The owner of this Mode A for sale on craigslist in Napa, California says it is original, but perhaps it’s an older restoration. The asking price of $9,750 seems high, especially for a car that doesn’t run, and it’s been for sale for awhile. It’s mostly original and in good shape with a couple of crumpled fenders. The top appears to have been nicely redone.
The seats are in good shape except for the tears as noted in the posting. Does anyone believe this upholstery could be original? The interior is in pretty good shape except for a couple of holes in the headliner. There are no pictures of the headliner, but these holes were possibly created by rodents, so there might be other interesting discoveries to be made.
The trunk looks like it might be in good condition. This is the first one I’ve seen that opens on the end and I couldn’t find one online. Perhaps this is a custom or aftermarket trunk.
The seller says there were several new parts installed. I can see the water pump, but I don’t see where the new hoses were installed. The engine is not seized, but obviously doesn’t run, but the owner doesn’t say what it would take to get it running.
This looks like a solid old Ford. There are a lot of “ifs”, but for the right price there are possibilities in this car. The engine is the biggest unknown, of course. These Model A Fords have gotten cheap enough they are tempting for custom car folks of all kinds. That would be too bad. These are great fun to drive around town. This must have been a nice car for exploring the winding roads in the wine country around Napa. I hope this Tudor finds a home with someone who can appreciate it and keeps it original.
In the 70’s a ton of Model A’s were restored, and back then NOS parts were readily available. 40 years later it can be hard to tell the quality restorations from the originals.
Definitely an older restoration.
But would make a nice project.
Wrong coast for me, so SAD.
I agree with other comments, but it also has a few unusual pieces, the welled fender, and the trunk. Makes sense the spare is normally on the rear,with the trunk the fender mount would be perfect. Not that knowledgeable on model A’s, but I think the price is too high for a 2-door sedan that doesn’t run.
Older restoration, I think. Paint and seat / door panel upholstery don’t appear as original. Price looks $3K or more too high to me, particularly as a non-running car. Left side outboard spare is not all that unusual, I come across those commonly. Trunk is one I’ve never seen though.
Essentially it is a Model A clunker. It’s worth less than half of what the owner is asking.
At least a refurbishment at some point. The addition of the trunk and the 4 blade fan along with the non-stock seat fabric says it’s had some work done. So, survivor I think not but, it’s in good shape. I also think it’s about 2~3K too high on price.
I love Model As. We grew up with a 1930 Model A pickup. Not only was it our sole “car” as Dad took the bus to work, but it took each of us three kids home from the hospital after birth. Guess car safety has changed a bit from the 1970s.
This one is way overpriced. There are a ton of oringinals and well-loved restorations sitting in garages collecting dust. Sadly the supply of Model As far exceeds demand, even if many of them aren’t on the market yet.
The best way to get one is to contact your local Model A club and see who might be selling – either currently or in the future. In my local club, I am the youngest member by ~20 years with most folks in the 70s and 80s. While I hope that changes, realistically it likely won’t anytime soon.
This would be an excellent street rod project. Lower the top, drop in a small block Ford eng and trans, upgrade to the mechanicals and have some fun. Would need to be under $5000 for it to make since though.
I see the posting has been removed so either the vendor sold it or decided against it. I agree with the comments hinting that it’s an older restoration. Nonetheless, it would have been a good project. I like all Model As, especially the ’30-’31 models. Of course my personal favorite will always be the Victoria. This one is out of my budget but then, if the vendor can get that, by all means, get it! Much easier to list it for big bucks and come down then try to up the price during negotiations.
I turned down a locally “professionally restored” model just like this for ONE reason. It was painted canary yellow. Other than that, it looked and drove like a brand new car. Price? under $7,000.00. Could have had it painted black like original, but that would have been another $1,000.00 and I just did not consider it worth it.