Wanted a roadster

I wanted a Roadster, I felt it would fit my young and wild single lifestyle but..........when I saw Sarah, I settled down to a more quiet life with a Coupe.
 
Had a roadster for a while "ONCE". Spiffy looking car to have parked in the driveway but for driving around and general utility purposes. . . will take a closed car any day of the week. Recall making one round trip road ride up along the coast north of Boston to Salisbury Beach in that thing. With the top hardware rattling and canvas shaking it was a noisy tiresome drive. Behind the wheel of that car literally gave me a headache. After a few weeks time, I got rid of that glitzy Deluxe 31' roadster.

Have plenty of fond memories of Model A Ford trips up to Maine and the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Those sojourns were done in comfortable 1930 and 31' Ford tudor sedans. We'd go camping and toss the tent and gear into the cavernous back through the big full roll down windows. A tudor sedan is a very useful design. Have a late 31 tudor sedan and currently in the process of "extra" sound proofing with insulating the body. Figured too, to install some type of heater for cold weather driving.

Helped a friend years ago with the restoration of 1931 standard phaeton. We'd take road trips through New England and Bill would have his open four door. Even with side curtains, in less than ideal weather. that open car was a task to drive. Recall seeing his wife and kids tired out at the end of a long rainy day cruise. A little later he acquired a very fine 31' town sedan and sold off the phaeton.

Suppose it's all in the intended use of the vehicle. Had the Canadian built 1931 roadster, seen below, for about four months.
 

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Capt Quahog said:
Had a roadster for a while "ONCE". Spiffy looking car to have parked in the driveway but for driving around and general utility purposes. . . will take a closed car any day of the week. Recall making one round trip road ride up along the coast north of Boston to Salisbury Beach in that thing. With the top hardware rattling and canvas shaking it was a noisy tiresome drive. Driving that literally gave me a headache. A short time later, I got rid of that glitzy Deluxe 31' roadster.
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I remember well now. I had two 62 Corvettes, both with their rag tops but one also had it's removable hardtop. What a difference.............
 
Closed cars keep my HAIR NEAT & stuff doesn't blow out of the car & birds can't P**P on you & you can lock ugly Old Ladies OUT!
Bill W.
 
If you know anyone who has either, you may want to try sitting in each. I find it much easier to get into a 30/31 because of seat to door frame spacing. If you live up north, a roadster is somewhat less practical in winter if you plan to cruise year round. You may also consider a cabriolet. Buy something and get started seeing America at 45mpg. It's a great ride.
 
dont let all of the geezers talk you out of the roadster- nothing like wind in the hair!

GO FOR IT!
 
Tom in Newnan said:
If you know anyone who has either, you may want to try sitting in each. I find it much easier to get into a 30/31 because of seat to door frame spacing. If you live up north, a roadster is somewhat less practical in winter if you plan to cruise year round. You may also consider a cabriolet. Buy something and get started seeing America at 45mpg. It's a great ride.
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Tom,
The '28 & '29 Coupes are really hard to get your feet into! The seat platform OVERHANGS the riser by quite a LOT. If I had it to do again, I'd cut off the edge of the lower springs/cushion/platform!
Bill W.
 
The '30-'31's ARE a bit easier to get in and out of, plus Ford made a few small changes that made the car a bit more driveable than the '28-'29's.

The '30-'31 Dlx. Roadster will always be in demand. They are a great body style, the street rodders are still hunting them, and desire for these cars ain't gonna go away!

The '32 Ford is an iconic antique Ford for any enthusiast, and if you'll notice the style is a carryover from the '30-'31's. That alone says a LOT about that style run.
 
BILL WILLIAMSON said:
Tom,
The '28 & '29 Coupes are really hard to get your feet into! The seat platform OVERHANGS the riser by quite a LOT. If I had it to do again, I'd cut off the edge of the lower springs/cushion/platform!
Bill W.
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31 Model A said:
I remember well now. I had two 62 Corvettes, both with their rag tops but one also had it's removable hardtop. What a difference.............
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Can you post a picture of these twin 62 Corvettes? Wayne
 
Mark,
We have a '31 deluxe roadster primarily driven by my wife to shows. We really love it. Would be pleased to have you visit us and drive it yourself if you are anywhere near Gloucester, Va. PM me if you would like to get together.

Glen
 
Thanks for all the great responses!! I think im going to stick with the roadster though as I have always loved the look of them especially with the top down, and as far as messing up my hair there's not much left to mess up, anyway I also have two chevelle ss and a 69 coupe deville i can drive if I need to keep my hair in place! I have never really done much research on a car before I bought one but as somone here said about the '30 '31 being easier to get in and out of thats some great info for me as I am 6'2. thanks again for all the responses I've been on other forums and haven't gotten a third of the replys that I did here.
 
sawyer good to have you aboard! We have a '69 Mach 1, black plate Calif. car and it is a good balance with the Model A. Somedays you just feel the need to slam thru a 4-spd. and lay rubber!

I'm 6'6" and yes a Model A of any body style takes a bit of manuvering getting in and out, but it's doable. The Tudors are hard to beat in this area, and they are an all around great Model A to own in my opinion. I miss ours but the Roadsters are still a blast to drive. With the top down getting in and out is real easy!
 
Jeff/Illinois said:
sawyer good to have you aboard! We have a '69 Mach 1, black plate Calif. car and it is a good balance with the Model A. Somedays you just feel the need to slam thru a 4-spd. and lay rubber!

I'm 6'6" and yes a Model A of any body style takes a bit of manuvering getting in and out, but it's doable. The Tudors are hard to beat in this area, and they are an all around great Model A to own in my opinion. I miss ours but the Roadsters are still a blast to drive. With the top down getting in and out is real easy!
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Tudor is as basic a car as you can get. A little black box with wheels and no extras. A great starter car. Wayne
 
ronn said:
dont let all of the geezers talk you out of the roadster- nothing like wind in the hair!

GO FOR IT!
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LOL

Uh, huh! I have both a closed cab and the Roadster. The Roadster gets all the miles despite living in Canada. The closed cab spends most of it's time in the igloo!:D

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