|  |
|
A Short History of the Model A Ford - (Taken from http://www.ahooga.com/)
The year was 1926, and Henry Ford's "Tin Lizzie" was getting old. It had been produced since October 1, 1908 and very few major changes had been made to the car.
With his son Edsel pushing to move past the Model T, wanting to design and build a "new" Ford, the order was finally given on July 20th, 1926 to start work on the "Model A", although that name had not yet been picked.
Henry made the last of the Model T's on May 26th, 1927. It was car number 15,000,000. It is said Henry spent $100,000,000 (Yes, 100 Million Dollars!) on the new car design, and for retooling of the Rouge plant to build the new Model A. The car contained over 6800 parts whereas the Model T only contained about 5000.
Model A #1 rolled off the production line on October 20th, 1927, but the public didn't see the car until December 2nd, 1927. Unlike the Model T, the new Ford came in seven body styles and an amazing four colors!
Click on photos for LARGER view
|  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
The Model A's engine was an L-head 4-cylinder, 'cast en bloc' type. It had a 3-7/8" X 4-1/4" bore and stroke with a displacement of 200.5 cubic inches. SAE horsepower of 24.03 with brake horsepower rated at 40 at 2200 rpm. Typical gas mileage was between 20 and 30 mpg using a Zenith one barrel carburetor. It's 103.5" wheelbase rode on 4.50 x 21" tires with a gear ratio of 3.77:1. The transmission was a 3 speed sliding gear unit with 1 speed reverse.
The Model A had 4 wheel mechanical brakes and Houdaille double action hydraulic shock absorbers with semi-elliptic front and rear transverse springs. Top Speed was around 65 mph. Standard equipment on all Models included a Starter, Five Steel Spoke Wheels, Dashlight, Mirror, Windshield Wiper, Oil Gauge, Gasoline Gauge, Rear and Stop Light, Speedometer, Tools and Pressure Grease Gun Lubrication.
The "Model A" Tool kit included with each car had the following items: Adjustable wrench, 2 open end wrenches, 2 tire irons, jack, pliers, screwdriver, tire pump, grease gun, combination spark plug wrench and head bolt wrench and Instruction book which all fit into a snap pouch.
As for price, the new Model A Tudor Sedan sold for $495, with the Fordor bringing $570 F.O.B. Detroit. For $385 you could get a Roadster and $395 would get you a beautiful Phaeton. At $495 the new Ford Coupe was nice, but for $550 the Sport Coupe with a standard Rumble Seat was a hot seller.
Click on photos for LARGER view
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupe
|  | $6500 Add $600 for fender package |
| Features:♦ 3-1/2 inch chop♦ Steel Reinforced♦ Recessed Firewall♦ Power Windows♦ Flush-mount Doors♦ Pre-hung & Latched Doors♦ Hung & Latched Deck Lid | 1928-29 1930-31 Model 'A' Coupes & Sedans |
Sedan
|
| $6800 Add $600 for fender package |
Independant Front Suspension
Stage 1 $3712.50
Stage 2 $6462.50
Stage 3 $7980.50
Drop Axle
Stage 1 - $3151.50
