Why do you own a Model A?

[Licensed to kill]

Curious as to what it is about the model A that entices each individual to owning one.

[Brobrian]

Family tradition, or just childhood memories of riding in Dad's '28 pickup started me out 30 years ago. But since then it has just become part of who I am. Driving my A's still makes me smile. Never been to a show nor in a club ( much respect for those who do though), just love my A's.

[jrelliott]

Friend had 5 Model A's in different states of disassembly. Had told him at one time would like to restore another vehicle as had done a Chevy Corvair multiple times. Friend said he would never get all restored and would I be interested in restoring a Fordor with the condition that it could not be turned into a hotrod. So I purchased the Model A and restored it to original. Still want to do a '65 or '66 Chevy Corvair Corsa Coupe with turbo and 4 speed.

[Jason in TX]

All the great tours that the Dallas Club takes around the USA.

[abachman3]

A friend had one and invited me to a Model A club meeting. I was hooked... The first one I looked at to purchase was mid-restoration... something I didn't want for my first one.... About a week later the man calls me and says "I put it all together" and he had so I purchased it...1930 Tudor. Drove it a few years and really enjoyed it... but garage space became an issue so I sold it. About a year later I needed another one.. thought I could get along without one.. so purchased another 1930 Tudor. So for ten years now I've been enjoying it. Drive it about 2,000 miles a year.

[wingski]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

A 1931 Ford coupe was the first car I ever owned. It also was the first car that I did major mechanical work on. It was also the first car I ever sold so I could get another Model A. That car taught me so much about how to drive in mud, snow, rain, and ice. It taught me to do things correctly or I would pay for it later. It taught me how much pride there is in fixing something so it works again. That car helped me learn so many things that I needed to know as I got older.

Now I am older, and my current model A is still teaching me patience and how to get things done by myself. The feeling that I get when I open the garage door and see my cabriolet waiting for me is one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever experienced, and it goes on day after day. That’s why I own a model A.

Mike

[CarlG]

Beginning at age 14, my first 2 vehicles were Model A's. At age 19, I thought that I had "outgrown" a Model A, upgraded to early '50's Mercurys. I soon missed the Model A's, but it was some 50+ years later that I finally got Model A #3, the one in my avitar.

The other obsession that I had was for a trailer. I had been given my Dad's "red trailer" that he had built out of a '49 Ford pickup. When my sister was liquidating my Dad's estate, she "gave it away". It took me 10 years, but I finally obtained a suitable replacement: a 1936 Mullins Red Cap utility trailer.

[Patrick L.]

This comes up every year or so. Being brought up in Studebaker and Ford shops, I have a preference for them, especially Studes.
42 years ago my father insisted we buy this particular 31 A roadster while I was kinda insisting we buy a particular 34 Stude roadster. Guess who won ?
Turns out we should have bought both.

[burner31]

Always wanted one, but was a die hard '57 Chevy lover (since '75), always riding bikes, Harley's, shovel head.
But then my back blew out and I could only ride 20 miles or so before it started to kill me, so had to give that up after 50+ years of riding, gave my Harley to my son-in-law.
So I went out and got me a '31 Model A, and still have the '57 Chevy.
Should have gotten a Model A 40 years ago, but then again I did not have the garage space until these last few years.
Don't have a pic of my old Harley of this computer

[Lona]

Had a '30 coupe in high school and sold it when I went to college. More than fifty years later when I was ready to get back into the old car hobby, I considered the Model A too uncomfortable, primitive and dangerous on the road, especially with the yahoo tailgaters who want to go faster than you. So, I ended up buying a '31 Chrysler sedan.

A year later, a neighbor finally decided to sell her '31 roadster after it sat in her garage for 19 years. My girlfriend in high school, now my wife, loved that roadster so I bought it for her. Did a lot of mechanical work on it and we love it. At 76 years old, she still drives it to shows and it is the last car we will ever get rid of when we "age out".

Glen

[ChicagoBob]

When I got married in 1989, my wife and I decided that a Model A would be a good investment and good transportation. We lived on the North side of Chicago, where we didn't have to drive every day, and then rarely had to exceed 35 mph. I had owned one years before and knew how easy they were to maintain and how durable. So in 1991 we bought a '30 Tudor, which had been restored in 1970, and it was a great car for us for 20 years, and our only car for about 10 of those years. When we had kids, it was great for carting them and their friends to the beach, and we had fun with bunches of kids in parades.

By 2011, our kids were growing up, and we'd moved to the suburbs, where a car had to be able to maintain 50 mph to keep up with traffic. Our car couldn't do it, even after I took up the bearings. Also, after 20 years the car was beginning to look a little ratty, and we couldn't afford to treat it to the TLC it needed. So, when our oldest daughter turned 16, we finally sold it (after she learned to drive it) - for more than we'd paid in 1991! It helped pay for college, and it gave us a lot of memories (some of which are depicted below).

We hope to have another someday.

[mhsprecher]

I wish I could figure out why I first became a Model A guy?

I liked old cars from an early age. I wanted a Model T, but my barber was a Model A guy and he probably influenced me. I was a Ford guy from an early age for no known reason, too. I any event, I bought a 30 Coupe in high school that I never got running and later sold. Forty years later, I wanted another one, so I bought my 30 Town Sedan. I then bought a 28 roadster. They are just great cars. Easy to work on, fun to drive.

[Bill Lee/Virginia]

When I was a teenager I worked at a service station checking oil, water, airing tires, washing cars, delivered newspapers, sold the Grit, cut grass and raked leaves. Finally saved $100. In those days you could purchase a nice Cabriolet for $100, Roadster for $75 or a good Tudor for $50; however, my Dad in his wisdom would not let me buy the car of my dreams (my nickname growing up was "Wild-Bill"). Then along came the draft, marriage and kids and I had to wait until the kids were educated and long gone from home. Finally after retirement, I was able to purchase the car of my dreams, a 1930 Cabriolet. It has served me well for many years and thousands of miles. Dreams do come true.

Bill Lee
Virginia Peninsula

[1928Mik]

I have been a car nut since my early days. My Dad always had an A. When I was little he had a 30 coupe, then bought and sold several til he landed a 28 Phaeton. We restored it when I was in my 30's but then he lost interest and put the car on blocks in a climate controlled garage and became very possessive of it. He passed away last Fall, so I got it running last Winter and am now enjoying it once again. I had forgotten how much fun that car was and how easy it is to maintain. Plus, with the 'net available now, I was able to refresh my memory on startup, timing, and general issues that pop up. This site has helped tremendously. Now, being an old fart, I have the garage space to store and work on it. I have willed the car to my son, so it will stay put. Might even buy a closed A one of these days....

[richsfords]

Because I can't own more. small garage. Lambo's and the prancing horse are too expensive. No computers to fuss with, it is as American as you can get. God Bless Henry. and the USA.

[dumb person]

Because modern cars are s**t.

[EarlyBert]

My brother & his friends are into Model T's and had been tying to convert me from my modern collector cars for years.

I went on several tours with my brother & was starting to think I might be able to drive one. Then I watched as he shifted the Ruxtell on a hill. I thought he was gonna hurt himself moving & throwing all the levers & pedals at the same moment. At that point I kinda decided against a T. It's fun to go on T tours with him & his buds but I gotta stick with the modern technology.

My brother found a nicely restored E28 Tudor that had been sitting for about 7 years. So after selling my 70 Jeep CJ5 to a collector/restorer I picked up the Tudor. So begins my Model A adventure.

[Floats]

Hi Guys,
I have been a classic car nut since the age of two, according to my Dad. However, never interested in vintage cars. Bought my first classic, a 59 190SL, at the age of 25. Owned various 190SLs, Pagodas, 350/500SLs, MGs, E Types, Porsches, and old aircraft, but still no vintage 'crap'
A year or so before retirement, a 28 RPU crossed my path and(excusse the expression) I was in LUST. A year into retirement, a 29 Chevy Phaeton crossed my path and we couldn't resist.
The little Roadster Pickup and the Chevy are now our daily drivers and we just loooove the privilege of owning two very special cars.
Regards
Chris

[ModelAMike1930]

I wanted one ever since I was a kid. I searched for years to find a 1930 coupe in good shape. I found one and bought it on the spot. I also wanted a 1930 pickup which I found online . My Son and 3 Grandsons drove 150 miles downstate to purchase it. We had a blast.

[todd3131]

I was born in to it my father had restored two before I was born. I was addicted from inception and the worse part is the Betty Ford center doesn't have a program that has been successful at combating it. I think I'm all better and the next thing I know it I'm at some swap meet before dawn in the cold air buying parts for a model a project that I don't even have!

A terrible disease this is.

[wensum]

In 1966 I restored a '29 Phaeton as it looked like a passport to girls, parties and fun fun fun! This got me involved in the Vintage Car Club and as time passed, I was attracted to more exotic cars culminating in two Lancia Lambdas. When each broke its crankshaft consecutively and it took 18 months and $10,000 each time to replace them, I yearned for the simplicity of the old Model A and its readily available and reasonably priced spare parts.
Since building a speedster we have enjoyed the fellowship of the New Zealand Model A community and are very happy to be back amongst fellow Model A enthusiasts

[GPierce]

Couldn't afford the one I wanted when I was sixteen, now I can.

[GMCPASO]

I got my first ride in an A in about 1950 while going to grimmer school from an Indian neighbor in California. I rode with him a few times an fell in love with the sound. After Air Force an College, the wife and I could afford one, 30 Sport Coupe. Then got a 29 Tudor and has been one ever after. The MAFCA Club in Santa Barbara was the best thing to happen to us. Now it is the tours we take that keeps us going. Look forward to each one that MATC comes up with that we can make. The greatest people are involved with Model A Fords. Thanks to all.

[Bikerider58]

Just wanted a different toy.

[Anteek29]

Love the style, love the sound, love the simplicity, love the attention, fun to drive, a-ford-able!

[glenn in camino]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

My first car was a 31 Model A coupe in 1958. I bought a 28 tudor in 1968 and restored it to show condition. Over the years I bought several more and sold a few. I now have 6 Model As, 5 of them are in touring or show condition. I have a large garage, and I spend part of every day maintaining and working on my cars. They're a big part of my life.

[bobusnick104]

When I was in 7th grade, my shop teacher lived in the neighborhood. He had brought a '29 pickup from Colorado and was restoring it in his garage. I was overcome with curiosity and my Dad saw this. Two years later, I received a basket case '30 tudor for Christmas, best present ever. Well, Dad and I restored the chassis and sheet metal. By then it was off to college and girls, go figure. I lost interest and sold the project, but knew I would have an A sooner or later. So I bought a '29 tudor at 57, did all the underside and have been driving it ever since. And, bought a '31 Vicky for when I retire in 74 days, but who's counting. By the way, shop teacher and I see each other at least every year at Hershey.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

A good friend who collects at a different level once told me you can have just as much fun with a model A as you can with a model J. He's largely correct.

[Fred K-OR]

Crazy!

[Ed]

I was first exposed to Model A's when I was 14 years old. I had a very patient mentor that taught me a lot about life while we were around these cars. We went to swap meets, auction sales, collectors, car shows, and met many other car enthusiasts while going to these events. Forty six years later several of the friends I first met as a young teenager have become lifelong friends.

My life has been enriched in many ways because of Henry's Model A. I really couldn't imagine not having one in my garage.

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by Steve_Mack_CT

A good friend who collects at a different level once told me you can have just as much fun with a model A as you can with a model J. He's largely correct.

That's funny to me because my dream car is a Model J, 1929 coupe. Just a bit out of my price range though.

[Fordfan29]

I realized many years ago if you are listening to the radio when you drive then you have bought the wrong car. If a Model A engine isn't music then what is?

[Hoogah]

My first intro to the Model A was as a kid, via a '28 or '29 Tudor that used to come down my street every morning around 8am, honk the horn at the corner (in case anyone was coming and needed to give way to him coming down the hill!) and go past my place, but which time I'd have my nose pressed up against the window. Bought a '28 Nash sedan for $50 when I was 16. It's still in bits (shame on me!). I was 50 before I bought my first running vintage car, a 27 Chev, and 10 years later I finally found my E28 Phaeton. It's a survivor and I love it exactly the way it is. What's more, unlike the Chev, it actually STOPS when you put your foot on the brake!

[Mike V. Florida]

Looks, parts, support.

[Cornishman]

Originally Posted by Fordfan29

I realized many years ago if you are listening to the radio when you drive then you have bought the wrong car. If a Model A engine isn't music then what is?

I wanted a prewar car and the Model A fits on two counts. It's affordable and the availability of spare and replacement parts is a deal breaker.
The sound of the Model A engine might be music to some people but there's music and music; I drive my Model A without listening to the radio because it doesn't have one, I drive my Porsche with the radio switched off because it provides the full orchestra.

[3.6rs]

Originally Posted by Licensed to kill

Curious as to what it is about the model A that entices each individual to owning one.

Because I can't afford a Bugatti

[chl]

every time I pull away from the garage I know why.

[old31]

Because I love spending money on something older than me! And quite frankly the old thing runs better than me.

That is my answer and I am sticking to it.

[Bob Bidonde]

I was car crazy about owning a Deuce Hot Rod since I was 13 years old. When I graduated high school, my parents bought my 1931 Model A Coupe which I've owned for 55 years. Loosing my license for street racing put an end to hot rodding the Coupe, so I restored it. In 1993 my wife bought the Victoria for me, so I restored that car too.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Originally Posted by Licensed to kill

That's funny to me because my dream car is a Model J, 1929 coupe. Just a bit out of my price range though.

I don't always drive a Duesenberg, but when I do, I can't resist this sh** eating grin! (Way out of my price range as well!)

[Anteek29]

Oh yes, AND picking up Rumble Seat Babes

[Bill G]

My wife and I have wanted one for the last 40 years. Education, raising a family and other of life's situations just plain got in the way. It's a shame that I think I hear the same story over and over again that we need to get the things that are important to the raising of a family out of the way first, and then by the time we can afford one, we get a little sore (understatement) working on them.

Anyway, we have gone to many car shows over the years and drooled over them. I also remember one time when I was a teen, and my dad was offered a Model A in exchange for some legal work he had done for a client. We went and looked it over and I was really urging him to go for it. Well, he turned it down, and I have wanted one ever since.

Fast forward to May of this year. One was for sale locally and I jumped at it. One other person was there to scoop it up, but I was first in line, so I just jumped. Up until then I had not even driven one. It's been a lot of fun.

Recently, I have done a complete brake job. New linings, new drums, bearings, new this, new that, and this has been a real treat. I formerly had a 65 Mustang and other than the mechanical versus hydraulic way of activating the brakes. the technology is pretty much the same, so at least that was not new territory.

I am looking forward to many more hours behind the wheel as opposed to under the car!

[Tinbasher]

In 1967 I was 13 and on vacation with my family. we stopped in a car museum in P.E.I. and some of the cars where just coming back from a parade in town. This blue 1930 Model A Coupe drove by me and that was it. Had to have one. Something about the sound of a A running does it to me. So now I have a 28 Sport Coupe. Only one but a good one.
John Poole

[al's28/33]

I always loved old cars not modern hot rods or muscle cars. When I had the money saved I got my Phaeton, then had to have an early V8 as a mate, why not a pickup!

Someday a Model T roadster will be part of the family.....someday.

[Chris H]

I have always been attracted to antique cars. My dad always said that we would buy a Model T "some day". Well that "some day" never came. I have looked at Model T's and Model A's at car shows and just liked the look of the A's over the T's. Besides someone gave me a Model of a Model A Ford as a kid, so I figured I had a little experience putting one together. LOL!

The funny part is; that I am NOT a Ford guy. Never liked them, but I do like the Model A! I have always wanted a Packard, but can't afford it. After my dad died, it just seamed right to buy the Model A with some of my inheritance from him. It isn't the Model T that he always wanted, but I think he would approve.

[J Wade]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Always wanted one and one night I was on eBay while drinking a few cold ones. Before I knew it I was high bidder. When I Told my wife and she was ok with it and asked where it was. I had to go look, because I didn't know. Long way from San Angelo Texas to north of Moorcroft Wyoming. Hooked up the trailer and headed north. I'm very pleased with it.

[Lona]

Seems like many of us got hooked on Model A's when we were very young even though we may not have bought our first one until we were much older or retired. One way to continue the hobby is to get today's youngsters interested.... if we could only get the electronics away from them first.

Glen

[Maclab58]

When I was 3 my neighbors had a coupe they had bought new and he would take me with him to the store. I'm 59 now and have a 31 slant window cabriolet and a E28 sport coupe. It's an addiction to say the least as I have owned 3 others as well.

[aford193031]

I have my grandpa's model a. That is them in my avatar. Life got in the way of finishing the restoration. I still have it but on jack stands. I got to get it running again and worry about finishing the body later. I just want to get it driving again even if "it don't look too good".

[Jeff/Illinois]

A guy down the street had a '29 Fordor, Vagabond Green. When he'd drive by and honk I'd think 'wow' what a neat old car. I was about 6 years old then. Pop had a '29 Roadster as a teenager and also half owner of a '30 Roadster with a high school buddy and talked about those cars a lot and also his Flathead Fords. Another neighbor always had Model A's and his daughter drove a '30 Coupe to school. By that time I was around 11. There were maybe 8-9 Model A Fords in the small town I live in all owned by WWII vets!

So I guess I have a connection with my Dad's generation and the Model A's they loved. They are just fun little cars.

Pop helped me get my '29 Tudor in 1971, about three weeks before I turned 17. Had that car as a senior in H.S. Been around 'em ever since.

And, they really don't take up much room in the garage