Ford always knew that its Model T would be a tough act to follow because it was one of those rare examples of a car that had developed legendary status while still in production. Such was its success that, at one point, 50% of the cars plying the roads across the globe were a Model T. The company hit the right note with the Model A, which proved far more user-friendly than its predecessor. This 1928 Fordor appears to have spent years in storage and carries its share of surface corrosion. However, it seems a solid and complete classic that might represent a rewarding restoration project for the right person. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Dorrance, Kansas. They set their auction to open at $2,500, but there have been no bids.
Ford commenced production of the new Model A in October 1927, but it stockpiled vehicles before the December introduction to ensure it met buyer demand. It proved a wise strategy because the Model A achieved its one-millionth sale in February 1929. By the time the curtain fell, nearly five million cars had found new homes, despite the impact of The Great Depression. This Fordor appears to have been in storage for decades, and the winning bidder faces a nut-and-bolt restoration to recapture its former glory. The photos suggest they will start the process from a solid foundation because while there is plenty of surface corrosion, there is no evidence of penetrating rust. The seller believes the vehicle is complete, and there are no apparent signs of missing parts beyond the rear bumper. The tired Black paint will need to be stripped away to achieve a high-end result, but performing the task in a home workshop will require more time than money. Most trim pieces require a trip to the platers, and a specialist should inspect the wire wheels to ensure they are safe. Otherwise, this project could be a rewarding one that involves the whole family.
Powering the Model A is a 201ci flathead four that produces 40hp. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed manual transmission that many people found more user-friendly than the Model T’s two-speed planetary system. With twice the engine power of its predecessor, the Model A proved a sprightly performer capable of hitting 65mph. It is unclear when this Ford last fired a shot in anger, but unsurprisingly, it doesn’t currently run or drive. However, with the engine turning freely, revival may be possible with a little effort. There are no interior shots, but with the seller emphasizing the car’s complete nature, it suggests a retrim may be all that is required. Kits are readily available, and once the work is done, this would be the perfect weapon for weekend family adventures.
The photos and listing suggest that returning this 1928 Ford Model A Fordor to a factory-fresh state would be an ideal undertaking for an enthusiast keen on the DIY approach. It is not a rare car, but it will celebrate its one-hundredth birthday in a few years. I can’t think of a better way to mark that milestone than for it to return to active duty in its original form. Of course, it would also be an ideal candidate if someone was considering a Hot Rod project. Which path would you choose?
How’s the body wood?
If it is bad this will be a difficult/expensive project or just an excellent parts donor…..
As an A sedan fan I was anxious to see what this car really was. It isn’t what i expected at all. I knew that there was a two door “Sport” coupe which had a full folding top but this car is the same but it’s been modified with sheet metal. The only 4 door full convertible A I’ve ever seen was in Harrah’s museum in Nevada. Top came down and left the door frames exposed just like the “Sport”. Wow!
OK, so this may be a rare model?
Cool car get it mechanically sound drive it and have fun.
This is a “leather-back sedan” Briggs body. Fixed roof sedan. Not convertible sedan…
Thank you Peter. I did wonder about the top when the Harrah guide told us it came down. At the time I thought it was a lot of extra time and money to build it. Can’t be a lot of of these out there. The Leather Back Sedan is a new name for me and it’s interesting information.
the one you saw at Harrah’s was a Convertible Sedan, model 400-A.
uncommon, but not the rarest Model A body style.
Thanks Chris. Makes you wonder how many variations of the As there are out there.
The only thing rare about this is it didnt spent enough time in the fire. Model A’s were still roadsters, coupes, two door sedans, four door sedans, and a Phaeton. I think the original builder tried to accomodate his 7 foot tall mother in law…
fire?
does not look like it burned.
just a major project to restore.
“original builder” was the Ford assembly plant.
Leatherback Fordor or Town Sedan.
The distributor and generator are not correct for 1928. The steering column wheel should be red. I don’t know what the sheet metal is. I wouldn’t touch it.
You can pretty much count on some things to have been replaced but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a good car. The original type parts can easily be bought and reinstalled if you want that much originality on the car. This looks like a very restorable car from where I sit and it would be a great project for somebody with the room for it.
The model a u saw that the top folded down with the door frames exposed was a model a A 400
These were only built in 1931 and only a little over 5000 built. I saw one in pigeon forge tenn years ago. As for the sport coupe that the top folds down, it is a cabriolet, it has windows in the doors. We have one of these in our family it is a 1930
Safe conversion to modern drive train would be just as costly as a proper restoration, and then it would no longer be a Model A.
I like this car and it would be a great project for anyone. I’d get it running and driving so I could have fun with it and do the real work a bit at a time. All I need now is property, a house and a three car garage. There’s always money laying around if you know where to look. Good restorable car.