Bob Bidonde
Well-known member
I just saw the presentation 400--A, 190--A and 180--A Joint Meeting
Differences and Similarities given at a joint meeting of these body style clubs. I am restoring a 190A and over the past 20 years I have done considerable research of the Victoria Coupe, so I find the following comments clarify and augment the presentation you can find at
http://www.a400group.com/resources/San Diego Seminar.pdf
Of the approximately 400 Victoria Coupes in the International Victoria Association's records, no Briggs made 190A has been substantiated. All of the surviving production 190As are Murry built.
The 400A and 190A share several body parts including the doors, the floor pans, and the slide type seat adjust mechanisms. The 180A and 190A share the adjustment legs at the back of the front seats, and these legs are not the same as those on the Tudor's seats.
The front seats in the 180A, 190A and 400A are similar, varying in width and the type of upholstery covering.
The dome light in the 190A was the same as in the slant windshield sedans.
The 190A I believe was the first Model A to have doors inset to the body so they are flush with the body side panels. The 400A has the same feature.
Not all 190As had sun visors. Initially there were two, then one for the driver, then none and back to one according to information in factory letters to the branches and dealers.
The factory letters also indicate that pin stripping on the gas tank adjacent to the instrument panel may have been discontinued for a period in 1931.
My research of 190As with original engines aboard suggest that Victoria production may have started as early as May 1930 to buildup an inventory in support of sales starting in the fall of 1930.
Also, 190A cars with the painted steel top superseded the 190A with the artificial leather top. There was no choice between the two top finishes unless a dealer coincidentally had both styles for sale.
Factory letters also indicate that rear side window curtains went away in early 1931.
The rear body apron on the 190A is unique, and all were painted black.
Differences and Similarities given at a joint meeting of these body style clubs. I am restoring a 190A and over the past 20 years I have done considerable research of the Victoria Coupe, so I find the following comments clarify and augment the presentation you can find at
http://www.a400group.com/resources/San Diego Seminar.pdf
Of the approximately 400 Victoria Coupes in the International Victoria Association's records, no Briggs made 190A has been substantiated. All of the surviving production 190As are Murry built.
The 400A and 190A share several body parts including the doors, the floor pans, and the slide type seat adjust mechanisms. The 180A and 190A share the adjustment legs at the back of the front seats, and these legs are not the same as those on the Tudor's seats.
The front seats in the 180A, 190A and 400A are similar, varying in width and the type of upholstery covering.
The dome light in the 190A was the same as in the slant windshield sedans.
The 190A I believe was the first Model A to have doors inset to the body so they are flush with the body side panels. The 400A has the same feature.
Not all 190As had sun visors. Initially there were two, then one for the driver, then none and back to one according to information in factory letters to the branches and dealers.
The factory letters also indicate that pin stripping on the gas tank adjacent to the instrument panel may have been discontinued for a period in 1931.
My research of 190As with original engines aboard suggest that Victoria production may have started as early as May 1930 to buildup an inventory in support of sales starting in the fall of 1930.
Also, 190A cars with the painted steel top superseded the 190A with the artificial leather top. There was no choice between the two top finishes unless a dealer coincidentally had both styles for sale.
Factory letters also indicate that rear side window curtains went away in early 1931.
The rear body apron on the 190A is unique, and all were painted black.
