1931 Ford Model A

Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

This particular Model A is accident free, has never been rusty and still has original floor pans which were installed at the factory - original items which are rarely found in such exceptional condition. The factory cross-hatch pattern on the rivets which hold the floor pans prove that they are the original pieces. All 6 wheels are perfect wtih no damage, repairs or rust which further illustrates the lack of abuse to which this car has been subjected. It has always started instantly and is an exceptional example of a low mileage well cared for original car which has always been stored under cover. I have owned the car for over 25 years and the previous owner owned it over 20 years and said that he purchased it from the original owner in the 1960’s. I am now 77 years old and have developed painful debilitating Arthritis which makes it increasingly difficult to lift my legs over the door frames to get into or out of any automobile . It mostly affects my back and legs which often hurt so much that I cannot turn over in bed. Until it developed, I had always taken such activities for granted. Daily prescribed Steroid medication helps, but the problem is only getting worse and the constant pain prevents me from using the roadster and enjoying it. The car with its nostalgic Rumble Seat and fine condition has always attracted attention and honking horns wherever I went and I never intended to sell it. However age and my worsening Arthritis have forced me to accept my situation. Whenever I drove the car, I almost always had the top down and felt like a teenager. However, I have only driven it a few times in the last 2-1/2 years, though I have started it regularly. The Odometer reads 24,645 miles. I cannot be certain, but the car is so complete and original in all respects that the mileage is most likely correct. The body color is a dark Brewster Green with Apple Green wheels and pin striping. The photos clearly show the original unique factory rivets which look like a Tic-Tac-Toe imprint. I have the Owners Manual and Instruction Book printed in 1931. The car has always been stored inside for at least the last 40 years. I generally only took it out in sunny weather which we enjoy a lot of in Florida and it has been driven less than 5000 miles in the last 40+ years - mostly to Florida cruise-ins and shows, but it was also on two multi day tours with other antique cars. On the highway, I usually drove it 45 to55 miles an hour, though it will go over 60. The 4 wheel brakes are the original mechanical type and are so dependable and work so well, that I have driven the car on the Interstates with no worry at all. Almost everything on the car is original, except that I had a complete new LeBaron-Bonney top assembly put on 8 years ago. The car is a late 1931 model with the indented firewall which was introduced in May of 1931, so this Roadster is among the last and most desirable Model A's produced. The principal improvements which I had added were to replace the generator and cutout with a Nu-Rex 6 volt positive ground Alternator with an internal regulator which assures that the battery is always fully charged because even at idle, it charges. I also had a modern electric fuel turn off installed on the engine side of the firewall. This shut off valve turns on when the ignition key is turned on. The engine has always run well and did not use oil. However, since I planned to keep it forever, I decided to have the engine removed and professionally rebuilt when I retired 12 years ago. In rebuilding it, they put in insert bearings instead of the Babbitt bearings so the engine is likely to literally run forever. As I said, it always starts instantly. At the same time I had them install an Oil filter which can be seen on the right side of the engine – a unit made specifically for Model A Fords which uses a standard spin on filter. Though I routinely keep a pan under the car, it does not leak oil. Other additions include the Moto-Meter Thermometer and Flag Holder on the radiator cap, easy-steer Teflon fittings which makes the steering very smooth, the brakes have modern “equalizers” installed and a positive crankcase ventilation cap with a tube leading below the engine which prevents oil mist from exiting the breather tube and getting on the firewall. There are mirror finish headlight reflectors as well as Halogen Brake lights. The water pump shaft is stainless steel and has O-Ring no-leak seals. The last things that I did to the car before my Arthritis hit so badly was to have the radiator gone through completely 3 years ago and I also purchased a fully rebuilt Spartan Klaxon Horn which performs just like new as well as having the Windshield wiper motor completely gone through. All the tires are Good Year white walls as seen in these pictures, but 3 years ago I also purchased 4 brand new identical Good Year tires which are still in their Good Year wrappings and which go with the car. The existing tires still look fine, but the new tires should be installed. The tubes have the authentic style metal valves The car has hardly been driven for the last 2-3 years since my Arthritis worsened and I realized I will never be able to freely drive it and enjoy it again. I just put a new 6 volt battery in, started it up and took it for a short nostalgic drive and it really did “feel like old times.” Various things were replaced when appropriate over the years such as rubber parts and other items including the stainless radiator shell-to-hood lacing, the fan belt and the front floor mat. Eight years ago, the lower front seat springs were replaced and the complete coverings on the front seat and the rumble seat were replaced. The car has the original Jack and Handle, the Crank and the original Side curtain rods which fit into the doors. The battery has a shut off switch on it which I almost never turned off. The alternator kept the battery fully charged whenever I took the car out or started it up which was most reassuring to know that the car was always be ready to go. The car is as described and the photographs show it quite well. However, potential buyers are invited to inspect the vehicle themselves to verify its condition and operation. The vehicle is being sold “as is” with no warranty, but it has always been absolutely problem free and is a pleasure to drive. I have never even had a flat tire with it. All of the Stainless including the radiator shell and the headlamps is perfect with NO dents, cracks or repairs. The paint is very good and the engine compartment is nicely detailed. I had the fenders removed and repainted not long ago to eliminate stone chips or scratches and the beautiful glossy finish is an obvious enhancement to the overall appearance of the car. The removable trunk which fits on the luggage rack is a stylish and useful addition and is included with the car. Note – the person listing this car on e-Bay is NOT the owner, but the owner provided the preceding information. The Listing Agent, however, is familiar with the car and has ridden in it and can attest to the fact that it starts immediately, runs well and has fantastic brakes. I am advertising it for the 77 year old gentleman whose age and health continue to adversely affect his enjoyment of life. As he said, he has great difficulty lifting his legs over car door frames and his walking and standing are also affected. The seller lives near Daytona Beach right off Interstate 4 and not far from shipping ports if that is a consideration. The car is also advertised locally. A non-refundable $2000 deposit is to be paid by the winning bidder via Pay Pal within 48 hours of the Auction End or the Buy It Now purchase and the balance is to be paid by a Wire Transfer to his bank within 7 days of the end of the auction. The seller says the car could probably remain in his garage for a few weeks by written agreement of both parties, but in any event, the vehicle cannot leave the seller’s property until all funds have cleared. If you are shy by nature, this car may attract more attention than you wish. As rare and outstanding as this desirable model is especially in such original condition, it goes without saying that it will only continue to appreciate as time goes on. On Jul-06-11 at 20:35:39 PDT, seller added the following information:Presumably, Model A Ford lovers are familiar with the significant changes and improvements which Model A's have compared to Model T's. The saying when the Model A's were produced was that "Henry had made a Lady out of Lizzie," as Model T's were referred to as Tin Lizzies. Model A's have a standard H pattern gear shift as was common into the 1950's compared to the 3 pedal system in the Model T's, Model A's have 4 wheel brakes and 40 horse power versus the T's 20 Horse Power and a single brake on the drive shaft controlling only the rear wheels. Model A's can go 65 miles an hour compared to the T's 40 mph, Model A's have the accelerator on the floor instead of on the steering column and Model A's have sturdy steel spoke wheels versus the wooden spokes found on all but the last Model T's. Model A's are more stylish, easy starting and simply feel and drive more like a modern car compared to Model T's which could be cantankerous and all carried a Crank on the front of the car. This comparison is not to disparage Model T's which are fun to drive and did truly put the world on wheels, but they are a relic of bygone days of early automobiles and cannot realistically compete with modern traffic.