Model A Roadster

Kahuna

Well-known member
Today, I was invited to visit a ranch/farm that my friend purchased here in Northern California.
He asked me to come along and look at an old car that was included with the property.
It turns out that the previous owner, deceased, had purchased a Model A roadster more than 40 years ago. He then began to dismantle the car & stopped. The car is a 1931 Roadster. I could find no rust in any of the usual places, and almost all of the parts are there: I could not find the windshield frame or headlights. The car has always been stored inside.
All the fenders are in pretty good shape & another rear fender is included.
The engine turns over by hand & appears to be complete.
I have no interest in the car, but would like a few opinions on it's value for my friend who wants to sell the thing in "as is" condition.
I could not take any pictures today, but may be able to do so shortly.
The body is excellent
Any guesses are appreciated.
Thanks
Jim
 
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Wish you guys with the 3 grand prices were selling cars in Pa. Around here that pile of parts would bring at least 7K
 
We don't have titles for car over here but I believe they are important. Does this friend have a title for it? I assume not.
If it were closer, I'd be there in a heartbeat.
 
Where in NorCal? Rural mountain road (difficult access) or close to an urban area? Lots of country between SF and Oregon.
 
I have a running 31 roadster with the original 4 banger, burns down draft carb set up and running. With sheetmetal that has not been touched since the 40's. Sitting on 16" wheels with all of the fender and grille sheet metal. Going to put it up for sale here pretty soon. Probably around the 10-11k. I can send pics to interested parties send me a DM.
 
I have a running 31 roadster with the original 4 banger, burns down draft carb set up and running. With sheetmetal that has not been touched since the 40's. Sitting on 16" wheels with all of the fender and grille sheet metal. Going to put it up for sale here pretty soon. Probably around the 10-11k. I can send pics to interested parties send me a DM.

Your car will sell in minutes. Maybe not to a Model A guy, but to a hot rodder. That is a great price for a running car.
 
I would be comfortable suggesting $7K range at a minimum. Most I think, would prefer a rust free relatively complete authentic car to a Brookville body only for the same money.

The '30 Standard @ Hershey that sold around $10K discussed last month (I think, based on one response) was together, but could be more work to restore than this one based on the description. That car seemed solid but banged up a bit.

Pics would be nice, the right buyer might pay a premium if someone knowledgeable could confirm if the car is really complete and original vs. a bitsa or had a lot of replacement parts in the first half of it's life. (thinking of the guy who wants a high point car and will pay for a good start)

The plus is the roadster will have a market on both sides of the fence - restorers and rodders might be interested.
 
Kahuna,

I have a 30 roadster that is assembled but with many mismatched parts. One of the guys at a Model A club here in So. Cal. offered me $6,500 sight unseen. He didn't even know if the engine would turn over.

Check the Swap Meet section on Ford Barn and the MAFCA site. Also check Craig's Lists throughout California. I've see a lot of barn finds that will give you an idea of what cars are going for in California. Prices tend to be higher here in California.

You may be able to get a title from DMV since it is an abandoned vehicle on your friend's property. That will increase the value.

Your friend should consider taking it to Turlock Swap Meet or a nearby Model A Club Swap meet. You can check the MAFCA Calendar on their web site for dates.

Good luck.

David Serrano
 
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