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-   -   31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63402)

workin class 02-26-2012 09:06 AM

31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

I have recently run a cross two p/u truck cabs licensed as 1932 Fords both have the 1931 model A cowls and one is a complete cab. Is there any # to determine how many left over 31 cabs were sold as 1932s? P.S. these are both in Canada so our # may be different than U.S. production.

DavidG 02-26-2012 09:23 AM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

Since no "true" '32 model vehicles were produced until late March at Walkerville, Ontario, it is quite likely that a fair number of '31 Model As were sold as new in the days of 1932, both in Canada and the U.S. The extent of actual Model A production during 1932 within North America was limited compared to that outside North America, but determining the exact production figures would require a trip to the Benson Ford Research Center in Dearborn.

workin class 02-26-2012 09:53 AM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

Would the older cabs be sold as new production 1932s?

SSsssteamer 02-26-2012 12:15 PM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

From the Model A Forum:

3,067 A,s & AA,s built in Canada in 32. Last engine # CAD 6877.

DavidG 02-26-2012 12:18 PM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

They could be new production, but they would still be Model As built on Model A chassis, not Model Bs built on the 99% all-new '32 model chassis.

The last time I was looking at '32 production statistics at the BFRC, I recall noticing in passing that like those models that followed it, Model As were still being built outside of North America at least as late as 1934 (and not just the Russian trucks).

For example, 1932 model passenger cars continued to be produced in Europe in 1933, 1934, and 1935.

For more specifics on the phase out of Model A production, you may wish to consider posting your question on the Model A section of this site as my focus has always been on the '32 Model Bs and V-8s and other Fords of the mid-'thirties.

ford38v8 02-26-2012 12:24 PM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

Your use of the term "Sold as new" assumes model year, rather than simply "first owner", which was the norm back in the day. The year a car was first registered is noted on the title, not the model year.

workin class 02-26-2012 12:48 PM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

O.K. so if looking at a truck that is all model A it could be defined and registered as a 1932. Dang lost an argument (not the first time ive been wrong) Thanks guys.

DavidG 02-26-2012 02:13 PM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

Sorry Alan, but I disagree that my use of "sold as new" assumes model year. It does not today and it did not 80 years ago, certainly not uniformly across all 48 states. The calendar year of sale and designation of model year by the manufacturer may or may not be the same, but the model year will show on the title or registration in most states regardless of which year the car is sold new to its first owner.

Think about when the car gets traded in on a new model. Is it recognized value wise for the year it was sold or by its model year (all other things being equal such as mileage and condition)?

V12Bill 02-26-2012 02:47 PM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

I had a 1948 Lincoln that was registered as a 1947. It was first registered on Dec 29, 1947 in Penna. The serial number started out 8H ****** as 1948 models should. I now have a 1946 Lincoln that has a build date of January 1947 and is registered as a 1946 model even though the serial number starts off as H****** and not 7H******.I don't know how these vehicles would have been valued as used cars in there youth. I can only assume that if this was a prevalent practice that the dealers would have checked the serial number of a car before offering to buy a car.

workin class 02-26-2012 03:11 PM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

I am still questioning then as now a days people change things with home made serial # stamped on after market plates. If you ran into a late 31 with an ownership reading 1932 what would your thoughts be. How would you determine authenticity with remade vin tag?

DavidG 02-26-2012 04:14 PM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

It depends on how you define "authenticity". The physical characteristics of a late '31 (or '32) Model A are distinct enough to indentify what in your case I assume is a cab without a chassis or an engine and that sort of leaves you at a dead end. A re-made VIN tag assumes that both the owner and the licensing authority had complete knowldege of the facts, which is, of course, not likely to be the case. More likely it comes down to what the licensing authority will accept in terms of proof of ownership.

Some jurisdictions are willing to create titles out of thin air, say for kit cars where no single part has proof of ownership beyond valid receipts. In those cases, attempting to interpret the meaning of a resulting VIN is right up there with de-coding the complex numbering system used for modern new cars.

In the final analysis, you have to make the case to the local DMV as they cannot be expected to know what Ford did or did not do with regard to serializing its vehicles in late 1931 or early 1932.

Once again, I respectfully recommend that you switch over to the Model A section of this site. Model As built in early 1932 are not unheard of and you're far more likely to find someone with prior experience there.

workin class 02-26-2012 05:40 PM

Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production
 

cool over to the A section thanks


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