cabriolet definition

It's a model, however looks very close to a sport coupe.. The way the top is on the back and a few other ways someone can tell from walking up on it..

Welcome to the site.
 
A roadster by the true definition, has no roll up door windows, only removable side curtains and has only two doors. The cabriolet usually has external folding top bars & roll up door windows and also has only two doors. A two door convertible with no external top bar mechanism is sometimes called a cabriolet but in the UK is more refered to as a drop head coupe. You'll see the terms mixed and mached a lot.

Kerby
 
Ford separated cars into three classes: open, convertible, and closed. Driving one of each through a rainstorm will give you a detailed understanding of the different attributes of each.
 
Easy way to tell a cabriolet from a sport coupe (the look almost identical) is the cabriolet doesn't have a visor over the windshield. The sport coupe does.

The cabriolet is a convertible with a windshield frame integrated solidly to the cowl. Also the doors are much wider from front to back and have roll up windows in them.

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The roadster windsheld can be completely removed. Notice how the door opening is much less wide

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Modern automakers have gotten away from the older terms. Any sporty convertible is now called a Roadster, even if it has roll up windows on 2 doors.

Interestingly, the German manufacturers still use Cabriolet (VW and Porsche come to mind).

I believe the correct term under the Ford nomenclature was "Convertible Cabriolet", which might lead one to think that there was a non-Convertible Cabriolet.
 
Ok, so the more I read, the more I understand. It appears the most popular is the roadster. My husband is wanting to buy a coupe for a reasonal price, then pay others to restore it. The car is not in bad shape at all, but it will still take some work to get it to primo condition.....any opinions? What does it cost for a paint job, re-chroming bumpers and other pieces. The interior has new seats, but the rest is in dire need of replacement
 
knotnormal said:
Ok, so the more I read, the more I understand. It appears the most popular is the roadster. My husband is wanting to buy a coupe for a reasonal price, then pay others to restore it. The car is not in bad shape at all, but it will still take some work to get it to primo condition.....any opinions? What does it cost for a paint job, re-chroming bumpers and other pieces. The interior has new seats, but the rest is in dire need of replacement
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Usually, with most Model A's, You will have more in a car when you buy one and then have to pay for the restoration then if you would have bought a finished, running car.

Unless, there is a good reason to buy this particular car, I would be inclined to look for a car that has already been restored.

There are shops that specialize in Model A restoration that you can contract for some ROUGH Estimates of what it may cost to restore the car you are looking at. I am sure if you ask the "Barn" for shops near you, you will get some replies.

Also, if you have a Model A Club near you, this would be a good source for restoration information and also may be some cars for sale.

Where do you live?

Keep us posted as you proceed.

Chris
 
I was thinking it would be best to just bite the bullet and get one that is already restored. Thanks. I've done some research on the Model A clubs and we have one in Hemet, not too far. We live in the east high desert in Southern California, north of Palm Springs. I will certainly be posting as the purchase unfolds.
 
I wouldn't say that the roadster is "more popular" They are just much more plentiful.
(roadster aprox 490K +/- made and cabriolet 62K +/- made)

Also, the cabriolets were made with a wood substructure, so they are harder to restore than an all steel bodied car.

I think you will have lots of fun with the Model A hobby.
 
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One side of buying an unrestored car vs. a restored car is that you can get into the resoration yourself with the shop. That way you will get to see what goes into the car (how it is constructed, functions etc.) which will will help in the long run-knowledge wise. I feel it makes it more fun as well and you have a more vested interest in it.

Unfortuantely, CWPASADENA is right in that you will fork over a lot more cash in the long run. But, you also know what parts are going into the car vs. the 'has this part been rebuilt/original and how many miles are on it/is it about to fail?'. You can specify original or reproduction-bearing in mind that not all the reproduction parts are the best in quality and fit.

Just my 2 cents worth and welcome to the club and hobby.

Mike
 
One other thing to consider when purchasing a Model A is that back in 1928-31 the roadster was the least expensive, but now carries generally higher prices than the closed coupe models. The cabriolet is generally the highest priced. This is relative to the saying "When the top goes down the price goes up".
 
Buyers Market-Buyer Beware

For all Model A's, it is, has been, and will be in our lifetime, a buyer's market.

You won't make any money selling, or restoring and selling an A.

You must make your deal on the Front side. After that, it is one of the less expensive hobbies relative to the initial investment in today's economy:

Golf at a Country Club with an initiation

Boating - "a hole in the water into which one pours money"

Art/Carpet/Antiques, etc.- A chance for appreciation, but you have to be very good and bring lots of cash to the table.

Other Automobiles- Mustangs seem to be reasonable, anything with European in it is horrendously expensive.

Aircraft- expensive.

For a Model A, the parts are relatively inexpensive, the work is doable yourself with help and some basic knowledge/skill. You "probably" won't buy a lemon if you know where to look for rust, rotten wood (not in Roadsters and Phaetons (?)), cracked blocks, etc. Often you can put off work until you have the $$ to do it right, but don't skimp on Stopping/Going/Steering. Paint can wait.

Paint is the most expensive to "do". Transmissions are usually the 2nd most expensive thing to fix/restore in a car (after paint), but the engine is more expensive than the Transmission.

BTW, the new MB 350 is a Cabriolet and called such in the commercials.. It also has a wing above the windshield to keep the wind out of your hair and blows warm air out of the headrests on cool days.

What would Henry think??
 
Great stats and am so much more informed. Ebay has one that is right side steering. Some 1300+ have viewed it and not a bid at this sitting. Any opinions? Is that a real tabu. I think it would be cool to be a little bit different....hummm what do I know?
I think the Model A's should be ez to work on? So that part doesn't scare me.
 
knotnormal said:
Great stats and am so much more informed. Ebay has one that is right side steering. Some 1300+ have viewed it and not a bid at this sitting. Any opinions? Is that a real tabu. I think it would be cool to be a little bit different....hummm what do I know?
I think the Model A's should be ez to work on? So that part doesn't scare me.
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There looks like there are two for sale. One in CT and one in Jersey.

I would be a little leary about bidding on one with only two pictures and the other at 19,500 looks like it still needs a whole bunch of work.

There was one that sold on Ebay for 17,500 that looks to be in simular condition.
 
No question it is cheaper to buy a restored vehicle vs one that will require front end, engine, ******, interior and body work. I was asked by a fellow club member and close friend what I thought my Tudor would sell for once completed; I answered .70$ on the dollar spent, he replied if I was lucky I may get .60$

Having said this; the money is spent, the car is on the road and we have driven 3000 plus miles since spring. The people we have met and the friendships formed within the Model A community is priceless. Join a club, ask questions and seek advice from these members prior to purchase.
 
If you are novice in the Model A world I would get some help from someone knowledgeable with Model A's. There are many things that don't show up in pictures like drive-ability, poor performance, bad fit and finish. A personal inspection with an experienced Model A'er will be a good idea for a $15-20,000 "investment".

P.S. Would you buy perfume on the internet with just a description of the fragrance?
 
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Well, seems we aren't gonna be bidding on any A's anytime soon. All info was helpful and I'm sure saved us lots of financial and emotional dismay. :-) However, we do have the bug and will continue our quest because, as Elrod said "I think you will have lots of fun with the Model A hobby." I'm sure we will.
Dr. J said the experience will be priceless, I believe that.
Mike V I agree with the lack of photos. Don't cost more for more.
Roccaas, Our initial thought was to have it for an financial investment. Me thinks it will be an enjoyment that will cost, but not like CC membership
Ross' comment re: perfume comment hit home
We are joining the closest MAFCA about 60 or so miles away. My smartcar will look funny next to those A"s, but for now that will have to do
Thanks again for all you help
 
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