Description

1930 Ford Model A Two Seater and Dickey

Sweet running Model A ready to use; alternator conversion; after-market period heater; strong brakes; an easy, powerful Vintage car

The Model T survived far longer than it should have done simply because Henry Ford thought all a car should do is get you from A to B: no frills, no thrills.

Not until 1926 did he finally succumb to pressure from his son, Edsel, to authorise a replacement model. Tooling up the huge factory for the new model dictated that no cars were produced for a whole year. However, when introduced to the public in December 1927, the resulting Model A was such a sensation that riot police had to be deployed outside Ford showrooms to control the crowds.

Taking Ford overnight from country cousin to country club, the Model A had a cachet lacking in the workhorse Model T and suddenly film stars and presidents were happy to pose next to one. Longer, lower-slung and better-suspended than its predecessor, it was powered by a Howard Hicks-designed 3,285cc, L-head four-cylinder

When production finally ceased in 1931, over 4.3 million had been sold in no fewer than 22 different styles.

This 1929 two-seater and dickey was first registered in the UK in 2009. We don’t know where it came from, America presumably and it has clearly been comprehensively, and well restored in the past.

Your scribe has considerable experience with Model A Fords and can confirm that this one has much to commend. Retaining its 6 volt electrics, it is however fitted with a 6v alternator and it has been starting and running very sweetly since its arrival on site. The engine is notably quiet and pulls well in each of the three gears.

The brakes and steering are also well up to scratch, the former performing very well and the latter being light and precise (an unusual feature on these cars).

The bodywork is sound and the black vinyl upholstery in good order and very serviceable. It also comes with a hood and sidescreens.

Under the bonnet, a previous owner has fitted an ingenious aftermarket heater, which sits on the exhaust manifold blowing warm air into the driver’s compartment through a vented tube.

The Model A Ford is an incredibly rugged and powerful piece of kit which will go just about anywhere, keep up with modern traffic and has an enviable spares back-up. As an affordable introduction to vintage motoring – whether on the highway or the trials hills – they are almost un-matched.

For more information – contact matthew.parkin@brighwells.com