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1931 Model A Ford Roadster- Original Survivor 1940s California Hotrod.


motoringicons

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SOLD SOLD SOLD

post-31738-143142224192_thumb.jpg1931 Model A Roadster- An Original, First Generation, California Hotrod.

If you are looking for an original hot rod with great history, this is it. This Model A roadster was recently purchased from the family who owned the car since 1955. A recorded history by the 72year old daughter explains how her mother won the car at a raffle held by a Piedmont, California Ford dealership in about 1955. When her mother won the car, it was the "bright yellow little Ford" that is is today. The family kept the car in California for the bulk of its life. Using it only sparingly. The car still wears its original "black" California license plates with the last registration sticker being from 1975. When the family moved from California to Hawaii, they shipped the roadster with them and when they moved from Hawaii to Minnesota, the roadster followed them again. The letter from the daughter states the mileage of about 3,100 to be original and states that the only repair they ever made was to change a couple of tire tubes.

This is a great example of a first generation, California hotrod. While it is not known exactly when the car was customized, it was certainly before the 1955 raffle and quite possibly before World War II based on the changes made. Prior to installing flathead V-8 engines in hotrods, the first hot rods were modified using Model A or B engines and other subtle modifications. This roadster has a Model B engine which is basically stock with the exception of a period, original Mallory dual point distributor with automatic advance. The chassis is also mostly stock with the exception of lowered front and rear springs. The car was fitted with an extremely rare set of Vogue accessory steel disc wheels with matching Vogue tires and hubcaps-all of which remain on the car today. The original Vogue tires are in amazingly well preserved condition with the spare almost like new.

The body was custom painted in yellow with a black pinstripe. The interior was given a late 1940s treatment using a black and white period cloth and vinyl combination. Matching door panels were made with neatly, inset door pockets. A custom top was installed on the original Model A deluxe roadster top irons in black canvas with chrome trim and a full, matching set of side curtains. The wood/metal tops irons were painted metallic green to match the dashboard.The trunk was completed upholstery in finished in matching materials. The dashboard was painted metallic green. Additional custom touches included chrome door hinges and a chromed steering column. The interior and top remain in very good original condition showing hardly any signs of wear or damage.

Today, this roadster remains in the same condition as when it was originally customized. The mileage of 3,100 seems hard to believe, but close inspection makes it believable. The chassis remains in original Ford black paint. There is no rust, no scaling, just old and original paint covered in old grease and oil. The chassis retains its correct shock absorbers, original tie rod ends, brake rods and clevis pins, etc. All of these components are original, like new and show no wear. The car has 1932 style pedals which show no wear and the original Model A steering wheel is like new. There is no wear on the spark and throttle detents on the steering column.

The body has never been damaged, repaired or modified and certainly not removed from the chassis. The body is rock solid with excellent floor pans, trunk pans, sills, rockers, inner fender panels, etc. There is a an extremely small amount bubbling on both lower cowl beads but other than that, absolutely no signs of damage, rust, dents or repairs anywhere on the body. The door, hood and trunk lid fit as they should and the doors open and close like a new Model A. In fact, they fit and operate better than most restored cars. The fenders have never been repaired. The underneath of the fenders are just as straight as the tops. One rear fender has a small dent from many years ago. The custom yellow paint has some flaking-especially on the driver's side which reveals the original Ford paint underneath. Overall, the paint has a great look to it and is well preserved.The stainless radiator shell, headlamps, cowl lamps, windshield assembly etc are like new. The car has its correct Model A horn.

The car starts easily. The Model B engine is smooth and quiet. The transmission shifts easily, the steering is without play and the brakes are extremely responsive. It should be noted that this is a late 1931 with the indented firewall.

This car is a great time capsule of early hot rodding. It should be preserved in its current condition and certainly never restored or modified. A rare opportunity to purchase and extremely significant piece of automotive history.This car is being sold with a clear and current title and is accompanied by a signed letter from the 72 year old daughter explaining the family's history with the car. The car is being sold with a clear and current title and is currently located in St. Louis, Missouri. The price is SOLD SOLD SOLD

Please call 734-730-4274 or email: motoringicons@hotmail.com for more information. Thank you.

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Edited by motoringicons (see edit history)
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