This Ford’s interior is essentially complete, although the seat wears an aftermarket cover. However, the dash and gauges are intact, and the wheel looks surprisingly good for its age. Refreshing the painted surfaces during the build would be a piece of cake, and trim kits to achieve a faithful result are readily available. If the buyer chooses the custom path, all bets are off. A world of options will open at their feet, allowing them to create the interior of their dreams. Fancy leather? Hey, why not! Bucket seats and a Dakota Digital Gauge cluster. Those are more viable options. As previously stated, imagination is one of the few limiting factors.
I do not doubt that this 1931 Ford Model A will divide opinions. Some readers will view it as an ideal candidate for a faithful restoration, while others will find the lure of a traditional Hot Rod irresistible. Although I typically prefer originality, I have always found well-executed Hot Rods particularly attractive. They allow the builder to let their imagination run wild, creating a genuinely unique car that will draw crowds. Is that the path you would take, or would you return this Model A to a form that would have satisfied Henry Ford when it left the line?
Nah, V-12 “Got a Lincoln motor that’s really souped up, that Model A body makes it look like a pup”,,a 1930 the “Commander”( and others) sang about, although he changed the lyrics to “an 8 cylinder” and lost some zing.
The Model A will go down not as popular as the Model T, but one of the 1st of the “traditional” cars from Ford, a huge gamble, I read, that had big success, because it was simple, cheap and the timing was right.
Today? Sadly, the poor Model A doesn’t have a place in this society, kind of like the aging people that loved these cars.
By the way, I never knew what “safety tubes” were, some sort of headers? Nope, they were HD tire inner tubes,,,as if.
100 % I would buy the car and make it a nice Hot Rod, with the parts that are included. If you did most of the work, you could be in the car with a reasonable investment. Model A’s are not the Holly Grail of Hot Rods, but a nice car for about 25 K would be a good deal.
Too much price for a non runner but it looks solid. I think a mild hot rod would be a good move on this one.
Nice write up. I don’t think the price is far off the mark considering the price for the other frame. You can grab a finished one for 25/35k, so it doesn’t seem that bad, price wise, and looks to be pretty solid.
It appears to be a 1930 Model A. Not a 1931. Split apron, 30 radiator shell indicate 30. Asking price may be OK if more details are provided.
I think i would keep that engine until it finally said I’m done then upgrade to a nice V8 meanwhile i would just be cruising it
I don’t input much here because there are a lot of VERY knowledgeable people. Been a car guy all my life but my hands on experience is probably classed as intermediate. I’ve always wanted to build a mild hot rod but more of a sleeper because of my fondness for the basic style and simple operation. My forte is interior and mechanical renovation and bringing a car like this up to a presentable reliable driver would be in my wheelhouse. TIME is the most precious commodity for me, and at 78, I’m now realizing I’m not the kid I once was. This one deserves a good home.
almost 100 yrs unmodified i would leave as is and make it roadworthy
I agree.. I am more into keeping things original.. In this case the first thing I would change it to convert it to Hydraulic brakes for safety, then enjoy driving it around town and Cars and Coffee. If you wanted to add a little class put wire wheels on it. You can probably sell the Speedway frame for enough to cover the cost of a few updates.
Agree with the brakes. I’ve seen a variety of Model A 4 cylinders with mods, they sound good and move along quite well!
Considering a hot rod frame from Speedway runs about $2750, the price is high for this Model A. $2750 + $5000 is closer. The Model A fan base is getting smaller all the time.