1928 Ford Model A Sports Coupe

Following the much loved Model T Ford, which had a production run of eighteen years, the Model A was available from 1927. At this time it was thought necessary to bring some form of standardisation to the controls of the automobiles of the period; as the T was a law unto itself with hand throttle and pedals that bore no resemblance to most others, it was time to conform. By 1929 some one million Model As had been sold.

The Model A was built to tackle the tough terrain of the country in which it was constructed. Strength and reliability was paramount and today many survive through this ruggedness. Simplicity was also important. For instance, the fuel tank was located on the cowl behind the firewall and fuel was gravity fed down to the single up-draught carburettor beside the 3.3 litre four cylinder side valve engine. The gearbox was a three speed manual driving the rear wheels. Four wheel mechanical brakes would slow the motor car from its max speed of around 65mph.

There were many body styles on offer. We have today a sound Sports Coupe, a two seat cabin plus a Dickey seat for a further two souls outside the hood, which is fixed on this model with dummy ‘pram irons’. Finished in red with black upholstery and grey carpet, all looks very original and the smart engine bay is a credit to careful maintenance. The driving is from the left hand side, as appropriate for a true American product - this example was imported into the UK in 1989 and still retains its American paintwork.

Upgrades include a high-torque starter motor, an alternator, hydraulic brakes, a steering damper, LED flasher lamps and brake lights. The vendor points out that the six volt electrics have not given any problems, but apparently the speedometer is not currently working. Recent new tyres have been fitted and a new exhaust system, a radiator core, a water pump and a master cylinder. The cylinder head has been skimmed and the carburettor rebuilt. In 2012, the Ford was the subject of a sympathetic restoration, which included a steering overhaul, the fitting of new king pins and bushes, a thorough check of the fuel system with the fitting of a new tap, filter and gaskets, an overhaul of the electrics and a comprehensive rebuild of the braking system. New wheel bearings and a two blade cooling fan were also fitted.

Supplied with the Model A is a large file of invoices, a schedule of new parts fitted, a photograph album of the restoration, a Ford publication for the Model A carburettors, a 2014 MOT test certificate and the V5C registration certificate.

SOLD