Why the Model A

[Tinbasher]

Having restored cars for almost 45 years. I put out this question.Why the Model A. I know for myself I just like the car. The way it's built, the way people respond to it when you go by and it's style. It's part of a era. I've worked on cars from 1903 (Cadillac) to 1990 (Miada) and everything in between low end to high end. But the greatest satisfaction I get is from working on a Model A.

Your thoughts. "The Old Tinbasher"

[GerryAllen]

Why the model A? My thoughts are about the same as yours, I liked the look, had a great Uncle that had a pickup. I remember as a very small boy standing back and looking at the fenders in amazement.
I am not a talented tool man, however I understand the car and manage my way through simple things. The cost was affordable for a driver and parts are easy to find.
The big surprise was how nice all the Model A types are "we" will do most anything to help a fellow A type out.

Gerry Birch Bay WA

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Because for most people it is the identity. Almost everyone in this world has either owned a Model-A, --or known someone who has owned a Model-A.

[MickeyT]

Everything you listed plus easy to work on, readily available low cost parts, and for the age of most of us it is easy to relate to. We have lived from , mechanically speaking, that age period car to cars today run by computers. It's simple compared to a modern car.

[Ernie Vitucci]

Happy New Year to all...For me a Model 'A' is just a great joy to drive and go places in. Not always long trips, but to breakfast, hardware store, hair cut, book store and Starbucks from time to time, but not in the drive through. Miss Princess always starts and always runs well. I've had her since 05 and really enjoy her. I had a 30 coupe back in the 60's and sold it just before I entered the Army in 68...then that 'A' was for going to High School and to work...in those days it was just an old car. Ernie in Arizona

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

All the above, plus mine has been in the family since 1960. Have fond memories of my Dad working on it. If I had not inherited it, would probably would have bought one.


There is just something very enjoyable about; moving slower, listening to the personality of the A, the smells, no air conditioning, front window open getting air/wind in your face, relaxing and talking to people that come up to you and want to talk, getting thumbs up from others when on the road, the list is endless.

[Ernie Vitucci]

I agree...I also have a 49 Packard and while she gets her share of looks and questions, people do ask 'What the hell is that?' and no one ever has to ask what a Model "A" is...Ernie in Arizona

[DD931]

My first car was a '30 pickup. I learned to do all sorts of repairs as an early teenager. Later on I upgraded to a '30 Tudor. In '58 I drove that car from Massachusetts to Virginia and back when I went to Navy school. Later on, when I was stationed on ships in Newport RI I drove another '30 Tudor to work everyday. It never failed me. New child in '70, so I needed a more substantial (safer) car. Older Fords later on, but recently satisfied my hankering for another Model A and bought a '30 Coupe to play with. It was a long dry spell! Why a Model A? The styling is unparalleled, they have a unique sound, they are easy to work on, they just have character and represent a time in history that brings back memories, etc. They are so woven into the fabric of America! And my wife thinks it's cute!

[burner31]

They're fun to drive with friends and Family.

[redmodelt]

Cost-availability-cost. Same thing as why many people have a Model T. I too have had a Model A, it's gone except a few bits and pieces. My Dad's 2ed or 3rd car was a Model A which just happened to be a 29 Briggs town sedan, the same as what I got and sold. His first was a 26 Overland, I would like one of those too!

[dumb person]

It's a decent car. Parts availability helps too. Well built and doesn't have many plastic clips that break or get lost like other cars do.

[Oldbluoval]

Several things strike me about it
1. It is a generational thing. Either ones folks or grandfolks had one and it's
Part of their youth
2. One had a Model A as a younger person
3. They are relatively easy to work on and/or restore
4. They draw attention and compliments
5. It USED to be an affordable hobby!!

[WHN]

There like Lionel trains.

If you still have your old train set from 60 or 70 years ago. You might also still have your first car from than to. Or at least one like it.

Memories, get back behind the wheel and your sixteen again. Maybe even twelve or fourteen.

Do you think our children will feel that way about a 1986 Escort?

[Mike Peters]

My father in law bought a beat up 30 AA truck out of someone's back yard for 50 bucks in 1982. After 3 weeks of ownership, he decided he didn't want to restore it, so I offered him his 50 bucks, and as they say, "The rest is history". I just liked the way that truck looked, what can I say?

[Fairview]

Some cars just naturally make folks happy. The Model A is one of those marvelous few. And the Model A has a secret weapon to put a smile on the faces of the most hard-hearted: A-oo-gah! Works every time.

[Synchro909]

Why a Model A??
A few (about 20) years ago, I lost all of my cars (no Fords) and nearly my wife in a fire in the workshop. I swore off cars for a while but the bug was not to be denied. I missed the friendships and driving. I decided to buy a driver car that was easy to keep on the road. There was no choice, it had to be a Model A. We did many thousnads of miles in the first one before we welcomed another into the family and now we have 3 and a 4th due soon.
Only the owner of a Model A can understand fully what has been said about them already in this thread and I can't dissagree with any of it.

[john in illinois]

I like 30s cars and the Model A is pure 30s. I have had my Tudor 10 years and 25,000 miles and still love to get in it and drive. It is special to me.

John

[Gary/IA]

Have you noticed how young children react when they see a Model A coming down the street? Never noticed them doing that when a muscle car rolls by.



A Model A just has the magic.

[mhsprecher]

I liked old cars as a kid and wanted one. My barber was a big Model A guy and really got me interested.

I bought one when I was in high school - a 30 standard coupe. I never got it on the road. Forty years later, I bought a Town Sedan. Then I bought a roadster. And then two V8's and I just rescued a Model T coupe from a garage where it had been parked since 1962. I just love the the A's the best, though. Arguably the Model A is one of the best cars ever made.

[37 Coupe]

I bought a '30 roadster when I was 18 years old in 1964 and it was so much fun to drive back country roads around my home. Dad restored it when I had to go in the service late 1965,it was a pretty nice amateur restoration at the time,excellent mechanical work as at that time there were still many old time garages and mechanics that knew these cars since they were new. I got involved with the Early Ford V8's after the Navy and marriage and sold the Model A 1975 . I just recently bought a 1931 roadster that needs some work but hopefully I will be enjoying a drive on those same country roads this spring or summer.I just wish my dad and the Model A guys he knew were still around but I do have this great forum.

[w.michael]

Because my grandfather loved them.

And I loved my grandfather.

W. Michael

[cradlescyth]

Do not have memories that others have, but trying o build them with grand kids,
plus I just like the Model A

[Jacksonlll]

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ight=jack+bahm

Long read, but let the model A tell you about herself.

[Fairview]

Originally Posted by Jacksonlll

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ight=jack+bahm

Long read, but let the model A tell you about herself.

That’s a beauty!

[Tinbasher]

Thanks for all of your responces. Great stuff. Enjoy. JP

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Oldbluoval

Several things strike me about it
1. It is a generational thing. Either ones folks or grandfolks had one and it's
Part of their youth
2. One had a Model A as a younger person
3. They are relatively easy to work on and/or restore
4. They draw attention and compliments
5. It USED to be an affordable hobby!!

You are correct in that one. After thinking for a few moments about what caused this, I am not sure if I can put a defining reason with that. What do you think it is that changed it?


(Maybe when we were first introduced to the Model-A hobby, the cars were equivalent to collecting a 1980's Ford today??)

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Going sideways on the OP.
I know I am guilty of the "I remember when" syndrome. Perhaps partially responsible for my perception of how affordable the A hobby is. And then when retired and living off Social Security and investments, you are in net cash out instead of in. I know it makes me more sensitive to the costs of things. Sticker shock


60s pricing of a new VW Bug, advertised for $1995. McDonalds Cheeseburger, fries, small soda - get change back on a dollar. List goes on and on
In 1976 my 1st real job after 2 years College and a year of Tech School was $6700/yr. before taxes and deductions. Was considered an OK wage. Today that job is $40 - $50 K


Labor cost has to increase to support increased wages,. Businesses have increased over head - Air Conditioning, health/dental plans for the employees, increased sick time off, more vacation, supporting business regulations, etc.


Way back used parts were readily available, most likely less inexpensive, just go to the local car junkyard.


So inflation has taken a 60s $5 part to perhaps $50 since the 70s.

[Licensed to kill]

For me, "Why a model A" is simply cost and availability. I LOVE late 20's/early 30's cars of ALL makes but my preference is the more luxury type cars, Cadillacs, Packards, Deusenbergs (my all time favourite is a ' 29 Deusenberg model J convertible coupe). Of all the cars made in that time, Model A's are the most plentiful, cheapest to buy and easiest/cheapest to fix (due to the availability of parts both original and repop).

[denis4x4]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

You are correct in that one. After thinking for a few moments about what caused this, I am not sure if I can put a defining reason with that. What do you think it is that changed it?


(Maybe when we were first introduced to the Model-A hobby, the cars were equivalent to collecting a 1980's Ford today??)

Brent, the cost of doing business has increased considerably in the past 20 years. There are so many things that are affected by regulations regarding painting, plating and liability insurance that are necessary evils in this day and age. The hourly rate at a dealership in Durango is now over $100 per hour and then there are environmental fees added on and don't forget the cost to dispose of old tires. All of these costs filter down to "hobby" industries like our's.



A good example is the costs to sandblast and powder paint A wheels. The price has doubled due to the need to confine blasting media and the cost of LNG to heat the booth. I could go on and on, but the bottom line on the subject is the escalating costs of doing business.

[Oldbluoval]

5. It USED to be an affordable hobby!!


Brent (and all).....


I guess when you start looking at an easy $5K to do an engine, another easy $4-5K in paint and labor, bright work is out of sight, upholstery can be much the same as aforementioned numbers......its easy to see that a Model A can get expensive. Paint and plating prices have been exacerbated by regulations.

Of course much can be done by an individual and lots saved. But to have all the talents and skills, equipment and facilities is rather rare.

[1931 flamingo]

Had my first one when I was about 14, transitioned to 32's (hot rod) when 15, then to a 40. My most recent A was affordable and already re-done. Now for sale as I've recently acquired another 40 coupe (hot rodded) similar to the one I had 50 years ago and the wife and I dated in.
Paul in CT

[37 Coupe]

Originally Posted by w.michael

Because my grandfather loved them.

And I loved my grandfather.

W. Michael

I just love this answer. I just hope someday my 9 year old grandson keeps the torch going. He says he loves Stella my '37 Ford and Clara the '31 roadster. he did not like the '32 Plymouth because of the "suicide" doors. He has me record Chasing Classic Cars so we can watch together when he visits from Pa.

[Oldbluoval]

Originally Posted by w.michael
Because my grandfather loved them.

And I loved my grandfather.

W. Michael


Yep one of the best answers on here!

[woofa.express]

Each time I look at mine or any other I just smile.
That's what they do for me.
Cars have not had class like them since.

[shark 81]

it was built to be the best car a working man could buy, and ninety years later it still is.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

If I am reading you all correctly, you all are suggesting that 'inflation' is what has taken the price of the hobby up. I can definitely believe that reason ...however other things had likely 'inflated' too such as a paycheck. So why did the inflation of the 'A' surpass the inflation of our paychecks?


Ironically I think the Model-T value has likely seen equal inflation over that time and the T hobby is still as popular and strong as the A hobby is. If this is indeed factual, what made one vehicle rise more financially over the other? Do you feel it had anything to do with the RG&JS book, and folks continually pushing for authenticity??

[ursus]

For me it was childhood exposure to the many survivor Model-A's that were still tooling around when all the other makes of that era had either been long since junked or were being restored into trailer babies. Into the 1950's,the Model-A was still a daily driver for folks that could afford nothing else. I recall a few A's that were still in the hands of first or second owners that continued to drive them simply out of loyalty to a car that they enjoyed and that never let them down.

[DD931]

With respect to the cost of owning a Model A - When I owned Model As in the 50/60s replacement parts were not generally available from sources other than junkyards or other local used sources. Snyder's and Bratton's and similar others didn't exist (at least as far as I knew). Plugs, points, etc., sure. And there was J.C. Whitney/Warshawski who would sell some basic stuff, but nothing even close to what's available now. We made do with what we had. Restoring cars to show condition was not happening. There were a lot of them around, but they were either used in some practical way or, like mine, just for fun. So, I think the hobby has gotten more expensive because we are now competing with each other for points and everyone needs welled fenders and a rumble seat. Not to mention turn signals, counterweighted cranks and Lebaron Bonney interiors. (My '30 Tudor interior was done in red burlap!). Back in the day we didn't rebuild shocks - we just disconnected them and/or threw them away!! Comments?

[37 Coupe]

I remember walking around our local car show/swap meet back when we first got the Model A roadster in 1964. Most parts guys were selling good Model A and T parts reasonable and Ford V8 parts were dirt cheap and available but just not that many guys wanting to spend money on a flathead Ford original part. It was like that until about the time I got my first flathead a '46 Ford coupe in 1971.You could find lots of parts and accessories but boy did that change quick,first '32 stuff and then everything went high. I needed a right rear fender for the '46 Ford and a guy named Pat Day in North Carolina listed one among his NOS parts list he showed every month in Hemmings.This was '71 or '72 and the price was 25.00. He sent it truck freight to some terminal in Zanesville Ohio and trucker called me to say they had it and wheredid I live exactly? I said I will come and get it and dispatcher said no the driver wants to see your car,good old days.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by DD931

With respect to the cost of owning a Model A - When I owned Model As in the 50/60s replacement parts were not generally available from sources other than junkyards or other local used sources. Snyder's and Bratton's and similar others didn't exist (at least as far as I knew). Plugs, points, etc., sure. And there was J.C. Whitney/Warshawski who would sell some basic stuff, but nothing even close to what's available now. We made do with what we had. Restoring cars to show condition was not happening. There were a lot of them around, but they were either used in some practical way or, like mine, just for fun. So, I think the hobby has gotten more expensive because we are now competing with each other for points and everyone needs welled fenders and a rumble seat. Not to mention turn signals, counterweighted cranks and Lebaron Bonney interiors. (My '30 Tudor interior was done in red burlap!). Back in the day we didn't rebuild shocks - we just disconnected them and/or threw them away!! Comments?

With the exception of the comment about no one was restoring to show condition back then, I believe you and I are of the same mindset on the Fine Point being a contributing factor of making it less affordable. It used too be that both clubs really pushed for authentically restoring and preserving the Model-A as it was originally manufactured. That I think is the biggest difference between the Model-T clubs and the Model-A clubs as the largest Model-T club did not even have a Judging program (-much less a book) and the one club that does have a judging book has one that is filled with authenticity errors.


I say the above because even as a kid I can remember that Model-A club members have always been critical about other member's Model-A with regard to what is right or wrong on their car. It seems that Model-T club members could care less what is right or wrong on their cars, or other member's cars. Even most NOS Model-T parts do not bring much money. You really can't blame that on 'following' or demand either because the Model-T Ford Club of America has more members than the Model A Restorers Club does.


One other likely contributing factor is many of the restorers back then were either craftsmen themselves, -or had the assistance of friends who could assist them restoring. Pieces were actually restored back then in someone's garage. Today, it is easier to purchase reproduction parts rather than restore even though buying reproduction parts comes at a greater cost.




FWIW, there were guys that were restoring to show room condition back then too, and these guys are the reason why there was a need for compiling the Judging Stds. book. The irony in that fact is there was probably more guys restoring to "show room condition" back then than we have restoring to that condition now.

[updraught]

Cheap.

Goes better sideways in the mud after the body falls off.

[Tinbasher]

Love the comments. Guess it comes down to "we just love these cars" and have a great time with them. Happy New Year. JP

[30ccpickup]

Why?, it is a chick magnet. For every twenty geezers, one girl shows up.

It is an old man's toy. I can go out to my barn, take it apart, put it back together and go for a drive within a 24 hour period. With a little knowledge, it never breaks down, it just limps home. They are durable! Back in the day when they were no longer the family vehicle, the farmers turned them into tractors. Picture your "A" pulling a plow the next time your tour guide mistakingly turns down a dirt road and your mad because it might hurt your car.

When those high dollar car collectors ask, "Why the model A?" I say, "Just follow me", and I smile.

Lastly, the engineers like to talk about them and the grease monkeys love to work on them and it involves all in between.