Here is an example of a 1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan, mostly refurbished. This iteration of the Model A was produced for model years 1928 – 1931 and replaced the Model T which made Henry Ford and the assembly line famous. Within two months, a million had been sold and this Tudor example fetched a price of US$500 when new. Though the production run was a mere four model years, over 4.8 million were built, making parts remarkably easy to get today, considering the age of the cars. Mechanical advice is also easily found in various Model “A” clubs – there is an extensive and loyal following. The seller has owned the car over 20 years, having purchased it from a Corvette specialist dealer who took it on trade when the previous owner wanted a refurbished ‘50s Corvette. This previous owner used the Model A as a utility vehicle around his recreational property in Grand Bend, On.

This Tudor Sedan is finished in a forest green, a non-Ford shade of the period, and possesses complementary yellow spoke wheels. Chrome bumpers, chrome hood ornament and two big headlights also provide attractive period accents. The curved steel fenders are finished in matching green and are connected by running boards with protective steel step pads. A noteworthy feature of the Model A is that it was the first car to be outfitted with safety glass in the windshield. Other exterior Features include running boards, a vinyl-covered roof, a tilt-out windshield, an exterior sun visor, a driver-side mirror, the quail hood ornament and a rear-mounted spare. Although this Model A has spent most of its time with the current owner in dry storage, it was driven to a local shopping mall parking lot for the photos you see and it was both registered as well as insured at all times under current ownership.

The interior is not stock but quite presentable, if spartan – no rips or tears. Upholstery is grey cloth with black pinstripes and possesses a coach theme for the two buckets up front and bench in the rear. The black period four-spoke steering wheel and long manual shifter front a matching green dash. Door cards are a matching grey and are equipped with map pockets. The fold-out windshield provides ventilation and this car is equipped with a rear-view mirror in the cabin, optional for Model As. This is supplemented by the driver’s side exterior mirror. Instrumentation includes a barrel-type 80-mph speedometer, an ammeter and a fuel gauge.

Mechanically, this Tudor Sedan rolled off the line at one of the 21 plants Ford used for manufacturing Model As with a 201ci L-head inline-four paired with a three-speed manual transmission. The powerplant supplied 40 horsepower when new, with 129 lb.-ft of torque. Fuel is delivered by gravity to the single carburetor. The 19″ wire wheels are finished in yellow with Ford-branded bright hubcaps, and they are fitted with tires procured by the owner, with under 100 km of use. A matching spare wheel is mounted on the rear. Braking is provided by a four-wheel mechanical drum set-up. All electrical components are in good working order. All engine components such as generator, distributor, and carburetor were purchased new or rebuilt when the engine was rebuilt. There is an electric starter as well as a new horn.

No 92-year-old car is perfect and the owner is happy to point out his car’s flaws. While the engine, transmission and rear-end rebuilds are complete, there is currently an issue with steering. It is undiagnosed and results in some wobble from the front axle. Again, the car was driven from the seller’s home to the photo site so, although the steering needs attention, this Model A is drivable. The car shows surface rust, on the bumpers and undersides of the fenders. With the dry storage and careful maintenance the car has enjoyed under current ownership, the owner notes that this surface rust has not advanced while under his custodianship.

This 1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan 2-door with Manual Transmission is available from the 20+ year owner with miscellaneous parts (plugs. connectors, hose, starter), Model A specific tools, Model A Ford Mechanic’s Handbook, a reproduction of the “Model A Instruction Book” (The Ford manual that came with new Model A’s) and assorted Tip Sheets in Newmarket, Ontario.