Sitting in this garage is a 1931 Ford Model A that offers its next owner a world of possibilities. It is a complete and original classic that recently emerged from a barn after three decades in isolation. It would make an excellent basis for a restoration project, although it could also serve as the foundation for a custom rod build. Located in Allendale, New Jersey, you will find the Model A listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set a sale price of $8,000, making it an affordable project candidate. I need to thank Barn Finder T.J. for once again demonstrating the ability to spot some brilliant classics for us.
The first thing worth noting with this old Ford is that the barn in which it has spent the last three decades must have offered virtually ideal storage conditions. While there is a healthy coating of dust covering its panels, there is little evidence of significant corrosion or rust. The seller refers to the car as solid, suggesting that potential buyers won’t be working overtime with their welder or grinder. The panels look incredibly straight, and the Black paint lurking under the layer of dust seems to be in reasonable condition. There’s little doubt that it would make a great candidate for a restoration or custom build, but it would be interesting to wash and polish the entire vehicle to see how well it presents. It opens the possibility of performing no panel or paint restoration work and enjoying the car as an original survivor. The glass looks good, with no signs of cracks or cloudiness. The chrome may respond positively to some old-fashioned hard work with a high-quality metal polish, while the lack of visible corrosion on the original wire wheels could indicate that they will need little more than a careful inspection to confirm that they are safe for immediate use.
Ford offered a single drivetrain configuration in their Model A. If you wanted anything but a 201ci flathead four-cylinder engine and a three-speed manual transmission, you were out of luck. That little four produced 40hp, marking a 100% increase compared to the previous Model T. One aspect of this configuration that many saw as a massive leap forward was the company’s decision to retire the Model T’s planetary transmission in favor of the three-speed manual. It brought the car’s controls more in line with those offered by the competition, making it more user-friendly and “familiar” for potential buyers. As with the rest of the car, it appears that this Model A’s mechanical components are original, although the condition is unclear. If it hasn’t fired a shot in three decades, it may need a spot of TLC before it roars into life. These old Ford flathead engines are renowned for their bulletproof nature. It is possible that cleaning the fuel system and rebuilding the carburetor could produce positive results. If this proves the case, returning the car to a mechanically roadworthy state may not cost a fortune. However, the buyer will face the cost of new tires, while signs of a coolant leak suggest that a radiator re-core may also be required. If that proves to be the extent of its mechanical needs, this looks like a genuinely affordable project car.
After years of sitting in a barn, I was expecting to find strong indications of rodent infestation, but it seems that this Model A may have dodged a bullet. The seat upholstery is free from holes and physical damage, and I can’t see any evidence of seat stuffing on the floor. Once again, a deep clean would make a world of difference and may prove all that the interior needs. The mat is pulled back around the pedals, but it doesn’t look torn or damaged. The gauge cluster seems good, and there is surprisingly little wear on the wheel. If the next owner wants to retain this Ford as a survivor, they may be in luck with this interior.
The possibilities offered by this 1931 Ford Model A appear endless. It seems a strong candidate for an enthusiast considering tackling their first restoration project. Bolting an upgraded drivetrain under that genuine Ford steel and adding bigger wheels and tires would transform it into a great traditional hot rod. Alternatively, its lack of rust and significant panel issues open the option of treating the exterior to a decent wash and polish and reviving its existing engine. They could then drive it proudly as a survivor. Ah, decisions, decisions, but which would you choose?
Restore, obviously.
No paperwork, no go. Could be stolen.
“Rod it”– Really? No car guy there.
Interesting find. Great place to start. Personally, I would clean it up and enjoy it as is. But my name is not on the title, so we shall see what the next owner does.
It’s a Model A, there are lots of them ,restored and modified, it is a good body style and it is priced in the going rate, for these cars. Restore it or Hot Rod, if you like and you buy it, you can do what ever you want. One thing that is important, is the size of your bank account. Either option can be pricey.
Why do these things always pop up so far away I hate the thought of paying a shipper I also don’t know how the sellers state handles lost titles and how hard that would be to sort out but it would be a fun toy to have
Adam Clarke is either a maniac hot rodder or hates historical cars or both. Why even mention “rod” when looking at an obviously clean original model A Ford?
I went to a car show Saturday, most of the 40’s and older cars were hot rods. Some of the work was well done, but much of it changed to car into something that’s almost undriveable, the original car would be far better. We have enough hot rods. Let’s enjoy the original history of our automotive past.
Duaney, I totally agree on keeping this original as is. I have a ‘31’ Tudor that is original as barn find. I go to car shows and you would not believe the attention that car gets. These cars are easy to maintain. This one may have brake issues as the skid marks in the floor indicate. All parts are available and this could easily put back into service in a couple of weekends. The title missing would be the biggest problem posed. Do not cut up history for another hot rod!
How many original cars do you need to see. They all look the same. Tom
To the rodder that cuts this one up: may your 9/16 sockets forever be missing, may you always have cuts on your fingers when working with brakleen, and may you forever have sharp swarf stuck in your socks.
This car was obviously somebody’s baby in the not-so-long-ago. Probably totally restored in the ’70s – It’s also a cabriolet coupe w/rumble seat, and someone spent a lot of time putting a ‘dandy’s paint job’ (note the white side tires, bright red wheels, and red-painted under fender wells paint) and pin-striping on the car. Also the once almost obligatory Motor Meter, and aluminum step plates on the running boards – very, very, ’70s restoration marks.
I’d bet some old-timer in the New England states Old Fords group knows who had (has?) the title, or how to get one….
Gas rationing cards on the widshield…
Those gas rationing stickers were also a ’70s resto staple. I’d bet a Yankee dollar those whitewall tires say ‘Coker Tires’ somewhere on the sidewalls.
Nice car and decent price I WOULD put a flat head v/8 from a early 50’s merc in it and better brakes and tires and drive it
I hate to keep repeating myself when I see these old cars, but over the last years they have lost a lot of valve the cost to restore a classic doubled and these have tripled. The valve is in the 60s 70s cars.
It needs a full restoration to get rid of it’s previous “restoration”. Monetarily it is not worth it, the guys that paid big money for them are dying off and no kid wants one. RMac is right, put a nice built Merc flattie in it, a T5 to get you to freeway speeds, some early V8 wheels and hydraulic brakes. Get rid of the god awful gold stripes and drive the snot out of it. This is my favorite A body style, my grampa bought one new in 29.
Wonder why there is a fuel shut-off in the engine compartment when there is one on the tank on the passenger side. And why ship it? Drive it home, not of course on the interstate. Miles of smiles, lots of small towns to see. I commuted back and forth to college in mine. 55 mph all day long.