Some cars simply can’t help but be cool. They might not instantly spring to mind on anyone’s “Top 10” list, but they possess an indefinable aura that guarantees they will attract attention. Such is the case with this 1930 Ford Model A Roadster. These weren’t rare when new, but the fact this classic still plies our roads ninety-three years after it rolled off the line means it deserves respect. It is an unfinished restoration, but it is a roadworthy classic a new owner could enjoy immediately. The Roadster is listed here on Craigslist in Fresno, California. The seller has set their price at $8,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Ray K for spotting this beauty.
The Model T was always going to be a tough act to follow, such was its impact on the motoring world. At the height of its popularity, over 50% of all passenger vehicles chattering and clunking their way across the world’s roads were Model Ts. Ford ended production in mid-1927, but buyers waited patiently until December for the company’s new Model A to grace showroom floors. As with its predecessor, Ford offered buyers a bewildering range of body styles, with this car’s original owner selecting the two-seat Roadster variant. The seller confirms this little gem received a frame restoration years ago and appears to remain in good condition. The supplied photos are limited, but there are no signs of deterioration that might compromise its structural integrity. The panels are pretty straight, although they feature a veritable patchwork quilt of paint shades. There are no appreciable dings, or dents, and no evidence of rust. Therefore, some rudimentary surface preparation might be all that is required before the new owner lays on a fresh coat of paint. The hood side panels are missing, and there is no soft-top or frame. However, with reproduction parts readily available, sourcing replacements should involve much effort or expense. The bright trim is in good condition for its age, and the freshly restored wheels are wrapped in new Coker whitewalls.
This Ford’s interior is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, but lifting its appearance should prove relatively painless. The painted surfaces require a refresh, and a rubber mat on the floor would make an enormous difference. The upholstered surfaces exhibit some minor flaws and defects, but there are no tears or gaping holes. Complete kits to achieve a factory-fresh state are readily available, and like the exterior hardware, these are surprisingly affordable.
The Model T’s drivetrain was becoming dated when production ended, with competing manufacturers producing vehicles with more modern and user-friendly configurations. Ford met the opposition head-on with the Model A, although it persisted with a four-cylinder flathead engine. However, with the new car’s capacity lifted from 177ci to 201ci, the more efficient design resulted in a 100% increase in power from 20 to 40hp. Those ponies feed to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, relegating to history the Model T’s two-speed planetary setup. These changes profoundly impacted performance because while the “T” could nudge 40mph under favorable conditions, its successor could hit a dizzying 65mph. That might not sound impressive by modern standards, but we must remember that the roads in 1930 weren’t the beautifully smooth highways and freeways we take for granted today. The seller states the Ford’s engine and brakes were rebuilt years ago, and it hasn’t seen much action since. They installed a new 12-volt alternator and the previously-mentioned whitewalls and rebuilt the carburetor. This gem is roadworthy and ready to go, meaning potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.
This 1930 Ford Model A Roadster won’t appeal to everyone, and it probably isn’t a practical consideration for an enthusiast with a family who wants to be an active part of the classic car ownership experience. However, it ticks the right boxes as an affordable and roadworthy hands-on project candidate. Alternatively, the buyer could leave this beauty essentially as-is because it would still turn plenty of heads. If a project candidate has been on your radar, could this Roadster be one you would consider pursuing?
Buy it, paint it, drive it. Might be tempted to do a couple other things to it but I try not to get the purists all excited on weekends.
–Add an antenna with a fox tail.
–Enjoy.
That would be a great starting point, or even just cruise around in
Walter Denton, is that you?
Says 1930 but has a 31 radiator grill shell. Small detail since both look good on this one. Finished a showpiece, left like this shouts fun. Can’t lose either way.
Park it in front of your local McDonald’s and it will blend right in.
Interesting air scoop on driver’s rear quarter (?)
Far too charming in its present condition to do anything whatsoever to the fine car. I’d bring that home in a heartbeat. I’m see Mr MaGoo’s wheels here!
Looks like the one Lumpy drove in Leave it to Beaver.
I thought that Lumpy drove a ’40 Ford.
Dusty Rider it’s been over 30 years since I have watched an episode of Leave it to Beaver. You are probably correct.
More like the one Bud drove in “Father Knows Best.”
5 cans of flat black … good to go !
Possibly had a rumble seat initially? Those look like the handles found on them. Also, the tail light (s?) would have been on the fenders. Can still see the holes for one on the driver’s side.
Seems like a fair price for a running and driving model A roadster…
Clear coat it and drive!
At one time, I use to rent two of my racecars, for use in a couple of TV series, for background.
I like it. I’m not real a purest but, I think that I’d leave the paint just like it is. It looks like it could find new home on some fifties, nostalgia, TV series.
They were never handles. They are rest for the top, when it is down.
Always wanted one back in the late 50’s, BUT, no $$$. Now 81, seeing this one and living in Florida, I’d hate to be out somewhere and get caught in one of our summer downpours without some kind of top. How hard or how much does anybody think it would be to at least put the framework and a soft top on it? Other than that, I’m not looking for a “hot rod”, I’d put a good quality dark green and black paint job on it and do some Sunday cruising down Orange Avenue in Orlando, lol….
Model T guy here, but the wheels look like 1934 (?) 16 inchers with bigger hub caps. I’d do a resto-mod a la Andy Hardy (Mickey Rooney).
Posting deleted so it probably was sold. Looked like a fun little car with a bunch of cool ways to play around with. Or not. Good deal for someone local. It’d be tough to find one like this here in the Mid Atlantic. I’ve been off and on interested in Model A’s for fifty five years since I saw a sedan in running condition but needing help for sale in my neighborhood. Ask was $500. I had the money from working my odd jobs but Dad said no to me getting any more cars or places to park them. Memories.
The wheels are definitly 16 inch, and probably 1934 on up. The floor board is in up-side down. The oval hole is to check the battery under the passengers feet. The grill shell is original. The head lights ore wrong. Should be bigger diameter and flat glass fancy lenses. The “Trunk” or hatch could be put on either way, for a rumble seat or for a “Trunk” type. The tail light should be on the left rear fender, the rear bumper is rally a front bumper. The originals we two short ones for each side.
Sold fast, priced too low. just like this 32 truck I bought from a FB buddy, he listed it as a 1929. Too bad it’s on an 80s Toyota truck frame & running gear, disc brakes, 4 speed and 22RE but it will be reliable.
Not a 1930
It’s a Late 1931 with the indented firewall.