10k: 1931 Ford Model A; Patina’d Survivor

The Ford Model A was the successor to Ford’s famous Model T – and a staggering 4.8 million of these little runabouts were sold from 1927-1931 in a array of styles including panel vans, fordor sedans, roadsters, pickups, roadster-pickups and coupes.  The coupe is surely the coolest to own and they are surprisingly cheap due to the quantity manufactured and relatively uselessness for modern transportation needs.  We can’t but help want this 1931 Ford Model A ‘survivor’ 5 window coupe, for sale in Arlington, TX currently bidding on ebay for $7,300 reserve-not-met with 2 days to go.

At first glance this rusting hulk of metal could be mistaken for a painful and expensive project, but the seller states all of the rust is strictly surface rust and none of the panels need replacement.  Even if the panels need replacement there are many companies who sell parts or you could pickup an english wheel and some metal working tools and likely fabricate most parts yourself.  The Model A has a reputation as a car that any skilled craftsman can fix for cheap.

Inside there isn’t much to a Model A – basic controls, some gauges and seats.  The Model A was the first Ford vehicle to introduce the common gas/brake/clutch pedal and stick shift layout that we are all accustomed to seeing/driving.

The Model A is powered by a 3.3 liter L-head inline-4 cylinder engine that produces around 40 horsepower when properly tuned – mated to a 3 speed un-synchronized manual transmission.  A 65 mph top speed is achievable, but not recommended for extended periods of time.

While not really a potential daily driver, this well worn Model A would be a fantastic weekend cruiser or maybe a father son restoration project.  Whatever it is we hope Model A’s continue to be reasonable in price and don’t appreciate to old rich dude only collection status like so many other classics.

See a better weekend jalopy for sale?  email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com