Choosing a first project car can be challenging. There are many factors an enthusiast must balance in the process. These include the buyer’s skill level, the purchase price, available workshop space, parts availability and cost, and the suitability of the vehicle to their circumstances once the work is complete. Those factors make this 1930 Ford Model A Coupe worth a closer look. Its restoration stalled many years ago, making it a blank canvas for someone considering a custom build. However, the enormous collection of included parts may prove the tipping point for those contemplating a faithful restoration. It also has one fascinating character quirk that helps it stand apart from its siblings. The Ford is listed here on eBay in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The seller set their BIN at $7,195.75, which is a precise figure! There is scope for interested parties to make an offer.

The seller indicates they purchased this Ford from an estate and that it had spent years stored indoors. The deceased former owner apparently commenced a restoration, but it stalled pretty early in the process. They replaced some of the timbers and repaired a few rust spots, but there’s more for the buyer to do. Whether they select faithful or custom, the buyer will probably find a frame-off approach the best to achieve a high-grade finish. There are still rust issues requiring attention, but the seller includes some replacement steel to assist with that process. The paint across the entire car is tired and cracked, leaving the new owner with little alternative but to strip it away to bare steel. Some trim pieces require a trip to the platers, and the only glass I can spot is the windshield. The new owner will undoubtedly have a shopping list, but the ready availability and affordability of these items may not hurt the wallet too much.

As with the rest of the car, this Model A’s interior is a work in progress. The seat wears a non-original cover that should improve occupant comfort. Whether it stays or goes as part of the build will depend on the buyer’s focus on originality. The previous owner commenced converting the trunk to a rumble seat, which requires completion. There are no door trims or other upholstered items, although the wheel looks good. The interior painted surfaces are probably consistent with the exterior condition, meaning they may require stripping and refinishing. However, the most notable feature of this Ford is the steering wheel placement. The seller indicates it features an older right-hand-drive conversion, although it is unclear when or why it was performed. Ford exported the Model A across the globe, and it could be that this car was initially destined for foreign shores. It is a mystery worth investigating because it could add an interesting side-note to this classic’s story.

Apart from general styling, the mechanical specifications marked the most significant difference between the Model A and its predecessor. Ford pensioned off the two-speed planetary transmission in favor of a more traditional three-speed manual unit. Engine capacity increased from 177ci to 201ci, although the motor remained a flathead four. Engine power rose from 20hp to 40hp, with the top speed climbing from 42mph in the Model T to a dizzying 65mph for the new model. The seller states this engine doesn’t run (surprise!), but it does turn freely. There are obvious missing components, but I believe most are present in the impressive included parts collection. It seems that virtually everything is there to breathe new life into this flathead. That may tip the scales in favor of a faithful restoration because it may cost the buyer nothing to revive this beauty.

Developing a follow-up to the all-conquering Model T would always be challenging. Still, Ford hit the right note with its Model A. By the time production ended, more than 4.8 million “A’s” in various forms prowled roads across the globe. Although there were many changes compared to its predecessor, the Model A continued the company’s focus on simple and sound engineering principles. That is why these classics make such excellent project cars. This one needs work, but it is at a point where the new owner can select their path of restoration or a custom build. If you found this Coupe in your workshop, which would you choose?