1984 Ford Shay Roadster Pickup
It was a great idea. Recreate Model A's using fiberglass bodies. Use a modern frame and drop in a modern engine. Voila! An antique car that could be driven and maintained like a modern car and with a bit of fanfare, Harry Shay started production in 1978. Before too long, problems set in, and the small company was unable to keep up with orders. They also had financial issues and faced a number of big dollar lawsuits causing the company to file bankruptcy in 1982. Assets were sold to Camelot Motors, Inc. in 1983.
For consignment, a Camelot Shay Model A roadster pickup truck, manufactured in November 1983 using the material and methods developed by Harry Shay, however Camelot beefed up the frames and added windshield defrosters and included a five year, 50,000 mile warranty.
Exterior
This handsome pickup truck mixes a Burgundy body with a black bed, including stakes and white walls, and a retractable top. True to the real thing, the paint is shiny but not glossy and is accentuated with taped pinstripes that outline the square panels and flow over the arching fenders that flank a rubber coated running board. The tailgate is adorned with a large stamped A, also outlined with pinstripe over the double ribbon bumper that replicates the original. 18-inch wires wheels with a different hub design from Ford cars, benefit from a spare mounted on the driver's side fender. The bed is lined with wood planks in weathered condition. And although this car is from the 80's, there's an authenticity to the overall patina which includes extensive checking on the horizontal surfaces, surface rust in several locations where paint fell off, tears in the vinyl top, and metalwork that would benefit from some restoration.
Interior
Inverse rounded corners highlight the stitched vinyl pattern on the door card, and in the center of the box, a pleated storage pocket. Smooth black vinyl covers the bench seat which has a stitched lower to match the column tufted upper, and it's in good shape. The modern, (for the times), steering wheel on a thick column is plastic and is the first visible clue that this car may not be from 1930. Then of course, there's a radio which features AM/FM/Cassette capabilities, something no one dreamed about in 1930 and is rarely added to authentic Model A's in stock configuration. The center pod resembles the original but the gauges are brought up to modern size and spec. A floor mounted shifter stands tall on the flat floor covered in back carpet and lined footwells.
Drivetrain
Your mind plays tricks on you as you gaze upon the 2.0 liter SOHC inline 4 cylinder sporting a mid century airbox and duct system. The engine is rated at 100 horsepower and is fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor. A 4-speed manual transmission sends power to the Ford 6 inch rear. Brakes are front disc and rear drum.
Undercarriage
Patina is carried under with plenty of surface rust and general usage. That surface rust included the oil pan which is otherwise dry and free of oil as is the rest of the underside. In fact, a little bit of cosmetic restoration on the intact underside would go a long way. The single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler and exits via a polished tip. Suspension consists of a Mustang II front end and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
The little four banger came to life without hesitation and if you've ever had a Ford Pinto, the level of power will be familiar. It's certainly adequate for this little truck which provides a comfortable ride, endless visibility save for this slight haze to the rear window, and instant fun! The working parts of the Model A replica all worked as they should. 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.
Manufacturers are no strangers to churning out modern interpretations of classic cars, think Chevy HHR, PT Cruiser, Camaro, Bronco, and coming soon, Scout! But this is more akin to the Cobra replicas that have had great success. Keep the body and appearance the same but beef up the suspension and fit with a more modern engine, or at least a new version of an old engine. Thus is the case with Shay and Camelot's Model A. An antique with an automatic choke, modern ignition, and more stout underpinnings. In our years of representing these recreations, we can confirm that every one of them has found a new home which indicates some popularity. Here's your opportunity to pick up a fairly rare representation of an incredibly common antique.
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. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
