1929 Ford Model A Roadster

Perhaps one of the simplest mass-produced automobiles to leave the assembly line, volumes have been written, and rewritten, about the Model A and how it came into being. Of the five drop-top models -- Roadster, Deluxe Roadster, Deluxe Phaeton, Cabriolet and Convertible Sedan -- the single most popular model was, and perhaps still is, our featured Roadsters. The high production numbers can be attributed to the fact that they were available all four years of the Model A's lifespan and they boasted a low starting price -- near $400 for the standard model. By the summer of 1930 though, roadster production had declined sharply. In an attempt to reverse the trend, Ford introduced the dressier Deluxe Roadster in August of 1930. Though Model A aficionados group their beloved vehicles into two categories -- 1928-'29 and 1930-'31 due to exterior design variations during the four-year run -- Ford built well over 4 million examples in all their incarnations, meaning that they still can be easily found for sale at very affordable prices. Thx to Hemmings.com

This very original 1929 Ford Model A Roadster was the beneficiary of a high end frame off restoration in 2006 with a detailed chassis and undercarriage, rebuilt original engine with a touring grind camshaft and an overbore on the cylinders, is sporting excellent chrome, and even has its side curtains and door arm protectors. A few very minor faults, a nice era correct color combination for this very strong running and well showing slice of Americana pie. Grab your fork and let's have a bite shall we?

Exterior
Very nicely applied Rose Beige paint adorns most of the body, save for the orange pinstriped brown belting running through the center of the car and around the passenger's compartment. Also, black fenders connected by a running board and thin pinstriped brown rocker panel above are seen. Orange 21-inch metal wire spoked wheels are on all four corners and are wrapped with wide whites and fit the overall package just perfectly. The paint presents very nicely with only a few minor cracks being noted on the rumble seat lid. A rear luggage rack neatly folds up to meet the black covered spare tire on the rear and dual LED taillights and dual curved bumpers are hanging below the lights and framing the trunk. We note the addition of a stainless steel fuel tank with an electric fuel pump at the rear of the car Running board step plates are on and a chromed radiator surround with chrome mesh grille guard is topped with a traditional quail in flight radiator cap and temperature gauge. Dual side mirrors and wind wings are noted as are chrome laden cowl lighting to help guide your way. All chrome has a nice shine with mirror-like reflections throughout. Windshield glass is crystal clear and the folding canvas Lebaron-Bonney top is in good condition and sports a glass rear window.

Interior
A comfortable gray textured vinyl grabs you into the single bench seat and allows for the driver and passenger to sit close and spoon while driving, (not recommended!). A swooping upper and lower dash with a Rose Beige finish remain true to form as things were in 1929. Nary a flaw is seen in the dash front and it houses the Ford “mask style” instrument cluster in a brushed aluminum, which along with the factory gauges is looking just fab. Gray carpeting is present covering the flooring and holds the factory shifter and handbrake. The factory steering column is present and accounted for and is topped with the correct black plastic steering wheel with throttle and spark advance levers.

Drivetrain
The original 201ci 4-cylinder that has been rebuilt and bored .040 over then fitted with touring grind camshaft resides under the dual side cowled opening hood. A 1-barrel carburetor feeds this mill and helps to produce a touch more than the factory rated 40hp. This mill is connected to a 3-speed manual transmission and sends power rearward to a 3.78 geared rear axle to propel you down the highway. We note an upgrade to a 6 volt alternator for extra reliability and for those chilly morning tours, a rarely seen Autolite manifold heater is on.

Undercarriage
Underside viewing of this car shows nicely painted black for the frame, body hangers, suspension and axle. The flooring is rust free and finished in a dull beige. As a matter of fact, the only surface rust to note is minimal and takes up residence on the single exhaust system. Transverse leaf springs for front and rear round out the suspension as well as mechanical drum brakes all around.

Drive-Ability
We were excited to drive this piece of history around the hallowed grounds of the Classic Auto Mall and this example didn't disappoint. Following the standard Model A starting procedures left me wondering if we were out of fuel, but as my crack decoder and partner in crime giggled, I realized that this car was equipped with an electric fuel pump. A flick of the switch and a press of the foot starter brought the engine to life, settling into a smooth idle. On our test track it performed well with ample acceleration, adequate handling and good braking, although stops need to be planned a bit in advance. Just a wonderful tour around our well hidden test track.

Harken back to 1929 and pretend you had some extra money to spend, needed an automobile and be able to drive it year-round. The Ford Roadster would save you a few dollars over a Cabriolet, but it would fit the bill. A beautiful exterior color combination takes you back to a time when you thought everything in the auto world was painted black, a flawless interior to keep you comfortable while touring, a few upgrades and loaded with chrome on this near flawless example sums it all up nicely.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.