1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Phaeton

1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Phaeton
Chassis no. A4360951
200ci L-Head Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
40bhp at 2,200rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Transverse Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*A highly attractive and rare Model A body style
*Appealing Washington Blue and Black livery
*Nicely equipped with Deluxe trim and period accessories
*Affordable, accessible fun for the whole family

THE FORD MODEL A

Developing a successor to the revolutionary Model T was always going to be a challenge, and if it were up to Henry Ford, he would have carried on spitting out endless supplies of Model Ts without a second thought. But innovation is relentless, and Ford's competitors had surpassed the T with designs that were more appealing, more user-friendly, and competitively priced. Henry's son Edsel Ford knew that the company needed a new car to survive. Unlike his fiercely pragmatic father, Edsel had a keen sense of style and color, and he insisted that a good-looking car was just as important to buyers of the time. Utilizing a refined version of the T's venerable L-head inline-four, the Model A finally adopted "conventional" 3-pedal controls and a 3-speed sliding gear transmission. The basic styling was inspired by the contemporary Lincoln designs, and body styles were numerous and varied from sporty roadsters to closed sedans, station wagons, and commercial vehicles. While built in smaller numbers than the ubiquitous Model T, the Model A was nothing short of a resounding success, with over 4.8 million worldwide produced between 1928 and 1931.

THE CAR OFFERED

The Ford Model A is undoubtedly a cornerstone of the collector car hobby, and great examples appear in premier collections and humble garages alike. This 1931 Model A from the Carlson Collection with its rarely seen 2-door, 4-passenger Deluxe Phaeton body, proudly shared space with other prestigious marques. A lovely example that invites regular enjoyment, this car was reportedly restored in 2008 from a solid original example and is finished in a period-correct color scheme of Washington Blue with Riviera Blue accents, black fenders, and Tacoma Cream wheels and pin stripes. The saddle tan interior and snug-fitting beige canvas top round out the handsome presentation. Accessories include a radiator mascot, wind wings, cowl lamps, and a single side-mounted spare wheel with a painted/polished hard cover.

The serial number on the 4-cylinder engine falls within the correct range for a 1931 model, and it is nicely presented in the appropriate shade of dark green and displays some light signs of use.

Even today, the Model A is a delight to drive, and even the most seasoned auto enthusiasts find plenty to love about its pure, simplistic charm. Like many of the other cars in the collection it is notable for both its superb cosmetic condition and its excellent mechanicals. Fully sorted and used regularly this car has been meticulously prepared over many years. This stylish and rare Phaeton is ready to provide endless driving fun, with room for the family to tag along.