Now this restoration was started before I was even born, but, speaking from my limited experience, I fully understand how restoration can hit the figurative wall. No explanation is given as to why the restoration of this 1930 Ford Model A 2-Door Deluxe Phaeton was never completed, but claims of “90% complete” and “the hard stuff is done” maybe what prompted an anonymous Barn Finds reader to send in this stalled project they found here on eBay with no reserve. The price is currently at $12,600 after 37 bids.
This Model A is finished in Washington Blue over Riviera Blue with Tacoma Cream painted wire wheels. The body and paint are included in the “90% completed” estimate and look to have survived nicely over the last 4 decades of indoor storage. Since the restoration wasn’t yet complete, this restored body has not yet seen the light of day. Notice there is not a top in any of the photos. Well, that’s because one isn’t included. We’ll assume the lucky buyer of this one will be finishing the last 10% of the restoration, so add that to the list of needs.
The restored engine and drivetrain are also included in the completed 90%, but show signs of age. The seller states: “Mechanically this car has been completely gone through. The motor and transmission are brand new. It has never been fired. The car will need fluids and power and you should have a running vehicle.” So, we don’t know if it runs. Perhaps that’s a risk to be taken with such an uncommon configuration of a common vehicle.
The seats look like they’re in pretty good shape, but the 10 percent of incomplete points appear to be largely in the cabin. The floor appears sturdy, but uncovered; door panels are missing; no handles to be found, and most of the interior pieces that are included could use some freshening-up. Again, add those to the list of needs.
With somewhere between 4 and 5 million (depending on the source) being produced over 5 years, the Model A was not — and still is not — at all uncommon. However, this 2-door Deluxe Phaeton was. According to the seller, it’s believed only 3,945 of these were built in 1930 — that’s roughly 0.3% of production that year! Who knew a car could be so uncommonly common?…or commonly uncommon?
Looks like a sedan with the top chopped off.
It may look that way Mike, but from what I can recall about this car, it is the real deal. Though it’s been 50 years since I’ve
seen one, the photos I see before me look
to be authentic. The car I saw in 1970 was the DeLuxe version that came with not one, but two sidemounted spare tires
along with an external trunk. There were
also steel covers over the spare tires
wrapped with a broad chrome band. It also had the wind wings mounted to the
windshield frame. I do believe that he’ll have this car a good long while due in
part to its price and the fact that the folks
who collected them back then are dying off and for the life of me, I can’t see any
malenials who’d actually plunk down their
hard earned cash to buy it. One thing’s for sure, whoever buys it will have a rare and impressive Model A when it’s finished.
A cut-down sedan would not have the open car style cowl and windshield as this one does.
Sold for $15,300 which is possibly a bargain for this body style in this condition.
Those old tubs kind of lost their luster over the years. Even back in the day many of them were relegated to the back of the lot and were picked up for a song. Some farmers in the Kansas Dust Bowl used them for family transportation, a farm truck, and whatever other task they could think of. Myself, I would prefer a roadster or especially a Vicky. But I wouldn’t kick a tub off my driveway either. https://gearheadsncoffeestains.blogspot.com/2013/06/fed-up.html
Once again, why don’t sellers who don’t know if a car is running but note that getting it started is easy, take the time and effort and even a modest amount of money to get it running. I think this small investment would yield a handsome reward to the selling price. Take care, Billy N.
Awesome.
My first car was a 1929 Ford model a coupe the engine in this one looks to have been done by Ford you could send the engine out and for$120 you Ford factory would rebuild the engine completely new Babbitt bearings crankshaft ground camshaft everything up for $120 that was in 1961
Another thing missing from a Deluxe Model is the cowl lamps. It should have them. Hard to tell from the pix,but those may be 31 splash aprons
Bought this car on behalf of my almost 90 year old father (this car being same as his birthyear). It is his second Model A as a couple of years ago I helped him buy a 1930 Tudor and after we had it delivered and running he basically said he really wanted a convertible. So I had spent a fair amount of time cruising Craigslist, Ebay and other sites when I discovered this car and discussed it with him for purchase on auction closing day. The virus was just getting going so could not even show him a picture but managed to talk him into a high bid of $16K and was pleased to close at $15,300. It was/is a big risk due to being incomplete and questionable mechanical condition. The tie goes to the seller in these cases as you can only tell so much from the pictures and story. No one wants to deliver the car at present so it sits waiting for delivery. He had wanted a 1930 convertible rumble seat Model A but we discussed this being a better parade car. Will most likely sell the first one when things subside. So long story but if anyone knows where we can obtain a new top and parts for the top please advise.
I don’t know of many cars that have more parts availability used or aftermarket than the Model A Ford. If you have access to a computer the world will open up to you by simply ‘Googleing’ what you are looking for. If one search engine does not have what you want it will automatically transfer you to other search engines. The computer is a boon to car lovers, collectors, fabricators and buyers. Enjoy and good luck to you and your dad. Take care and be safe and well. Billy N.
Yes… there are many Model A parts available… this car is supposed to be a Deluxe Phaeton with only 3946 made in 1930… and then only so many of those were two door and the rest 4 door… I don’t even know if it is a Deluxe as the car is still in Oakland due to the virus… my father has made several calls and cannot find top irons… I have several catalogs now and will make some calls next week for top irons… I really need to verify if it is a Deluxe first before buying any parts unless buying parts that are common to Standard and Phaeton as a lot of parts are not the same… will look at the Model A club sites for reference material and see if I can find out if it is a Standard or Deluxe or will start asking others for help… 8)
So have found out that Deluxe Phaeton means it is the two door model and Standard means the four door model. Has nothing to do with trim level. Car is now in a restoration garage being looked over. Have also discovered today via a thoughtful contact that there is a group dedicated to this 180-A Deluxe two door body style. Will be joining soon and looking forward to see if they can help with chasing down the top parts (and other parts I can’t find otherwise).