Lot Ended
Description
Imported from Uruguay in 2002; recent body-off restoration with many
new parts; engine rebuilt; 12v electrics; ready for action
As Jeremy
Clarkson memorably discovered, you can stick a modern motorist in a Ford Model T
and they will be out of their depth within seconds. Put them in a Model A
though, and they will be in the next county before you know it. Light years
ahead in every way, the A is a delight to drive and caused such a sensation when
it was launched in December 1927 that riot police had to be deployed outside
Ford showrooms to control the crowds.
Longer,
lower-slung and better-suspended than its predecessor, the Model A was powered
by a Howard Hicks-designed 3,285cc, L-head four-cylinder engine developing 40hp
(twice the Model T's output) with bags of torque and boasted coil ignition and
an integral water pump. Mated to a three-speed manual gearbox, it gave up to
30mpg and had a top speed of 65mph with four-wheel drum brakes to ensure safe
stopping power. When production finally ceased in 1931, over 4.3 million had
been sold in no fewer than 22 different body styles.
Built in 1928, this Model A Phaeton was imported from Uruguay,
South America, in 2002. A very sound and solid example, it was mechanically
tired and cosmetically scruffy so the owner embarked on a body-off restoration
which took eight years to complete. The aim was to turn it into a reliable
trials car rather than a concours contender so the bulk of the expenditure was
on the mechanical parts.
Although there are no
invoices to show exactly what was done, there are many photos of the work in
progress (some of which are reproduced here) plus correspondence from the
previous owner confirming that it was an extremely thorough job, most of the
parts being supplied by Snyder’s Antique Auto Parts of Ohio.
The engine was rebored and rebuilt with new pistons, bearings,
reground crank etc. A new carburettor was fitted along with a new radiator, cowl
and stone guard. The starter motor was rebuilt and uprated with the latest
Bendix drive and starter ring, all the wiring also being renewed and converted
to 12v with flashing indicators incorporated for modern road conditions.
The rear axle was rebuilt with a high ratio
diff. Brakes, steering and suspension were all rebuilt with many new parts. The
seats were also refurbished with new foams and brown vinyl covers. The canvas
hood is new, as is the tonneau cover. All the wheel bearings, wheels and tyres
are also new, as is the exhaust system.
The
bare chassis was cleaned and painted and the bodywork was smartened up and
repainted as required with new running boards fitted and all the bumpers
rechromed. A Model A Ford Club GB Vehicle Authentication Certificate is
present (which confirms it is a 1928 model, not 1930 as stated on the V5C) along
with an owner's handbook and some useful maintenance manuals and books on
the model.
Our vendor acquired the car in 2018
and has continued to look after it well with various invoices for routine upkeep
and service items. As you can see in the photos it now looks to be in very good
shape both above and below and has been starting promptly and running well as we
have moved it around on site.
For more
information contact James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]