The car that saved Ford Motor Company in the day. That’s what the Model A has been known as for nearly 100 years now, as in 1927 it replaced the aging Model T, which had been in production for nearly 20 years. In its early days, the Model T dominated the car market with its mass production system, but by the mid-1920s competitors were not only catching up on mass-producing cars but also offering more powerful engines and more modern convenience features. Ford fought back with its Model A which featured several improvements over its predecessor, including two times the horsepower, a better ignition, more body styles, and a broad range of colors for the time period. If you’ve been looking for one of these as a project, this 1929 Ford Model A Sport Coupe may be worth a look. The car is located in Houston, Texas, and can be found here on Craigslist with a price tag of $13,000. Many thanks go out to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the tip on this one!
Ford offered its Model A with a choice of several different body styles, including coupes, sedans, roadsters, and even a pickup truck. The Sport Coupe model looked a lot like a cabriolet, but don’t let the roof fool you- while it is fabric and has that landau decor, it’s actually a fixed roof, and the seller mentions that it needs to be replaced. But the rumble seat is real and increases the comfortable seating capacity from 2 passengers to 4.
The story goes that the current owner just recently found the car sitting in a garage in California, purchased it, and went to the trouble of having it shipped to his home state all the way from California. But after it arrived, life threw him an unexpected bone and he now has a chance to buy one of his old cars back, which is the only reason this Model A is being offered for sale. The car is said to be super solid, with zero rust and good glass all around.
The car no longer has its original motor, and under the hood now is a 1932 Ford Model B engine and transmission, with a Columbia 2-Speed rear end. The carburetor is missing and the engine is not running at the moment. The good news is that it sure looks like a good starting point to go in just about any direction the next owner has in mind, from mild to wild. The car also comes with a California title. What are your thoughts on this 1929 Ford Model A Sport Coupe?
Doesn’t run, needs everything else. Don’t see 13K in this one.
Knowing the previous owner who had this Sport Coupe in Cali – it’s not really a ” found in the garage ” car – and haven’t mentioned it’s already for sale to him.
That said – not sure how true the sellers other words are.
Rare original baggy top.
I agree with Bob it just needs to much for the price even with no shipping charges. You can buy these in running driving condition for that price. I have several friends in North East Texas that are into these cars, they never pay more that ten thousand Blessfor one. They show them every third Thursday at the Dairy Queen in Seven Points, Texas if anybody wants to see them and learn everything there is to know about Model A cars and pickups.
God Bless America
California title ha ha title jumping is illegal buddy.
Unless you’re a dealer…
I like the look. Most would prefer a Flathead V8. In keeping with a four cyl. I would swap in a K series Honda. That would require brake and suspension upgrades, The payoff would be huge. Reliable for one. Power and economy another. Have to work on the price though.
I think that the only way that you can upset more people would be to install the Model A engine in a Honda Civic.
Honda…No, please, no….Flathead v8..or chevy small block…
Ford small block.
NO chevy IN A FORD
Didn’t mean to make everyone wet their Depends.
My original thought of taking a modern four cylinder in keeping with the original car having a four. The Honda is a small engine big displacement. It shouldn’t matter who made it. But I guess it does. Maybe everyone would be happier with an electric motor conversion. Seems Ford and GM are touting those.
Seeing current events the V8 isn’t king at the pumps. I am not ready to give up gas and realistic in the fact I don’t want to put in a V8. I can make as much power with four.
It looks like the owner discovered what he was getting into and is trying to recover his money. Here’s one of many you can buy for about 13K. https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/d/clintondale-1930-ford-model-coupe/7451986783.html This one in New York looks to be a nice driver quality car with some modern upgrades. There are lots of project cars like the one is Texas for $6,000 or less. I paid 13K for my Model A and really enjoy it as a driver.
I bought a Model A Cabriolet three or four years ago that was overall in good shape but had been sitting in a garage that hadn’t been started in 19 years for 5k. Cleaned the carb, plugs, fuel tank bypassed with a 5 gallon gas can and started right up. I always liked Model A coupes and roadsters but after purchasing it I found I didn’t care for the look of the Cabriolets so sold for just what I into it. 13k sounds high but who knows.
Sport Coupe, you put up with a leaky top that you can’t even lower on nice days. I guess Henry built them because the interior stayed cooler than the coupes. I’ve got one. I inherited it from my dad.
Years ago, a local guy built a hot rod out of one similar to this one, although his was a hardtop. Put a 409ci Chevrolet in it. :)
Seems like some one is trying to sale alot of work and chaseing down parts for $13,000. ZERO RUST What is that on the passenger lower door. Looks like the bottom part is rusted off. Question ? Back in the day. How did 2 big people ride in these. They do not have much room in size. . I like these old Fords and others,but can,nt see paying outrageous prices. For something that needs alot of work.
Stupid comment- Seeing the clear ,plastic registration holder that was held around the steering column with springs brought back pleasant memories!
I read a book about Ford awhile ago that said that Henry wanted to keep making the T that he thought was perfect.