Model A's during Prohibition?

[mhsprecher]

I have agreed to develop a talk for our local club on the use of Model A's during Prohibition. I have yet to do much research on this topic independently, but I thought that I would see whether anyone in FBland has any information, articles, recollections or tall tales about the use of Model A's as rum runners or anything of the like during Prohibition?

Ford V8s are legendary for their exploits as moonshine runners, but Prohibition ended in 1933, so there were more years for the use of Model A's for this purpose than V8's.

You can respond directly to this request or via PM or e-mail at [email protected]

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Chuck Dempsey]

I don't know any background for this pic, but it LOOKS related to your topic.... Good Luck!

[Marshall V. Daut]

Do a Google search using "Repeal the 18th Amendment license plate". Lots of era license plates and "toppers" will give your talk some color - and show how many Americans felt about Prohibition.
Marshall

[Bob-A]

Model-A Fords were working men's cars. Prohibition era gangsters/boot-
leggers were not considered working men. Either by the public or especially the gangsters themselves. Power and speed is what the self respecting gangster was looking for in an auto. To move large quantities of alcohol trucks were used. Which were escorted by gun men in fast cars. Besides guarding the truck convoys the cars were good for out running cops, treasury agents and rival mobsters if needed. While your local friendly neighbor bootlegger might own and drive a Model-A. It would only be used for moving small amounts of booze, maybe a case or two of liquor or beer. Big city bad guys preferred Lincolns, Cadillac's, Buick's, Packard's etc. Substantial cars with at least 8 cylinder motors. Al Capone's favorite was the Cadillac. My dad did a little bootlegging in North Carolina during the late 30's. Him and his buddies used a V-12 Lincoln Zephyr as their "tanker" with a 25 gallon capacity.

Bob-A

[ursus]

My grandpa's brother moved a lot of Canadian whiskey across the border from Alberta into Montana during Prohibition. Canada had experienced their own version of Prohibition earlier so he had a sympathetic pair of suppliers in Edmonton. He used a series of large sedans, changing them on a regular basis so that the border patrol wouldn't get suspicious about frequent sightings of a particular vehicle. Big sedans had big engines for a large load and their sturdy springs minimized the appearance of a car riding low. Border crossings then were unmanned so not an issue. On the way South and West to Missoula and Spokane he was able to bunk up at several ranches, well off the highway, where the hosts were happy to have good Canadian whiskey instead of the dodgy moonshine otherwise available. His last rig was a 1928 Oakland that he liked because in ran well in the snow during winter. He had some good stories about this "career".

[davehc]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Watch the movie " Lawless " , lots of " A "'s & bootlegging .

[daveymc29]

Popcorn Sutton shows he is driving a much used Model A in his home made movie about his "Last Still Ever" or some such title. A friend brought it to our club meeting and as it was about an hour long we elected to show it after the meeting so those that wanted to skip it could get to bed on time. Not one member present left as we showed it on the telly. Some really fun stuff there and I'm sure that it was all folksy cast with some "pickin and a grinnin'." He can be googled.

The A's also were bit more nimble than most of the big cars and could get around quickly in traffic, so the story goes. Couldn't outrun them on the open road but did well in town or on the windy roads.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Running MOONSHINE in the Southeast has ALWAYS been a commonly accepted practice!
Bill Sober

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by ursus

My grandpa's brother moved a lot of Canadian whiskey across the border from Alberta into Montana during Prohibition. Canada had experienced their own version of Prohibition earlier so he had a sympathetic pair of suppliers in Edmonton. He used a series of large sedans, changing them on a regular basis so that the border patrol wouldn't get suspicious about frequent sightings of a particular vehicle. Big sedans had big engines for a large load and their sturdy springs minimized the appearance of a car riding low. Border crossings then were unmanned so not an issue. On the way South and West to Missoula and Spokane he was able to bunk up at several ranches, well off the highway, where the hosts were happy to have good Canadian whiskey instead of the dodgy moonshine otherwise available. His last rig was a 1928 Oakland that he liked because in ran well in the snow during winter. He had some good stories about this "career".

This story reminded me of this song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eeT2-LWF6Q