FOR SALE: 1929 Model A Roadster Pickup

[Matt Harwood]

I know it's not totally authentic, but please give this beautiful little truck a chance. The fellow who restored it is the same retired aircraft engineer who did the blue 1929 phaeton we featured about a year ago. He's retired now and does a lot of woodworking in his spare time and specializes in wooden canoes that are simply gorgeous. Anyway, he built this one to showcase his business and planned on pulling a little trailer full of canoes with it, but health issues have ended that plan. So here it is.

This is a real roadster pickup and the restoration is about three years old. He's driven it in a few parades and around his home town, but with only 309 miles on the clock, it's still quite fresh. Paint and bodywork are good, and it's finished in what he calls "Commercial Green" but what could probably pass for correct Vagabond Green from the 1929 Ford paint chart. Both doors fit well, the hood is snug, and all four fenders are steel and finished in black. All the trim was restored, although the grille and headlights are now chrome instead of nickel, but total authenticity obviously isn't the point. The bed is beautifully crafted from oak and uses cast iron hardware to create a nice period look. There's a neat storage area underneath for side curtains or tools, and the stake sides are nicely trimmed with a matching green pinstripe. It's dressed up for a Model A pickup, including dual sidemounts, cowl lights, a grille guard, and flashy whitewalls, but that was entirely the point.

The black leatherette interior is a nice upscale version of the Model A setup with nicely stitched door panels that are a lot nicer than the original flimsy cardboard-backed versions. More beautiful woodwork with the custom steering wheel made of oak with beautiful mahogany inserts, and it feels great in your hands. The rest of the interior is standard Model A fare, including the instrument panel with all the gauges fully operational. Turn signals using the cowl lamps and seat belts have been added for safety, and there are dual side mirrors. The floor is carpeted instead of using the traditional rubber mat, which gives it a bit of an upscale feeling and helps control noise and heat a bit better. You'll also note a remote battery cut-off switch integrated into the floorboards above the battery. There is no top (repros are readily available and are not expensive) but there is a somewhat crude vinyl tonneau cover that protects the bed and passenger compartment.

The engine is a fully rebuilt and balanced unit that starts almost instantly and runs great. The only noteworthy upgrades here are a 6-volt alternator and modern sealed bearings on the water pump, but otherwise it's traditional Model A equipment. It starts easily and drives like a Model A should, and with new cast iron brake drums, stopping performance is pretty darned good for an A. And it really is spotless underneath, which you'd expect from a recent restoration with very few miles. Those are original Ford wheels that have been powder-coated the correct Straw color and fitted with new Firestone wide whites.

If you're a purist, this isn't your truck (however, I do have another '29 roadster pickup in green that is more correct but not quite this nice). But if you like the bright, detailed look, you'll love the way it drives and it is definitely a crowd-pleaser at any event. If you want to promote your business, this is a great choice, and it still works as a pickup. A neat little trucklet that's available for only $24,900 and we're always open to reasonable offers. Thanks for looking!