Drive Anywhere! 1929 Ford Model A
Another Ford Model A? Yes, another Ford model A but this one is different from many that have been covered in the past. It’s in original condition and actually runs! That alone makes this Compton, Rhode Island domiciled 1929 example worthy of review. It is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $6,000, reserve not yet met.
While not in the Model T production realm, 4.8 M copies of the Model A, over four years, is no mean feat, and the body style availability seemed almost endless. In this case, we have a coupe with a rumble seat, one of the more common iterations produced. The images show evidence of some rust and a whole lot of originality – it’s unusual to find one this complete that hasn’t been restored or reworked a bit. The seller offers, “Body has some issues: left front fender, running board and splash apron are rusty and thin. R front side not as bad. Included with the sale are two solid original front fenders, reproduction running boards, reproduction splash aprons“. This “A” has a rumble seat, a feature that has always fascinated me. I have imagined great fun riding around in one but a close relative told me tales of riding to high school in the mid-thirties, in a Maryland winter, while “stuffed” in that exposed, cramped compartment – doesn’t sound like that much fun after all. Unfortunately, there are no included images. In spite of the visible rust, the exterior of this Fors still shows pretty well, and it’s complete.
Under the hood is a typical 40 HP, 201 CI, in-line four-cylinder engine which was rebuilt about twenty years ago and has experienced about 11K miles since the rebuild. The seller claims, “drive all day without problems.” The engine shows as original with the exception of that red wire nut in use in the starter’s wiring harness. Twenty years is quite a stretch of time but if the seller has kept the oil and the coolant refreshed over the years, the engine should be sound. It sounds as if this Model A is driven enough that stale gas isn’t a problem. The sole transmission available in ’29 was a three-speed manual unit.
The interior image is limiting but from what can be seen, the seat, door panel, dash, and instrument panel appear to be fine. It’s not stated but it’s easy to imagine that the door panel and bench seat have been reupholstered – and a refinished steering wheel perhaps? The dash is a possible repaint, it looks almost too good for its age and it’s not revealing typical surface rust that has usually manifested itself after 90 years.
I have found original non-running A’s, restored A’s, restomod A’s but precious few that are original and reliable runners. This example, coupled with its replacement body components, makes it one to consider, wouldn’t you agree?
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Comments
Perfect
Model A’s should never have stale gas. The fuel is gravity fed. Over the years it should all drip out or evaporate
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The red wheel isn’t aftermarket, it’s early Model A from inception through Feb 1929.
Current bid is over 6500, and the reserve has been met – that’s a reasonable ask for this car. Nice to see one that’s in good shape mechanically just needs some cosmetic upgrades!
The “dash” as you call it is actually the gas tank. It was likely repainted when it was refurbished. What is puzzling is the toggle switch to the left of the steering wheel. Dumb question, but wouldn’t that go into the gas tank?
The toggle switch is mounted on the dash rail. It’s okay. ;-)
I grew up with Model As, and still have one my uncle bought new. The lower dash is the gas tank, and the upper part is just a trim piece. No gasoline submerged toggle switches!
I was just out for a drive and shopping trip in my 29 Dodge DA, in the UK!
The gas tank is behind the dash, it is not the dash, instruments are mounted on the dash as well.
I am 91 yrs old and i had two model a`s when i was 18 to 21 yrs old,, this one is a fine example and a good restorer,,, good luck to the one who gets the bid..
As for rumble seats; my Mother told me about rumble seats from a different perspective. We are from Texas, and she was young adult when rumble seats still hot item, at least in South. She said that was the big thing to go out with your friends driving, and get to set in the rumble seat.
I am also a Texas “boy”. My older brother’s first car was an A coupe like this one. I had a friend in high school who also had one like this. The rumble seat was the most desirable place for a passenger – especially if it included a girl.
I am also a Texas “boy”. My older brother’s first car was an A coupe like this one. I had a friend in high school who also had one like this. The rumble seat was the most desirable place for a passenger – especially if it included a girl.