The Ford Barn

P.S. · 09-12-2012, 08:20 PM

Wife comes up with some interesting questions now and then.

We're staying in a cabin that has satellite TV. Have had the TV glued to the "Velocity Channel" almost the whole time, just mesmerized by the auctions and some of the silly, low budget classic car collector shows.

So, the questions comes up, "How come car snobs (her terminology for the car collectors) hate Model As??" I don't have an answer. I know Model As aren't particularly collectible due to large numbers of them still around, and what not. But, even Jay Leno has a Model T but sorta bags on Model As in one of his videos. I'm at a loss. What do I tell her? Why do the car snobs turn their noses up at stock (non rodded) Model As?

I thought Model As were ideal because they are like classic cars you can actually drive all the time without feeling guilty. Not rare or impossible to repair, etc.

JBill · 09-12-2012, 08:33 PM

You're wife's got it right: They're snobs. Model As are just too "common" for the one percenters.

griffincat · 09-12-2012, 08:33 PM

Good question. It is really hard to say, but it oculd be partially because of their value? They are really very reasonably priced, and maybe there are not enough bragging rights attached to owning a nice model A. Not liking saying you have a cuda with a hemi. There is a lot of history and these are great vehicles. I never thought much of A's but now this past month I bought two of them and am hooked. I love the fact that an average working man can afford to buy them and have fun as a family with them.

griffincat · 09-12-2012, 08:36 PM

As far as them being too common, maybe but I see way more chevelles, mustangs, etc. than I do A's. They look awesome restored to original condition and make some sweet hot rods, which should make them appeal to a wide range of people. It does seem however that if you have a 31 hot rod coupe, it will never be as good as a 32 in the minds of many.

Roadster62 · 09-12-2012, 08:50 PM

Paul, Please let us know what type of cars your "Snob" friends have, my guess is they are late model people Mustang Camero etc. Bob

C26Pinelake · 09-12-2012, 09:14 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

They are very common, very reasonably priced, many people own more than one and they are not a status symbol. They are cute liitle cars with possibly a million or so still in existance ! Even though I own many antique cars and 6 Model A's I still realize people don't respect them. I heard a comment at a car show to the affect that anyone can afford a Model A!

Flathead · 09-12-2012, 10:16 PM

Who cares what other people think.

Roadster62 · 09-12-2012, 10:20 PM

Figures.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulShinn

We don't have any car snob friends. We have very few friends to begin with. This comes as a result of TV shows and internet research only.

In fact, the only regular friend (other than people we befriended through Model A clubs) we have with an old car, he happens to have a 29 Tudor.

socalplanedoc · 09-12-2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flathead

Who cares what other people think.

+1 to that.

P.S. · 09-12-2012, 10:35 PM

We sure don't care what people think. Wife just asked a simple question, I was trying to formulate an answer.

P.S. · 09-12-2012, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C26Pinelake

They are very common, very reasonably priced, many people own more than one and they are not a status symbol. They are cute liitle cars with possibly a million or so still in existance ! Even though I own many antique cars and 6 Model A's I still realize people don't respect them. I heard a comment at a car show to the affect that anyone can afford a Model A!

Excellent! A real answer. That's all I asked for. Thank you! I'll forward the info to her, this should make sense.

Napa Skip · 09-12-2012, 10:40 PM

The way people act in society has been characterized (by David Riesman, co-author of "The Lonely Crowd") as tradition-directed (acting according to the norms of earlier generations), inner-directed (acting according to their own beliefs, often based on experience) and other-directed (acting in whatever way will gain approval from others; that is, their own self-worth derives from the constant assurance of others that they are acting "correctly" with regard to what they own, consume and believe).

I suspect that most Model "A" owners, besides - in the best Lake Wobegon tradition - all being above average, are inner-directed. We own, drive, repair and maintain our Model "A"s because that's what we like, whether others agree or not.

Besides, they're well engineered and well built.

And they look sharp.

Richard Wilson · 09-13-2012, 05:50 AM

Many collectors think of the Model A as an "entry level" collector car. They are easy to find, relatively easy and cheap to restore, and simple to maintain. Most parts are easy to find with a little effort. In the last 40 years many Model A's have become "1-800" cars because of the many ill fitting foreign made reproduction parts. Lots of Model A owners also own other non-Model A collector cars. Personally, I would rather own one good Model A than a dozen Camaros.

Barney · 09-13-2012, 06:10 AM

Hi Guys,
I think there are too many A's. And they are not expensive. But it does not bother me when so called collectors do not like A's. When I'm at a car-show, and place my A next to a Rolls Phantom, conjures my A no less smiles in the face of the visitor than the Rolls.
I'm always surprised, like a model A acts on the people. Everyone is smiling, everyone has fun. So it should be.
Greetings from Switzerland
Barney

griffincat · 09-13-2012, 06:41 AM

They are fun cars at shows. It is fun to let kids sit in them and get their picture taken. They are definatley crowd pleasers.

ronn · 09-13-2012, 06:56 AM

Think of it this way-
every car show Model A's-40 Fords and 57 chevies.... sometimes becomes boring

guy drives up in an Auburn and because they are so rare, everyone drools!

same can be said for totally original cars-put one in a field of restored cars and guess which one everybody migrates too?

Mitch · 09-13-2012, 07:02 AM

One time I went to rent storage space from a fellow I used to know. He collected Indian motorcyles and had a few old chevys. He told me that Model A's were like ass...oles, everybody had one. There are other words for some of them than snobs.

Naturally, he did not get my business.

Aok · 09-13-2012, 07:04 AM

No answer but if works for me. If A's were a big $$ item I would not be driving one

griffincat · 09-13-2012, 07:08 AM

I'm sure glad I found this place. You A guys and gals are alright!!

Ross/Kzoo · 09-13-2012, 07:12 AM

I think that car collectors feel that the potential for large profits doesn't lay in the Model A's. They're looking a quick return on their money. Very little interest in the actual product.

09-12-2012, 08:20 PM	#1
P.S. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: California Posts: 1,698	How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? Wife comes up with some interesting questions now and then. We're staying in a cabin that has satellite TV. Have had the TV glued to the "Velocity Channel" almost the whole time, just mesmerized by the auctions and some of the silly, low budget classic car collector shows. So, the questions comes up, "How come car snobs (her terminology for the car collectors) hate Model As??" I don't have an answer. I know Model As aren't particularly collectible due to large numbers of them still around, and what not. But, even Jay Leno has a Model T but sorta bags on Model As in one of his videos. I'm at a loss. What do I tell her? Why do the car snobs turn their noses up at stock (non rodded) Model As? I thought Model As were ideal because they are like classic cars you can actually drive all the time without feeling guilty. Not rare or impossible to repair, etc.

09-12-2012, 08:33 PM	#2
JBill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 702	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? You're wife's got it right: They're snobs. Model As are just too "common" for the one percenters.

09-12-2012, 08:33 PM	#3
griffincat Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 73	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? Good question. It is really hard to say, but it oculd be partially because of their value? They are really very reasonably priced, and maybe there are not enough bragging rights attached to owning a nice model A. Not liking saying you have a cuda with a hemi. There is a lot of history and these are great vehicles. I never thought much of A's but now this past month I bought two of them and am hooked. I love the fact that an average working man can afford to buy them and have fun as a family with them.

09-12-2012, 08:36 PM	#4
griffincat Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 73	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? As far as them being too common, maybe but I see way more chevelles, mustangs, etc. than I do A's. They look awesome restored to original condition and make some sweet hot rods, which should make them appeal to a wide range of people. It does seem however that if you have a 31 hot rod coupe, it will never be as good as a 32 in the minds of many.

09-12-2012, 08:50 PM	#5
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,441	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? Paul, Please let us know what type of cars your "Snob" friends have, my guess is they are late model people Mustang Camero etc. Bob __________________ They don't have to run to be enjoyed. I'm here to enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the cars no matter what they look like. Most of the worlds problems are electrical.

09-12-2012, 09:14 PM	#6
C26Pinelake BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto. Posts: 5,800	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) They are very common, very reasonably priced, many people own more than one and they are not a status symbol. They are cute liitle cars with possibly a million or so still in existance ! Even though I own many antique cars and 6 Model A's I still realize people don't respect them. I heard a comment at a car show to the affect that anyone can afford a Model A!

09-12-2012, 10:16 PM	#7
Flathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 1,499	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? Who cares what other people think.

09-12-2012, 10:35 PM	#10
P.S. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: California Posts: 1,698	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? We sure don't care what people think. Wife just asked a simple question, I was trying to formulate an answer.

09-12-2012, 10:40 PM	#12
Napa Skip Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Napa CA Posts: 412	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? The way people act in society has been characterized (by David Riesman, co-author of "The Lonely Crowd") as tradition-directed (acting according to the norms of earlier generations), inner-directed (acting according to their own beliefs, often based on experience) and other-directed (acting in whatever way will gain approval from others; that is, their own self-worth derives from the constant assurance of others that they are acting "correctly" with regard to what they own, consume and believe). I suspect that most Model "A" owners, besides - in the best Lake Wobegon tradition - all being above average, are inner-directed. We own, drive, repair and maintain our Model "A"s because that's what we like, whether others agree or not. Besides, they're well engineered and well built. And they look sharp. __________________ Skip Keyser Napa Valley A's Olympic Vintage Auto Club (1980-1982) MARC of San Diego (1977-1978) MAFCA (since 1978) MARC (since 1977) ---------- Model A owners belong in their Model A’s; Model A’s belong on the road. Last edited by Napa Skip; 09-12-2012 at 10:42 PM. Reason: typo

09-13-2012, 05:50 AM	#13
Richard Wilson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NC Posts: 908	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? Many collectors think of the Model A as an "entry level" collector car. They are easy to find, relatively easy and cheap to restore, and simple to maintain. Most parts are easy to find with a little effort. In the last 40 years many Model A's have become "1-800" cars because of the many ill fitting foreign made reproduction parts. Lots of Model A owners also own other non-Model A collector cars. Personally, I would rather own one good Model A than a dozen Camaros.

09-13-2012, 06:10 AM	#14
Barney Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Switzerland Posts: 93	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? Hi Guys, I think there are too many A's. And they are not expensive. But it does not bother me when so called collectors do not like A's. When I'm at a car-show, and place my A next to a Rolls Phantom, conjures my A no less smiles in the face of the visitor than the Rolls. I'm always surprised, like a model A acts on the people. Everyone is smiling, everyone has fun. So it should be. Greetings from Switzerland Barney

09-13-2012, 06:41 AM	#15
griffincat Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 73	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? They are fun cars at shows. It is fun to let kids sit in them and get their picture taken. They are definatley crowd pleasers.

09-13-2012, 06:56 AM	#16
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,793	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? Think of it this way- every car show Model A's-40 Fords and 57 chevies.... sometimes becomes boring guy drives up in an Auburn and because they are so rare, everyone drools! same can be said for totally original cars-put one in a field of restored cars and guess which one everybody migrates too?

09-13-2012, 07:02 AM	#17
Mitch Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 182	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? One time I went to rent storage space from a fellow I used to know. He collected Indian motorcyles and had a few old chevys. He told me that Model A's were like ass...oles, everybody had one. There are other words for some of them than snobs. Naturally, he did not get my business.

09-13-2012, 07:04 AM	#18
Aok Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tx Posts: 502	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? No answer but if works for me. If A's were a big $$ item I would not be driving one

09-13-2012, 07:08 AM	#19
griffincat Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 73	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? I'm sure glad I found this place. You A guys and gals are alright!!

09-13-2012, 07:12 AM	#20
Ross/Kzoo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Richland Mi. Posts: 1,172	Re: How come "Car Collectors" don't like Model A's? I think that car collectors feel that the potential for large profits doesn't lay in the Model A's. They're looking a quick return on their money. Very little interest in the actual product.