1931 Roadster Online Estate Auction Purchase

[handlebar99]

Greetings! I'm a "newbie" on this site, but I've owned 4 A's over the past 60 years -- sold the last one around 1973. Recently I purchased a '31 Deluxe Roadster from an online estate auction (the owner of the estate is now doing the robe and slippers number in a rest home).

This site has proven to be a real refresher course for my Model A knowledge! The experts here are a great source of information and opinions.

When you buy a vehicle online, based on a description and pictures, you are taking a real chance. As it turns out, I'm quite satisfied. After making the winning bid, I showed up at the estate with my trailer, expecting the worst. (the vehicle was last registered in 2012) I charged the battery, fluffed up a couple of low tires, and went through the standard pre-flight check for any new vehicle. Surprise! She started right up--even with 4 year old gas in the tank. I drove her on the trailer and chained her down for the trip home.

When my bride saw the roadster, her first comment was "What did that cost you?" I replied "It cost me about the same as the first month in a nursing home -- but its a hell of a lot more fun!"

Cosmetically, the roadster is a little rough around the edges--the paint on the fenders is peeling in a number of places; the trailing edges of the rear fenders are dinged up (I believe the previous owner backed into something). The top material is badly deteriorated, fortunately, the bows and hardware are in good repair. Mechanically, everything works except the speedometer. I adjusted the brakes last week and the old girl passed NYS Inspection with no problem.

I don't have any plans for restoring it -- just driving it and enjoying it as is--with the top down!

I'll try and post a picture, but this is my first post, so be a little patient while I learn the rules.

Ray Rice

[Fred S]

Glad it all worked out. Looks like a nice car. Welcome to the Forum!

[Dodge]

Not every car has to be a show car, get out and drive the wheels off it. Do change all your fluids and re grease everything though....

[hardtimes]

Hey Ray,
Welcome on board !
Hm, first post and you can already post a picture , must be a young kid, eh !
How come I could never run across a 'raggedy looking old '31' roadster , like this one....in my whole lifetime
That looks like it's going to be fun, just as is, forever ! Congratulations.

[mhsprecher]

Roadsters are a blast. I love mine. It is gratifying to see one that has been neglected put back on the road. Hopefully your bride will grow to love it, too.

[Tom Wesenberg]

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Actually your were right to compare the price to a nursing home, because owning a Model A will probably keep you out of a nursing home for many extra months or years.

It looks like a very good car, and better than I was expecting from your description.

[DougT]

Ray, you'll look good passing through Rifton in that!

[harleynut]

Best of luck with your new roadster......you got more guts than I got buying one without checking it out. I dread the day I would need a nursing home. Have fun with that A.

[al's28/33]

Good for you.........enjoy it and share it with others!!

[C26Pinelake]

Congratulations on your purchase and your attitude. You will love the roadster until it rains ( haha ). Be sure to take the bride with you. Wayne

[Mark W.]

I took an even bigger chance on my Roadster three years ago and have never looked back. I knew buying an original would have its issues - like a full engine rebuild, wiring, brakes, etc. but that was what I wanted dings, dents and all not to mention my first A after owning several T's and a couple other odd cars from the 20's.

Good luck and have fun, because anything you have left will just make the kids fight over in probate...

[Mike V. Florida]

[QUOTE=handlebar99;1287868
I don't have any plans for restoring it -- just driving it and enjoying it as is--with the top down!

[/QUOTE]

Welcome and it sounds like a plan!

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Nice looking car, would be a shame to re-restore it - I would focus on the mechanics and drive the wheels off it!!

[cradlescyth]

Good plan Good luck Drive the heck out of it!!

[ronn]

Nice looking car and congratulations!

Have some fun this summer......................