1980 Ford Model A

Convertible

Manual

1HWA21AAXAE005311

Clear

Gasoline

You are bidding on a blue & white 1980 Shay Model A Roadster with 7,257 original miles. These cars were originally built by Harry Shay & Ford Motor Company to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1929 Ford Model A. This particular car was the grand prize at a raffle held in early 1981 by the UConn Club at the University of Connecticut to raise money for athletic scholarships. At that time the Blue & White colors were the team colors at the University. As part of this theme the car also has a music synthesizer and musical horn that plays the University of Connecticut fight song. The car is part of the estate of the individual who purchased the car in 1982 from the raffle winner. Since then it was used for football game tailgate parties, homecoming and 4th of July parades and Sunday afternoon rides with the family. It has always been garaged and only driven from May to October. It is powered by a 4 cylinder, 2.3 liter ford engine with a four speed manual transmission. It has rack & pinion steering and front disk brakes. The paint is in good condition except for some chipping at areas around the doors, hood hinge and rumble seat latch. The chrome on the two horns has some surface rust as do some of the other chrome brackets and fittings. The chrome wheels have lost varying amounts of their chrome plating and all have surface rust. At some point a new owner will likely want to have the wheels sandblasted and repainted or re chromed. The convertible top is in good condition with no tears. There are one or two metal grommets that are missing and can be easily replaced by an upholstery shop. The side curtains were rarely used and were kept in the luggage trunk for the past 30 years. The plastic in the windows may need to be replaced due to yellowing from age but otherwise the side curtains are in good condition. The leather seat has two very minor tears and one of the seams has separated. The carpeting is well worn on the driver’s side and should be replaced for cosmetic reasons. Some of the wiring under the dashboard hangs down a little and should be tucked up under the dash again. The vehicle is currently registered and insured. All of the lights, turn signals, horn, emergency brake and other safety equipment work correctly. The car starts and runs well and can be driven for short trips on public roads. The one qualifier is that the white sidewall tires are original and should be replaced if the car is to be driven for any distance at higher speeds. A recent inspection and appraisal by Automobile Inspections, Inc. reported that: “The condition of this car if best described as #3- or a ‘rough driver’. It will need a little work if it is to be used on anything like a regular basis. Some things like the brakes, tires, exhaust leak, etc. will need to be addressed sooner rather than later, but most other issues are cosmetic and can be dealt with in the off-season or as needed. Overall it’s a solid example in need of some TLC.” Options Include: AM/FM cassette radio; Chrome spoke wheels w/dual side mounted spares; Rumble seat with heater, Luggage trunk, dual (loud!) “Ahooga” horns and a third musical) horn. A $500 dollar deposit via PayPal is due within 48 hours of the close of the auction. Final payment is due within 10 days by cash or bank check. The vehicle and title will not be released until payment has cleared. Vehicle must be picked up within two weeks of close of auction unless other arrangements are made in advance. Pick up and/or delivery is the responsibility of the buyer. The vehicle is available for inspection by prior arrangement. To schedule a time to view the vehicle or have it inspected – or you have specific questions you are welcome to contact the Executor of the Estate, Jerome Spears at (860) 456-8149. Good luck bidding on this unique car.