Although Ford’s Model T was showing its age by the time the last car rolled off the production line in 1927, it was held in such high esteem within the community that it continued to sell in significant numbers until the end. It was going to be a tough act to follow, but the company continued its success with the Model A. This “A” Tudor recently emerged after decades spent hidden in a barn. It wears the accumulated dirt and dust from its hibernation, but it appears solid and complete. Its most pressing need is for a new owner willing to tackle the tasks required to return it to active duty. The Ford is listed here on Facebook near Newcastle, Wyoming. You could own this slice of American automotive history for $5,000 OBO. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this fantastic classic project.

Like its predecessor, Ford produced the Model A in a bewildering range of body types. There was something to cater to most needs and tastes, although vehicles like the Tudor were ideal as family transport. It is unclear how long this car sat in its barn, but it has emerged in surprisingly good condition. It will take more than a weekend of tinkering to return it to its former glory because the list of required work is long. It includes new paint, replacement glass, inspection and potential timber replacement, reconditioning the wheels, and sending some trim pieces to the platers. You may notice I don’t mention rust repairs because this classic appears rock-solid. No issues are visible in the supplied photos, and none are mentioned in the listing. There is surface corrosion, and the new owner will probably elect a frame-off approach to ensure this old gem survives for another ninety-four years. That will be time-consuming, but it would be worth the effort.

The first thing potential buyers noticed when Ford released the Model A was its more modern styling. However, that was the tip of the iceberg because the most significant changes were below the surface. Ford continued utilizing a flathead four under the hood, but the capacity had climbed from 177ci to 201ci. Combined with some efficiencies in engineering, it meant that power leaped from 20hp to 40hp. Also consigned to the pages of history was the two-speed planetary transmission, which was dropped in favor of a more conventional three-speed manual unit. The impact of these changes was profound because while the Model T could stretch itself to 45mph, the Model A pushed the top speed to a dizzying 65mph. The seller indicates this classic is mechanically complete and that the engine turns freely. It may take little effort to breathe new life into the four, but I recommend a thorough inspection first. Otherwise, factoring a rebuild into the restoration budget could be wise.

The theme of total restoration continues when we examine this Ford’s single interior shot. I can see the seat frame and springs, but the presentation is all you might expect from a car that spent decades in a barn. The shopping list includes new upholstery and seat padding, a new gauge housing, and a replacement wheel. The painted surfaces are tired, but the buyer will probably tackle this when whipping the exterior into shape. One attraction of this Model A is that it will comfortably seat at least four people. That could make it an ideal family restoration project because everyone will benefit from the finished product.

I’ve always believed that as a first restoration project or for someone considering treading the DIY path, it is hard to resist a Ford Model A. Like its predecessor, Ford elected to utilize elegantly simple engineering and construction techniques, meaning many of the tasks required to return this classic to its former glory could be performed in a home workshop. The solid and complete nature of this car means it should be a relatively straightforward project, and the finished product should be able to ply our road for many decades. Is that enough to tempt you to pursue it further?