Lot 237 - 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Phaeton
| Lot Number | 237 |
| Registration | BF 7219 |
| Chassis Number | A4201822 |
| Engine Number | A4201822 |
| Odometer reading | 999 miles |
| Result | Sold - £33,600 |
The Ford Model A was manufactured between 1928 and 1931 and was the second huge success for Ford after its predecessor, the Model T. The Model A was offered in a wide variety of body styles and was the first Ford to incorporate the standard set of driver controls with a conventional clutch, brake pedal, accelerator and gearshift. The engine was a water cooled in-line four cylinder arrangement with a capacity of 3.3 litres. With a conventional three speed gearbox, (plus reverse), the top speed was around 65mph. Stopping was by four wheel drum brakes operated by rods. The 1930 and 1931 models were offered with exterior door handles, stainless steel radiator cowlings and headlight housings.
This rare two-door Phaeton Deluxe is one of only four on these shores and one of only 165 remaining worldwide, presented in immaculate Washington Blue with Riviera Blue beltline and Tacoma Cream strip and wheels, this body style number 180A was produced in 1930 and 1931 only. The Model A was hugely popular when released with no less than 28 variants but our vendor sought out the rarer two-door example from the United States before finally importing in January 2015.
Described, and quite rightly, as a trailer queen when purchased having been completely restored to a very high standard some 40 years ago, the car was transported from concours event to event over a 30 year period covering a mere 200 miles (presumably just positioning the car). It was then sold to the next enthusiastic owner in River Falls, Wisconsin and he covered around 700 miles before it headed to the UK where it has spent the summer receiving numerous awards on the show field including best in show at Sam Beare Hospices classic car show here at Mercedes-Benz world. The flat head four 40HP engine runs impeccably and the car presents every bit as impressively as it would have when restored with a nice warm garage to thank for that. At a cost of $640 when new and costing its previous owners considerably more to bring this example to the standard seen here today, fully UK registered combined with many invites to the shows it graced this summer, what a fantastic opportunity to own a car that quite rightly will turn heads and gain accolades wherever you may take her.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.