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Ford Model A Phaeton

Ford Model A PhaetonFord Model A PhaetonFord Model A PhaetonFord Model A PhaetonFord Model A Phaeton
Ford Model A PhaetonFord Model A PhaetonFord Model A PhaetonFord Model A PhaetonFord Model A Phaeton
Ford Model A PhaetonFord Model A PhaetonFord Model A Phaeton
Lot number 180
Hammer value £21,000
Description Ford Model A Phaeton
Registration BF 5236
Year 1928
Colour Grey
Engine size 3,300 cc
Chassis No. CA81708
Engine No. CA81708

It had come as a bit of a shock to Henry Ford that his beloved Model T had finally reached the end of its life. In the early ‘20s he had declared that the T had reached perfection and that there would probably never be any need to change its design. 

The decision to change the model was made even more significant in that the mass production methods used in the the T’s manufacture meant that the whole production line had to be changed, a feat which took almost exactly a year. With thorough planning and programmes to keep the dealers on board, Ford managed to keep it all together without any cars leaving the famous Highland plant during that change-over year. When it did arrive, the all new A Model was worth the wait, with the market clamouring to get their hands on the brilliant new car.

Produced from December 1927, it was available in four standard colours, but not black. The vehicle was the first Ford to use the then standard set of driver controls, with conventional brake and clutch pedals, throttle and gearshift – previous Ford models used controls that often perplexed the inexperienced driver.

The chassis was entirely conventional, with a strong and reliable 4-cylinder L-head engine mated to a 3-speed gearbox, now with effective 4-wheel brakes as standard. Gone was the Model T's planetary transmission and, with twice as much power, a safe speed of 65 mph could be achieved. A range of body styles was available, including sedans, tourers, coupes and light trucks.

It has often been said that there are more Model A Fords on the roads today than all the other cars of the period put together. This is probably true as the total number built in only four-and-a-half years was around 4.9 million – which must of course be compared to the 15 million Model Ts produced in 19 years!

This prime example was purchased by the vendor in 2009, having spent most of its early life in Queensland, Australia. A nice early right-hand drive 24hp model with 21” wheels, the vendor immediately set about having the engine rebuilt, with white metalling undertaken by Ashton Keynes engineering. A new clutch was fitted and the engine was properly balanced and had a new carburettor fitted.

Starting instantly for the photos, the engine sounded incredibly smooth and quiet, easily the sweetest A Model we have come across. The vendor advised us that he has fitted a rebuilt front axle (a stronger item from an AA Ford) and fitted some period style shock absorbers which have transformed the car. It has been re-upholstered in leather and comes with full weather equipment.

In really lovely condition throughout, this powerful tourer is ready to go and is only for sale due to space pressures brought on by the purchase of a vintage Lagonda!
 

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