Ford’s Model A is enjoying a resurgence of sorts. Hot rodded versions have been selling for eye-popping numbers lately, well into the $60k to $70k range. But even factory-equipped Model As have seen a rise in prices. Events like the Great Race, where many an early Ford can be found; a bustling ecosystem of parts and mechanical help; and a still-cheap entry price have encouraged interest. Here on eBay is a 1929 Ford Model A Tudor sedan, bid to $6000 with no reserve in play. The new owner can probably toddle it home from Prescott Valley, Arizona, so long as “home” isn’t too far away.
For the Model A, Ford enlarged the Tin Lizzie’s four-cylinder L-head engine to 201 cu. in., doubling the horsepower from 20 to 40. Theoretical top speed is 65 mph, but just because the car can go that fast doesn’t mean it should! Driver controls became conventional, with clutch/brake/gas pedals and a gearshift lever commanding the transmission’s three speeds. The Model A was the first Ford with this “modern” arrangement: earlier Fords, including the Model T, were less intuitive. This car runs well after receiving a new wiring harness, radiator, and water pump, as well as a rebuilt carburetor. The battery is fresh. The seller will include a king pin set, and for the interior, door and window handles.
Speaking of the interior, it’s original. So that makes the upholstery almost 100 years old. The gauge set is spiffy; I love the simplicity of these cars. Model As were the first Fords to use Triplex safety glass, an electric starter, and hydraulic shocks. These features, along with increased power out of that little four-cylinder, made it a best seller.
The Model A was assembled from kits at more than fifty plants worldwide, with total units sold breaching 4.8 million during its production run from 1927 into 1932. The Tudor sedan is a popular body style, but the roadster takes the prize for most valuable today. Experts can spot multiple differences from year to year – for instance, the radiator shell changed both in shape and finish, the cowl on early cars is curved and on later cars, flatter….. Often parts are interchanged incorrectly from one year to another, so consider whether you’re a stickler for stock – or not. This example would make a viable driver or light restoration prospect, and the price is right – at least so far!
Nice old car. Perfect for weekend shows and short fun runs around town.
hello Bobhess’
I am the new owner! I have done exactly as you said, I detailed it, added new tires and rebuilt the original generator, I plan to leave it alone. It was a hit in Flagstaffs fourth of July parade.
Wow.. how offern do you see a Model A not modified? I would just detail the old girl and drive it on weekends to shows. Or during the week to local shows. I would love to drive this to our outdoor DQ and see how many kids come running over to see the old girl. I would not modified this whatsoever! I hope the next owner feels the same way!! 😄 🐻🇺🇸
What a time machine! The simple details of it ( chicken wire roof?) are such a contrast to modern cars. With the work done, this would be a pleasure to own, although since it includes new kingpins it might need these installed before driving too much.
The current price seems about right. It fits nicely into my fantasy collection acquired by the younger me.
Over the past few weeks I have seen a restored Model A on the main four-lane street through town. I’ve seen it three times so the owner must be driving it more than occasionally. He is easily keeping up with the 35-40 mph traffic. It brings a smile to my face.
Good job Michelle.
Back in the late ’90s, our EAA pilot’s group hosted an “open house” day at the small airport where we were based. We had several folks selling rides in a Stearman as well as a Waco, and my attorney friend handed me the keys to his ’30 Tudor and said to use it all day to take people out to the flight line for their flights.
I had more fun that day, although my clutch leg was sore by the end! Numerous “more mature” folk asked if they could “just ride along,” to which I always said “yes.” More than one told me of how they “went a-courtin'” in an A when they were young.
Really like this one, but my barn is, alas, full at the moment.
Got a friend that drives his Tudor on a regular basis, including a trip from Va to Ga and one from Va to Pa. He said he doesn’t mind the extra time it just takes a little more planning. Everything in life should be as simple and reliable as an A.
Good write up. One small correction though. The Model A was not the first Ford to have electric start. The Model T had electric start beginning in ’19.
Phil, you are, of course, correct that the Model A wasn’t the first Ford with electric start, however, it became available in 1919.
Bunky, I was making my correction while you were posting. How about that? Great minds think alike. LOL
I think I would LOVE to own and drive this one! Sadly, too far away from the northeast. About 35 years ago, we had a 101-year-old farmer, and his 98-year-old wife, who lived a few miles north and drove into town for supplies in a 1928 Model A which he had bought, new, in 1928 — and both the interior and exterior still looked beautiful. He said that he bought the Model A and had never needed another road-vehicle. He passed away very suddenly, and I never learned what had become of the car. His wife had died 9 days before he did, in her sleep. That’s all I know. But he insisted that the Model A was the most practical and reliable car ever made.
I think I would LOVE to own and drive this one! Sadly, too far away from the northeast. About 35 years ago, we had a 101-year-old farmer, and his 98-year-old wife, who lived a few miles north and drove into town for supplies in a 1928 Model A which he had bought, new, in 1928 — and both the interior and exterior still looked beautiful. He said that he bought the Model A and had never needed another road-vehicle. He passed away very suddenly, and I never learned what had become of the car. His wife had died 9 days before he did, in her sleep. That’s all I know. But he insisted that the Model A was the most practical and reliable car ever made.
Honest car
Sold for $6250
If you want to bring a smile to people and have them wave hello, drive a Model A Ford. I’ve had mine since 1972.
That was a bargain. Neat car.