Decisions, decisions. If I bought this 1931 Model A Victoria, would I restore it, or would I just drive it and enjoy it as it stands? The owner describes the Ford as being rust free, and it certainly looks quite promising. The Model A is located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and is listed for sale here on eBay.
This old Ford has a great look about it. The vehicle does look to be straight, complete, and rust free. The surface corrosion and the aged signage on the doors look really great, and the car just has loads of character. Have any of our Barn Finds readers ever been to the Washington Island Lighthouse? I’d be very interested to know what it’s like, and whether it still has a Keeper.
The interior is a bit of a mixed bag, with trim in several different colors present. It is certainly serviceable as it is, but I would be inclined to make some changes. I don’t necessarily mean undertaking a full restoration, but it would be nice if all of the trim material matched, and I would probably be inclined to fit a rubber mat to the floor. Having said that, it does appear to be complete, so it would come down to the individual taste of the next owner.
Under the hood is the venerable 4-cylinder flat-head engine, which is backed by a manual transmission. There have been some obvious modern touches applied, which are visible in the photo. The addition of an alternator is probably not a bad idea, especially given the fact that the Ford is now fitted with halogen headlights. The original generator probably wouldn’t have been up to the job if the car were to be driven at night. The changes that have been made aren’t all visible to the naked eye. The car has only covered 3,000 miles since the engine underwent a comprehensive rebuild. It is now balanced, been fitted with a high-compression head, a Chevrolet carburetor, and Babbitt main bearings. The car is also fitted with a 1953 Ford F-1 steering box.
The owner has set a BIN price of $32,900 for the Ford Victoria, but the option is there to make an offer. At that price, it isn’t the cheapest Victoria on the market at present, but nor is it the most expensive. Really good examples can fetch upwards of $50,000 or more, so the price for this one doesn’t look too bad for a car with this much character. So, back to my original question. It’s pretty simple for me. I’d try to get all of the interior trim to match, and then I would change another thing.
Something is wrong with its stance, wheels, rake – I can’t figure it out. Not my expertise. Something is wrong with the look of this. Anyone tell us?
Is it the tires, larger than stock?
And I think it has smaller diameter (16”?) Wheels.
I agree, Capt. I’m not an expert on these, but I can see that the wheels/tires are not correct…also seems to be overpriced!
Body is not setting level on the chassis. Look at the brickwork on the wall behind the car. The driver’s side is a bit lower than the passenger side.
It needs a dropped axle. That’s what is wrong with the stance.
I’m inclined to go that way also ( just redo interior to one color) , maybe a few years later address the exterior… definitely a nice possession to have in one’s garage…
I’ve been to the Island, do not recall the lighthouse Adam. There are a few up there. One thing I will never forget, the custom of drinking a shot of Bitters at the pub. Trust me on this one Gang, Do not drink one!
On the ebay listing, there’s “Period Correct Aged Oil Painting” listed as one of the selling points. That’ll be yer doors. Why do folks do that? Pure rips ma knitting, so it does…
Trust is the most valuable commodity in the world, more precious than gold! And you leiniedude are trustworthy in my book…..lol….especially when it comes to bar advice!!!..I lived in Door County for awhile, interesting and beautiful place. Yes they have many lighthouses up there, Most I believe are automated. They call the water passage by Washington island, Deaths Door due to the dangerous currents. Many, many shipwrecks.
Now that’s one I’d love to have sitting in my garage. Not 100% oem but it’s all there IMO.
The Victoria is my ultimate favorite body style. I would love to have one in my collection but this one is way out of my budget, unless those six weekly numbers match. Looks like someone converted it to 12V. I would never do it but others might disagree. Those 16 inch wheels DO look a little bulky; I’d use the stock 19 inch. Just the same I wouldn’t kick this one off my driveway…
There’s much better for less out there!
eBay has several others, the yellow roadster for $20k gets my attention!
Just sayin’ this $ is rodding territory.
It was once quite commonplace to ‘update’ a Model A with later wheels and ‘balloon tires’. They could always be swapped back for the 19″ originals.
This example is probably worth the price of admission, but gee, I wish the owner and/or dealer would have not bothered with the faux patina signage, etc.
I’m a Wisconsinite and too have visited Washington Island in Door Co. a couple times in the past. It is a bucolic setting which is only accessible by ferry from the mainland, via Gills Rock. There are several lighthouses located in the Door Co. region, but no longer have keepers as they were all automated by 1983. http://www.doorcounty.com/experience/lighthouses
Nelsen’s Hall Bitter’s Pub has been around since 1899 and served bitters during prohibition to survive, as bitters were deemed medicinal and prescribed by physicians as a tonic to aid with digestion. Angostura bitters are 44% alcohol (88 proof), so they will also aid in mischief if enough is consumed. Definitely an acquired taste, but sure is tasty in a whiskey or brandy old fashioned cocktail. I also frequent The Throttlestop in the Village of Elkhart Lake, WI. (near Road America), and have seen this Model A at a Cars & Coffee, pretty cool time capsule with a great patina, can’t speak to its mechanical condition or driving performance, but sure like to look at it.
Here’s a link to a You Tube Video containing an interview with the owner from Sept. 2018. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25VVJYGuX4g
Like the styling of the Victoria’s and the later model wheels add to the appearance. Seems pricey but my guess is someone will snatch it up.
Not original with 16s,But this wil drive much better than with 3″ wide 19s.
Needs two mannequins dressed like Elliott Ness with Tommy guns. I’m getting an Untouchable vibe with this one.
It’s a Vicky fer sure but not at that price…..
Those are later wheels, common practice but dodgey to drive with. The springs are sagging. The distance from the top of the fender to the tire on the right rear is taller than that on the driver’s side. “Bachelors Lean” from years with only a driver. That is a hideous-looking interior even if the colors matched. And, if this is a modernized “A” why couldn’t an owner decades ago go with a flathead V8 instead of the original 4 cyl?
Definitely drive “as is” with necessary safety upgrades. 1935 Ford 16″ wires are o.k. but tires need to be downsized to 600×16. I would be tempted, however, to drop in a 1937-48 vintage flathead V8.