1930 Ford Model A Fordor Sedan
"Amidst all the hazards of the road, you ride serenely safe in the New Ford. The New Ford has the unmistakable stamp of clean finish and honest workmanship. Nothing on the road up to twice the price looks better, runs more smoothly or gives more enduring wear. As your nearest Ford dealer for a trial run to-day." Excerpt from a 1930 print ad with the Tudor as the press car, costing $231 and if you wanted a 14.9 extra horsepower, it would cost you an extra $5. (The word "today" was hyphenated in the early part of the century after once being two separate words.)
For consignment, a 1930 Ford Model A Fordor Sedan described by our consignor as a good driver with a serviced engine, new clutch disc, and an older restoration.
Exterior
Elkpoint Green on the body contrasts nicely with the black fenders, wheels, running board, and rocker panel. The older restoration shows its age and patina prevails on the mostly dull paint looking much as it would in 1930, which to some, is more desirable than an over restored gloss wagon. The chrome radiator frame is flanked by the bucket headlights, also trimmed in chrome, while auxiliary lights are mounted on the cowl trim. An accordion style explaining luggage rack shares space on the running board along with the spare wheel which fits a sculpted cove in the front fender. Metal hardware is rough in spots including the door handles and mirror, but that car has fantastic bones and is complete. A second spare sits on the back between the split bumper and the wonderful upright profile provides a large window and a stately stance. There are surface rust spots around, rough paint, chips, one of the running boards would benefit from some attention, but no major dents or invasive rust. The 19-inch black wire wheels are in very good shape.
Interior
Tan cloth covers the inner doors and is loose in some spots, stained, and tired and the hardware attached could use some restoration. A puffy front bench contains buttons and pleats like a fine sofa, and the rear bench is the lap of luxury with soft cushioning and armrests to the side. Back here, a house style carpet remnant covers the floor and leg room is ample, while in front a traditional rubberized mat is in place. Plenty of patina on the 4 spoke steering wheel which leads to a simple and unrestored dashboard with gauge cluster in the center. Some vinyl woodgrain film was applied to the dash pad but is peeling, while green covers the lower dash. A floor mounted shifter is the model of simplicity and oval pedals rise from the footwell. The stitched cloth headliner is clean and intact.
Drivetrain
A driver quality vintage 201ci inline 4 popper is behind the engine cover and rated at 40 horsepower, supplied fuel by a 1-barrel carburetor and set into motion with a 3-speed manual transmission that sends the spin to the back axle where 3.78 gears reside. Mechanical drum brakes are at both front and rear.
Undercarriage
For a car that's nearly 100 years old, we're not going to complain about the surface rust nor the oil at the rear diff and around the transmission, but we will point it out. And sure, the battery box has some flaking rust and yeah, there's some grease caked up around the knuckles, but we've seen worse on cars half its age! The single exhaust carries a stock style muffler then dumps just before the rear axle and transverse leaf springs are found fore and aft.
Drive-Ability
After the choke and throttle dance, we step on the starter and the old gal started up and sent us on our way in this rather regal ride that had to be something special in 1930! The external visor and vertical windscreen help create super visibility and the mechanical brakes slow and stop the car with ease. No radio to get in the way of family conversations, and no air conditioning so the big windows come in handy for ventilation. The limited functions available in 1930 all work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This is a fantastic find for someone who wants a restoration project that focuses on cosmetic components, or a driver to enjoy on the road as is without the arduous task of polishing paint and chrome. Our 1930 ad goes on to say, "The bodywork is made of tough, well-tempered steel, welded into single piece construction. Light, strong, free from squeaks and rattles. Ready for any emergency.". Well, it's not an emergency, but I would act quickly if you have interest.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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