1931 Ford Model A Convertible Sedan (LHD)

Description

After building 15 million Model T’s over nearly two decades, Henry Ford finally recognised a replacement was long overdue and launched the Model A towards the end of 1927 as a 1928 model. Once again powered by a side-valve four, the Model A’s engine displaced 201-cid and was almost twice as powerful as its predecessor, developing 40 horsepower. Almost every aspect of the Model A was new, from the 103.5-inch wheelbase chassis equipped with four-wheel hydraulic brakes, to the three-speed sliding gear transmission - a huge advance over the complex and often fragile planetary change system employed on the Tin Lizzie. The ride was vastly improved thanks to redesigned front and rear axles and Houdaille hydraulic shock absorbers. The Model A was offered with a wide choice of body types, ranging from open tourers through to deluxe sedans, featuring attractive styling inspired by the luxurious Lincoln division. Ford made constant changes to the Model A over the life of the car, with 1930 models restyled under the direction of Edsel Ford with wider, lower wings and raised bonnet line, while stainless steel was used on the radiator shell and headlights. New balloon tyres were fitted to smaller 19-inch rims and the steering ratio increased in order to reduce effort, making the Model A more relaxing to drive. In what proved to be the Model A’s final year, Ford made few changes to the 1931 line-up other than revised styling and an even larger catalogue of body styles. Having pulled ahead of Chevrolet in the sales race in 1930, Ford slipped back to second with overall sales of 615,455 and Model As were being exported all over the world, with Australian cars sourced from Ford’s Canadian arm.