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Sensibly Improved: 1931 Ford Model A Roadster!

Ford's Model A Roadster is the purest example of an open car in history: it has everything you need, nothing you don't.

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Best of all, it looks quite similar to its immediate successor, the legendary Model B of 1932 -- the Deuce -- at a fraction of the price of admission.

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Now between 84 and 87 years old, finding a healthy Model A Roadster that doesn't need restoration or major work isn't so easy anymore. Despite 912, 00 being built, what's usually offered apart from projects, are freshly restored cars that cost and arm and a leg. Not so this one! It's a Roadster from the last year of production that needs nothing, can be enjoyed right away, and has been upgraded very sensibly in terms of safety and drivability.

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The car was the beneficiary of a thorough frame-off restoration dating back to the year 2001. It spent over a decade in Big Bear Lake, Calif., where it was used sparingly, during the summer months only. In 2012, the car participated in a summer tour through Canada's Pacific Northwest, where it was running like a Swiss watch. I acquired the car in 2013 and have enjoyed it tremendously. Just a few months back, my wife and I participated in the Horseless Carriage Club's New Year's excursion. This was its last outing, other than taking these photos just a few days ago.

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This Roadster comes with a library of 10 relevant books, some of them quite rare. Combined, they are worth hundreds of dollars.

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Also included is a dedicated folder with all the receipts kept in chronological order, filed in clear sheet protectors. In addition, I've kept a spreadsheet listing all my expenses.

The car is currently registered to these original 1931 California black-and-orange license plates, for which I paid $375. They are included in the sale.

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A small fortune has been spent to turn this 84-year-old into a car that defies its age, a car you can hop in and drive anywhere. Notable upgrades include: 1940-'42 hydraulic ("juice") brakes. 1939 Ford 3-speed transmission with synchronized gears and V8 clutch. A much more precise F-100 steering box. A Borg Warner overdrive. There are many more small improvements, such as "Float-a-Motor" engine mounts, trouble-free hydraulic shock absorbers, a steering stabilizer, a 12-volt electrical system with alternator, H4-lighting, a modern 5-blade radiator fan, and a lifetime service-free water pump. Best of all, these upgrades are all hidden from the casual observer.

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The Model A four banger is a mechanical marvel. It produces 40 horsepower at only 2, 00 rpm from 200.5 cubic inches (3, Liters), with an abundance of torque right from idle up to redline. Model A engines were manufactured with such precision that a finely tuned stock Model A Roadster can putter along at 60mph, and this particular car, with overdrive engaged, can do this without stressing the engine. There are many speed parts for these coveted 4-bangers that easily add 50-to-100% power, mostly by raising the compression above the factory's 4.22:1 ratio - it had to be so low due to the 60-octane gasoline available at the time.

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According to the engine number, this particular engine has been supplied by Ford's Long Beach, California facility and has been fully and competently refurbished during the course of the restoration. It always starts on the button and once warmed up idles beautifully at only 450rpm. It never stalled, never ill-behaved, never overheated, never displayed any signs of problems while under my stewardship. Aside from a few isolated drops of oil after a long run, it's tight and doesn't need diapers, contrary to the belief that Model A Fords, just like old Harleys and Brit bikes, mark their territory. I have full confidence that this engine, if treated with respect, will live a long and happy life with nothing but scheduled lubrication services.

The car's undercarriage is so clean, you could eat off of it! The frame is superbly finished and powdercoated, as are a variety of the chassis components. The front fenders are definitely restored originals, but I'm not sure if the rear fenders are originals or reproductions. N.O.S. fenders now cost upward of $1, 00, each. The Roadster wasn't driven very much, certainly not in inclement weather. I have no doubt that the odometer reading of 03, 81 at this time indicates the total mileage the car has traveled since the restoration was completed.

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Above photos showing the undercarriage in more detail. Clearly visible are the hydraulic brake lines, the brake master cylinder, the wood body shims, and the hydraulic shock absorbers.

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Still clean as a whistle and working perfectly: 1939 Ford 3-speed transmission with synchronized gears and Borg Warner mechanical overdrive unit with electric solenoid. Also notable is the absence of oil leaks!

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This Model A Roadster features a genuine Henry Ford steel body with the early indented firewall that was built around April of 1931. It's as healthy as it gets and 100% rust free, top to bottom. The body sits aligned very nicely, without sagging, and the hood, doors, and rumble seat lid all shut well. The car is an original rumble seat Roadster, but all the parts needed for the conversion to a trunk car are included in the sale. Also included is a box full of parts, some of them used, some of them new.

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Factory 19-inch wire wheels show no signs of corrosion, run perfectly true, and have been professionally refurbished in correct gloss black paint.

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I bought all new wheel spacers (needed if one runs hydraulic brakes), new cad-plated lug nuts, new stainless steel center caps, new rim bands, new tubes, and 4 new Lucas tires in the correct size of 4.75/5.00-19. For the spare wheel I was able to acquire a N.O.S. B.F. Goodrich tire in the same size.

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Although not needed in sunny Southern California, this Roadster comes with the Deluxe top frame and top. It's made from tan-colored canvas and has a glass rear window section that can be folded upward. The top is in very good condition, a bit faded but free of rips, tears, or any other defects. It folds up and down easily.

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Also included is a brand new top boot, made from black cross grain vinyl. It protects the top from dust, dirt, and furry felines looking for a cozy place to nap. Notice that the bottom of the front window can be tilted forward, for an enhanced open air experience.

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If that isn't sufficient for you, know that the entire windshield can be folded forward, Jeep-style. Configured this way, you'll be feeling like a motorcyclist riding without a helmet. Goggles recommended!

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The interior is a masterpiece of simplicity. The beautiful, nickel-plated gauge cluster holds the mechanical fuel gauge on top, the key-operated ignition switch to the left, an ammeter to the right, and a mechanical speedometer with trip meter on the bottom. The rod on the right of the dashboard serves as a choke when pulled out and as carburetor enrichment when turned counterclockwise. The lever on the left side of the steering wheel is the ignition adjustment, the lever on the right of the steering wheel is the throttle. It's coupled to the regular "gas" pedal on the floor, and since there's no return spring, setting the throttle at a certain level works just like a cruise control. APCO water temp gauge and tach are period accessories.

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The bench seat and all panels are covered in black vinyl. It's a bit tight in there for a 6'6" driver like myself, but by removing the package shelf behind the seatback I gained several inches of additional space. No matter what size you are, you too will appreciate the slightly larger living room. There are no side windows, no seat belts, no turn signals; neither is there a heater or a radio. The car lacks all the amenities today's folks feel they can't live without. You know, the stuff that breaks, turns on the check engine light, and costs silly money at the dealer's to fix!

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Rumble seat area is spacious enough for two slim adults, three children or smurfs, or a couple of man's best friends. Without rumble seat passengers, there's plenty of space for your golf clubs and a couple of duffle bags. We've used the car for grocery runs and have stored six full grocery bags in there, sound, safe and out of sight.

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Originally, all Model A Fords came only with one tailight on the driver side. However, Mr. Henry Ford himself heavily promoted the purchase of a second tail light for enhanced safety, to be dealer installed. Certainly good advice and many customers followed it! Here the 12-volt lighting in combination with H4 light bulbs makes the amber-colored STOP sections of the taillights light up like they're on fire! Let's drive!

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Turn on the ignition key, give it some choke, step on the starter pedal, and the Roadster instantly comes to life. Release the choke, advance the ignition, set the idle speed, put 'er in gear, and off you go! The car drives amazingly similar to a much more modern car. You'll be surprised how smoothly everything works, clutch, shifting, steering, brakes. The car gives you utter confidence that it goes where you want it to go and decelerates and stops if you step on the brake pedal. Naturally you'll take it easy when operating a classic this old, but you won't have an elevated heart rate or sweaty palms. It's really like driving a "normal" car, just more exciting.

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Chauffeuring the Roadster puts a permanent smile on your face. Even more amazing are the reactions of bystanders, motorists and pedestrians alike. Children point, women wave, and you see the faces of older folks light up when they see this relic from their past. Everybody loves this car!

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Is this a perfect car? No, of course not, far from it. But it's not a hot rod either. It's a 1931 Ford Model A Roadster that has been sensibly improved in regard to safety and ease of operation. It has received a frame-off restoration that is now 14 years old, but with only 3, 81 miles on the clock, holding up very well. I can only hope I'll still look this good when I turn 84!

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If you like what you see and would rather drive your Roadster than stare at it in the garage, this California gem may be just what the doctor ordered. Opportunity knocks; are you ready to answer?

TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! I require a $500 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title in my name and the license plates shown. It is sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading.

Auction Presentation & Copyright © 2015 by author. All Rights Reserved. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author.