1930 Ford Model A Panel Van

When the Model A was introduced in December 1927, there were actually riots in a few U.S. cities.  In one week, 20 percent of the population, (25 million people), attempted to get to their neighborhood Ford dealer to see the new car.   The difference between the Model A and Model T was like night and day, and the public liked what they saw, buying about 5 million Model A's between 1927 and 1931.  While the T was nicknamed “Tin Lizzie”,  the A became known as the “Baby Lincoln” because of the similar styling.

For consignment, a hot rod and not oft seen 1930 Model A panel van.  In fact I can visit the history of cars sold here from our Hallowed Halls, and out of nearly 150 examples I got through here I did not see 1!  This car checks all the hot rod boxes like a 436.6 dyno proven 383ci stroker V8, flamed open cowl, headers and side pipes, no fenders and just the right amount of chrome.  Oh Henry!

Exterior
With a steel body and no fenders or running board, we now have license to go wild on tire size and we do.  Rocket wheels in 15-inch form are wrapped by 155/80R15's in front and hot rod 29x15.00R15LT biggies in the back.  This stagger also gives the van a nice stance.  You could say some shades of old school with the use of a chromed grille and radiator surround and a single headlight on either side also in chrome.  Some chromed suspension parts and a lighted V bar chromed on the bottom in lieu of the bumper.  It's about to get hot on the hood and sides where we see licking flame decals heading back to the windshield and meeting up with the rest of the body paint in ruby red metallic.  A steel hood with open cowls and the doors have flames and the ruby is very nicely applied.  A visor tops the windshield and the enclosed space behind the passengers doors is all solid ruby red metallic.  In back, shaved of its bumper rear, the car has upside down teardrop taillights and a large chromed gas cap.  The classic body look of the model A but not even hotter!  Cue those side pipes.

Interior
Not unlike a tasteful sports coat you'd wear to cocktail night at the club, the door panels have black vinyl with triangulated embossing and make use of tiny tan squares at the intersections.  Also some shiny cranks and the actuator are here too.  Inside I sit on late model seats in charcoal gray broadcloth for the bolsters and some ribbed dark and light gray broadcloth inserts.  Black carpeting covers the floors and up front a cream steel curved dash uses black and tan with wide red pinstripe accenting for its presentation.  In the center we see the “mask” style cluster and this car has a shift point light up tachometer hanging below this mask.  A speedometer is in front of the driver and a tilt column and rally wheel fronts the dash.  Also reaching for the driver from the floor is a ling chromed lever Lokar shifter.  The back portions and headliner have just been framed and are not covered.  On the rear floor is a fuel tank and the battery.

Drivetrain
In the engine bay is a mighty 383ci Chevrolet engine that has a single 4-barrel Holley carb, and a 700R4 transmission on back.  The hood sides have been removed to show this wonderful highly polished and machined mill off to the world.  For getting you down the road a Ford 9" 4.11 rear axle is on.  I especially dig heavy red wires for spark plugs and polished valve covers.  Headers and side pipes complete the look.

Undercarriage
Beautifully crafted and built, we see black square tube framing and suspension bolted to it which consists of front independent with coilovers and a rear 4 link with coilovers.   Disc braking is seen on the front and rear.                                                                      

Drive-Ability
Slipping on my smoking jacket I climbed inside and fired this  car up.  It came to life, and I sped to the test track where it performed flawlessly.  Nice acceleration, good handling and bias free panic stopping.  All functions were working well and I arrived on time for the gala dinner at my favorite all you can eat buffet.

A nice build, powerful mill with all the right stuff, wonderful interior and snappy exterior paint.  All the boxes are now checked except for the one where you come down here to Classic Auto Mall and drive it away!

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.