Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Stored 43 Years: 1930 Ford Model A

If Henry Ford was anything, he was a great businessman, with two successful car launches in a row. First, there was the Model T, which sold 15 million copies. And then there was the Model A, which saw another five million units sold. So, for nearly 25 years, Ford dominated the automotive scene, even during the Great Depression. This 1930 Model A was owned by the sellers’s father for some 43 years and will now move on due to his passing. It’s located in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania and available here on eBay via a no reserve auction that stands at $5,800.

When I see a car like this, I can’t help but think of 1930s-era movies and TV shows like The Untouchables, where the Model A was the car of choice for FBI agents and gangsters alike. It’s a good thing that millions of them were made because a lot of this old Detroit iron went to the junkyard when the cameras stopped rolling. Unlike the Model T, which was in production for 18 years, the Model A would only be made for five years – right smack in the largest and longest economic downturn in U.S. history. Unlike the Model T, you could get the Model A in more than one color, such as green and grey. The seller’s car likely rolled off the Ford assembly line just months after the Stock Market Crash of 1929. Production was down almost 30 percent in 1930 and another 50 percent the following year, an indicator of how bad things had become. Sources: Wikipedia and Ahooga.

The seller’s 1930 Model A has some history, which begins with his father. At least 43 years ago, his dad acquired the car in New York State. That’s when it went into storage and was said to be in running condition at the time. About 15 years ago, the car was moved by trailer from Queens to where it is now in Pennsylvania. The seller’s father has since died, leaving the son with the decision to keep and restore the Ford or to sell it. We’re guessing making the latter was a difficult call, now the car is available for someone else to own for the first time since at least 1977.

This 4-door sedan is said to be mostly complete, but not being an expert on Model A’s, the seller can’t be completely certain. He doubts that the car runs or what it would take to get it running again. So, what you see is what you get. Fortunately, simplicity was what cars were about in those days, so under the hood there should be a 201 cubic inch L-head, inline-4 paired with a 3-speed sliding gear manual transmission.

Rust doesn’t appear to be an issue, although some certainly could be hiding where the camera lens can’t reach. You’ll find the rear fenders that have been removed and put in the back seat. The wheels on the car are not original but actually ones made of wood, but the seller believes he has the original steel versions. They, along with various extra parts, will come with the sale. The interior doesn’t look too bad for a 90-year-old-car that’s been under wraps for half its life. The seller cannot provide a mileage estimate as it appears the odometer is set at zero.

As the Model A was previously registered in New York, it will come with paperwork from that state, excluding a title, which is said to have not been part of the DMV process when this car last changed hands. A rope and a wench will be needed to pull the car out from the garage that’s called home for 15 years. Despite their rarity today, Model A’s don’t bring the big money you might think. Hagerty says that $21,500 is top dollar for one of these cars, and about one-third of that in fair condition which might describe the seller’s car. So, if you’re looking for a restoration project for an automobile that your grandparents might have owned, could this be the one?

Comments

  1. Avatar Charlie Mullendore

    “A rope and a wench”. She had better be a strong wench to drag that old Ford out of the garage by herself… ;-)

    Like 11
    • Avatar Chris M.

      And pour you beer afterward!

      Like 3
  2. Avatar BDR

    Those are not Model A wheels………

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Johnny

    Looks like a pretty solid–complete car. This will make some one a really nice winter project. Get some Marvel Mystery oil or automatic transmission oil and put it in the cylinder after pulling the plugs.Let it soak and start on other things. The price seems reasonable. Someone will have this car running in no time soon I hope. Everything is easy to get too and no electronic expensive parts to buy or guessing if one relay or another is good or bad or trying to locate them. Nice find and good looking old Ford and complete. Plus no running down parts and parts for these are reasonable.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar Bunky

    I must admit that a rope and a wench would be much more entertaining than a winch and cable.
    A couple of fine points: This series of Model A Ford was sold for four model years.
    Early Model Ts were available in a variety of colors.
    Nice inexpensive entry into the antique car hobby. It would be tempting if it were a thousand miles or so closer.

    Like 3
    • Avatar TouringFordor

      After the assembly line was perfected, Model Ts were produced so quickly only Black Japan enamel would dry fast enough. Eventually paint technology caught up, and the late Ts came in colors, also,

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Riffeaff

    I would hope that the original wire spoke wheels come with to replace the model T wooden ones that are on it now.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar ChingaTrailer

    Where did the wooden wheels come from and why?? I can’t say that I ever saw an A with wooden wheels.

    Like 4
  7. Avatar Super Glide

    That story is true,
    I’m here to say.
    I was drivin’ the Model A.

    HOT ROD LINCOLN

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Phlathead Phil

    Nice ride, if it was closer I’d snap it!

    It’s got a phlathead tew!

    Like 1
    • Avatar Miguel L.

      Enough! It’s just not funny or clever anymore!!! Please. Thank you.

      Like 0
  9. Avatar Wayne from oz

    The seats look perfect for age. What muppet would store fenders and boxes on them.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Nickb

    I recently sold my Grandfather 1930 Model A sedan. All original. The last time was driven was the year I was born (1953) The cancelled check from 1930 that went with the car was made out in the amount of $550. It looked very similar in condition to this one. I had mine restored in 1990 and delivered to my father on fathers day 1991. The cost of the restoration was around 12k back then. Didn’t get close to the at sale but went to a great owner who appreciated the vehicle and its history

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Bunky Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.