Ford Model A Count

[Tinker]

I hear this all time... "Don't worry there's enough restored model a coupes out there for people to look at, cut it up."

I see one new one a week, it seems, being cut up. Some are just beautiful cars.

So is there really that many Model A fords out there? Is there a rough number of restored or original cars through restorers groups? Coupes, Sedans, Roadsters....

Do I need to buy a Model A and garage it before it's too late

[Jason in TX]

There is never a bad time to buy a Model A!

[V4F]

there are lots for sale . for sale adds & ebay . are you looking for "stock" ? ........... steve

[Tinker]

Yes and it's on my list Jason!

It was more of a joke. I have a 28 coupe that has seen the sawall (mind you, not by me. I couldn't do that). By owning this one, and it is a nice car it's no ratrod. But all it's done is made me want a nice stock one. Head room, fenders, etc.

I love my car, I'm just saying...

So are we talking millions of old stock models A's are just waiting to be driven?

[jkcrosson]

I don't think there are millions left. I feel like as the generation who started this great hobby retires from it, you will see a great influx of nice cars for sale.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Originally Posted by jkcrosson

I don't think there are millions left. I feel like as the generation who started this great hobby retires from it, you will see a great influx of nice cars for sale.

I think the majority of the "generation who started it" have retired! I know my father (who is 78) was a charter member of a Model A club in Texas, and is still somewhat active in the hobby however his days of being involved to the level he was a decade or two ago is all but a memory for him now. Many others are in similar circumstances.

I am of the opinion that what will perpetuate this hobby is the 'value' of the hobby, --NOT the value of the Model A. Value is not always defined by dollars. Often times 'value' is defined by the enjoyment it will bring to the owner. For example, there are some that will argue that a Model T is worth more than a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost simply because what the Model T and the Model T club has to offer. The Model T club that I am affiliated with has figured out that providing venues (Tours) that attract a middle-age family man and his family is great for the hobby's future. Where that person perceives the 'value' is not that he paid less than $10k for his car, ...but that his wife & kids enjoy going places and spending time with him because they can do stuff together as a family.

One other point regarding 'value' to a person, ...have you noticed that most of us here on this forum are the "exception" or the minority with regard to being able to work with our hands? Think back just a few generations ago and it seems like most folks (male AND female) knew how to work on their car, ...or fix something around the house when it "tore up". And in the past generation folks seemingly could at least change the oil in their driveway, or could change a flat tire if not much else. For those like me who are around teenagers and college-age kids, you know all too well that many of these poor souls can barely put fuel in their car much less change a flat tire or work on something. If you are agreeing with me to this point, Heaven help us when the next generation comes along because they will have difficulty even starting or driving a Model A, --much less having the necessary skills to be able to restore or repair one well enough to keep it on the road. If this is the case, what are you expecting the future of the hobby to be like as we currently know it to be??

.

[Gerard]

Nail on the head , Brent

[Popeye31]

Well guys and gals I am 35 and have 3 As in the works. also I have 4 children that love to go in the garadge and work on the As with dad. all of them can turn a wrench and Im prity sure if I asked my oldest and he is 12 to go warm the 4 door up he could do it with no problems. And for the person asking if there still out there yes they are. mine are real basket cases that most would not tackel but I love to bring cars back from the dead. Hear are a few pics of what they looked like when I got them.

[Tinker]

Brent I hear what your saying. I do think there is a small group of younger people that are into the classics. When I say younger I mean 20s-30s, I'm in my 40's. Young people aren't stupid either, just into another set of problems. Maybe mechanically deficient, but tech savvy. There is problem solving, just not a lot of elbow grease involved.

When your used to hopping in a car, driving 70mph, 300 miles it maybe be hard for younger folks to identify with what it means to have a stock classic.

Value can't be gauged sometimes with $$$. I'm a true believer in that.

Just curious on what a broad guesstimate on stock As - Ts would be. No purpose other then knowing. Maybe it's a stupid question, wait awhile I'll have another one.

[Tinker]

Popeye I have couple like that too. Ones is my wifes fathers. Every time I work on it I find something that makes me take a deep breath.

Her father pasted and and left it to her. Sometimes she'll just go out and sit in it when she's missing her dad. Just her sitting in it makes her feel better. And that's why I keep at it.

My dad's truck is the same for me.

*** yes I do enjoy and value this hobby greatly.

[kelley's restoration]

i see stuff roll out in cycles
seems like a generation passes and then the next picks it up
i am thinking about buying up all the pieces of chopped cars so i can corner the market on unchopping cars in the future
tk

[eeyore]

I changed professions about 10 years ago after 30 years as a truck mechanic, and only now that I have started on restoring a 29 roadster has my son (age 28) started to come around and check on what I am doing and trying to give me a hand and is wanting to learn all he can. I think the A is basic enough but interesting enough to hold his interest and I hope to help him and myself build together something we can then pass on with his children.

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by kelley's restoration

i am thinking about buying up all the pieces of chopped cars so i can corner the market on unchopping cars in the future
tk

ha ha...

[Richard/Ca]

If it can't be fixed with a computer or a video game or TV or with an Ipod or other gadget like them. You will probably have a very hard time anybody that was born after 1995 who will get off the couch to eat dinner let alone to work on a Model A let along any other vehicle. And to those of you that can get your children to help that is great!

[Glenn C.]

We purchased a 28 pick-up from a scrapper of used A & T parts, who refused to talk or sell to anyone who intended to cut the truck up for a hot rod. Purchased a 28 tudor body and other sheet metal parts from another guy, who was going to offer it to the same type of market. We are getting older, but if we keep restoring and encouraging the younger crowd, I believe the hobby will continue.