Best Year for Model A

Divco one

Divco one

Senior Member
Of the years that Model A's were built, was there a year that was the best. What features were the best. Let's narrow it down to a specific model like the Sport Coupe.
Bob Giles
 
Only model year I have owned is '31. Have had 3 of them. Searching for my current ride, I only looked at '31.
 
I reckon the sport coupe is the least desirable.

A soft top that does not fold down and no quarter windows which gives the coupe its charm.

What was Henry thinking ?

29 roadster, coupe or closed cab pickup for me.
 
Any of the 1930 year models. Stainless Steel bright work, 19" rims a more sure footed tire, the fenders 'flow' looks smoother than a '28-'29, '28-'29's more 'Model T' looking, '30 bodies 'lowered' better center of gravity, ( the '32 Ford, considered one of the nicest looking antique cars ever built, was a '30-'31 style continuance) you don't have the weird '28 problem features like the multi disc clutch, etc., firmer steering wheel to the touch, 11 gallon fuel tank vs. 10 not a big deal but the '30's were tweaked enough from the '28-'29's to give them an edge plus they seem to drive better. Better steering box in the '30-'31's.

I like the '28-'29's but if you have to choose one you want a '30, maybe a '31.
 
I get a kick out of people that go to the trouble of "Rating" a thread... :rolleyes: This ones got one star.

Anyway, I've only owned one Model A so I don't have any knowledge of the others to compare it to. I do like the looks of my '30 Town Sedan tho.
 
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I have a 28 roadster and a 30 Town Sedan. They have different personalities, probably more due to body style than anything else, and how they were restored. I characterize one as my sports car and one as my luxury car. I like each one for different reasons.

The TS seems more solid and lumbering. It has a great ride. Riding in the roadster with the top down is a blast.

They have very different looks, too. The 30 is more stately looking, but both are very handsome. Given that once Ford got things sorted out, the mechanicals didn't change much, so how different can they be? I am far from an expert, but my novice view is that Ford made a pretty fantastic car and once they got through the first year, that they were all good. I think it's more about the body style than anything else, although the comments about the different size wheels and center of gravity are important points.
 
From a practical standpoint, Ford dropped the ball in '31 when the gas shut-off went under the hood instead of under the dash. It's so much easier under the dash!
 
Gee, why not ask what is the best oil, or should you run antifreeze, or what kind of tire.... everyone has an opinion!

So here is mine. I have a 1930 Tudor; this car is a driver, is not perfect but was 'restored' (debatable as to the quality of the work) many years ago. Other than a second tail light on the fender, it has no other added options, not even an outside mirror, although I am working on adding seat belts.

This car has been the most perfect car for me and my wife. The Tudor is huge inside particularly for back seat passengers, and the windows open fully in the back for great ventilation in the summer.

But all in all, I think the best car is the one which touches your heart. If you find a nice car that has been lovingly maintained and is a reasonable price, go for it. The only bad things would be the coupes are difficult for tall folks and the roadsters are more of a parade car as far as comfort is concerned.

Otherwise, it's up to you! One thing is for sure, they are all a ton of fun.

Join a local club and go for some rides.
 
They all have their own charm, I like the looks of the 31' the best. I happen to own a late 31' and I like the changes they made (Intended fire wall, safer design relative to the others). If I was to get another A, I'd want a Model AA truck.... You'd need to speak from someone who owns a 28 or 29 and a 30 or 31 to see if there any difference engine cooling wise... I cannot speak from any experience on that....
 
hangarb7 said:
Gee, why not ask what is the best oil, or should you run antifreeze, or what kind of tire.... everyone has an opinion!

So here is mine. I have a 1930 Tudor; this car is a driver, is not perfect but was 'restored' (debatable as to the quality of the work) many years ago. Other than a second tail light on the fender, it has no other added options, not even an outside mirror, although I am working on adding seat belts.

This car has been the most perfect car for me and my wife. The Tudor is huge inside particularly for back seat passengers, and the windows open fully in the back for great ventilation in the summer.

But all in all, I think the best car is the one which touches your heart. If you find a nice car that has been lovingly maintained and is a reasonable price, go for it. The only bad things would be the coupes are difficult for tall folks and the roadsters are more of a parade car as far as comfort is concerned.

Otherwise, it's up to you! One thing is for sure, they are all a ton of fun.

Join a local club and go for some rides.
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X2. They are all great and 4 years of models to pick from. My Tudor is a 29 that I found on a lark, but I expect that if it was any other year in the barn when they opened the barn door and was in the condition mine was in, it would be sitting in my barn right now instead. Its the one you don't expect that gets you.
 
cp5491r said:
From a practical standpoint, Ford dropped the ball in '31 when the gas shut-off went under the hood instead of under the dash. It's so much easier under the dash!
Click to expand...

Blame that on the state of Pennsylvania I believe. I have 31 Tudor and was reading that the reason Ford changed the fuel cut off under the dash was because the state of Penn. would not allow ford taxi cab's to have it under the dash in side a vehicle. Ford did the easiest and quickest change to comply. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LAQ
 
In my lifetime, I've had 3 31's, all with the indented firewall (meaning cut-off valve under the hood). I haven't really had a problem with that one way or another.
 
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