1931 Model A production

TonyM

TonyM

Well-known member
Hello.

I recently had a discussion with a fellow who insisted that 1931 Ford Model A production went on until March 1932. The book by Winnwisser, The Legendary Model A Ford, says that production ended in December 1931 with roughly 12,000 units being produced that month and a handful of special units being built at the beginning of 1932. I tend to believe history books over random experts on the internet. This confident street rodder could provide no citation or reference for his assertion. I could only find the Winnwisser reference, which did not confirm his argument.

Can anyone provide me with information concerning Model A production after December 1931?

Thanks.
 
I am inclined to agree with you. However, in some states cars at the time were titled when they were sold. I wonder if that could be what he was referencing. In any case, when built, and the model produced are really the thing these days. Let's face it, a 32 is a 32, not a 31.
 
Gene F said:
I am inclined to agree with you. However, in some states cars at the time were titled when they were sold. I wonder if that could be what he was referencing. In any case, when built, and the model produced are really the thing these days. Let's face it, a 32 is a 32, not a 31.
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No. We were talking actual production. I work for Ford Motor Company and the company shuts down the line for new model retool. I asked about the new model shut down that would certainly have to occur and he pretty much suggested that the plant went right to 1932 production. I find that hard to believe.

Anyways, I lost track of the guy and this info is just for me. Trying to educate myself.
 
Ok, so is that Jan thru March production Model B engines?

Or are those 1931 cars produced in 1932?

Appears the shut down was in December.

This is the problem I am trying to figure.

I am always ready to let the truth change my mind.
 
I'd think there wasn't a drop dead day for A production that was followed at the assembly plants. A plant with a supply of parts would surely build as many cars to sell out of their parts inventory. If a manager could squeeze out a few days of extra cars to look good I'm sure he'd do it. Henry was in the business of building cars not putting parts on the shelves. They shut down some assembly plants during the depression. Did they work until they were out of parts or were they closed and parts sent to nearest plant?
 
some plants did produce thru June of 1932 and beyond of various Model A's, Especially Foreign,England and Canada Assembly Plants 50B-64 produced, 45B one in Edgewater N.J., 40B-212 F-E-C,As per reference 1933 and 1934 had 35B-160 produced. Just A Few Examples.1932 passenger cars-14 in N.J.,31 in St Lois, MO and many others. AS per SP-Book
 
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I had a friend who had a 1931 Tudor Deluxe that was built in late January, early February of 1932 according to the matching frame and engine number. VIN was in the 4,800,000+.The car had an "A" block. I have no idea what happened to the car. LRF
 
Thanks guys. This all has been very helpful and I have learned a little more Ford history.
 
Hello, I believe the Rouge plant shut down, similar to Model T to A for Model B and V8 production, but as mentioned before, could be weeks or months when an engine was finally installed in a car , plus probably been parts in transit from the Rouge , main manufacturing plant, to assembly plants all over the country, most parts were shipped by rail then and lag time on shipping would be weeks.Would make sense to build into complete cars until supplies ran out .
 
Also as a side note Pennsylvania must have titled cars as per what year they were sold , a friend had a 1940 Pontiac that was titled as a 1939 and it was always a local car .The front end styling between a 1939 and 40 is quite different.
 
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