1931 Ford Model A Truck

[Tom Laferriere]

1931 Ford Model A Pickup
Chassis No. A4828484

 

40 bhp, 200.5 cu. in. L-head inline four-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 103.5 in.

 

Ford Motor Company entered the commercial vehicle market in 1905, with a Model C Delivery Car. It was what we would now call a panel van and had a so-called “C-cab,” for the open-front nature of its driving position. It was 1912 before a commercial car was added to the Model T catalog, but plenty of outsource firms and not a few handy owners managed to build cargo bodies, both open and closed, in the interim. A factory one-ton Model T chassis was introduced in 1917, but it was 1925 before a factory-built pickup was offered, not surprisingly of open-top design. By the time Model T production halted in 1927, the pickup model had acquired quite a following.

 

It was natural, then, for a pickup to be included in the new Model A line in October 1927. In addition to the Open-Cab (or roadster) style of the Model T pickups, there was a Closed Cab model. They were designated 76-A and 82-A, respectively. The new Closed Cab was what we might call “phone booth” style, with angular corners and a high roof, though it retained the forward-sweeping “coupe pillar” of the passenger cars. Running changes to the chassis generally followed those of the passenger cars.

 

When passenger Model As received a facelift for the 1930 model year, commercial styles lagged behind. It wasn’t until June of 1930 that new 76-B and 82-B pickup cabs were introduced, along with the taller radiators and higher hoods of the second generation restyle. The 82-B was given rounded corners, and the leatherette roof curved down to rain gutters atop the doors.

 

In May 1931, the pickup beds of both 76-B and 82-B trucks was revised, wider than its predecessor and with straight sides and a full steel floor. This required narrower rear fenders. In August, the Closed Cab body was redesigned, with the roof now a single steel stamping, braced with stamped steel stiffeners in place of the wood bracing used previously. The new cabs were built by Briggs Manufacturing Company, a long-time supplier to Ford and other automakers.

 

This handsome 82-B Closed Cab Pickup was acquired by its current owner, a prominent New England Model A collector, in September 2006. It had been restored by its previous owner to very high standards. Subsequent to that restoration, it received plaudits from the Model A Restorers Club, culminating in the Henry Ford Award, the Club’s most prestigious accolade. The current owner has maintained it fastidiously and campaigned it in AACA judging competition. It received AACA’s Grand National Senior First in 2012.

 

Finished in Cigarette Cream, one of 38 colors offered in the commercial line, it has the standard Black-Brown artificial leather interior. Built in mid-November 1931, it has all the very late Model A features, including the indented firewall and re-designed fuel tank. Model A production tapered off at the end of 1931, although some assembly plants continued building until the Model 18 V8 and Model B four-cylinder cars made their appearance in March 1932.

 

Commercial Model As seldom appear in the limelight, much less on the market. This late-model Closed-Cab Pickup represents a rare opportunity to acquire the best example of this very desirable model.

 

Located in Smithfield, RI and asking $38,500  Full photos on the website:

http://www.tomlaferriere.com/listings/1931-ford-model-truck

 

[jpage]

Nice truck but the interior should be all black in '31

[Brass is Best]

2 hours ago, jpage said:

Nice truck but the interior should be all black in '31

 

This truck could not have the awards it has with a wrong color interior. This is an outstanding example. I think brown interior became available in later 31. Check your Model A restoration guidelines.

Edited November 14, 2017 by Brass is Best (see edit history)

[Steve_Mack_CT]

This truck has been discussed in detail on Fordbarn, restorer is one of the top Model A people in the country.  Would be tough to find a better example! 

[Tom Laferriere]

2 hours ago, Steve_Mack_CT said:

This truck has been discussed in detail on Fordbarn, restorer is one of the top Model A people in the country.  Would be tough to find a better example! 

Steve, you could share a link?  

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Let me see if I can dig it up.  As you know sir, Fordbarn is a really active site.  Will Cronkrite restored it before your client acquired it.  That should be enough for a buyer who knows fine point Model As well.  

[Tom Laferriere]

This is the best Model A Truck in the world.  This is a no excuse, no story Model A truck correct in every way possible.  If you want the best, this is it.  If you want to have mediocre, the is not the Model A for you. $38,500. A lot of money you say? You are buying the concour restoration (with awards that support it) pennies on the dollar and are getting the truck for free.  This is coming out of one of the most prominent Model A collections in the country.  Simply the best

Edited March 28, 2018 by Tom Laferriere
Grammar and edits (see edit history)