Why the Model A

Tinbasher

Tinbasher

Well-known member
Having restored cars for almost 45 years. I put out this question.Why the Model A. I know for myself I just like the car. The way it's built, the way people respond to it when you go by and it's style. It's part of a era. I've worked on cars from 1903 (Cadillac) to 1990 (Miada) and everything in between low end to high end. But the greatest satisfaction I get is from working on a Model A.

Your thoughts. "The Old Tinbasher"
 
Why the model A? My thoughts are about the same as yours, I liked the look, had a great Uncle that had a pickup. I remember as a very small boy standing back and looking at the fenders in amazement.
I am not a talented tool man, however I understand the car and manage my way through simple things. The cost was affordable for a driver and parts are easy to find.
The big surprise was how nice all the Model A types are "we" will do most anything to help a fellow A type out.

Gerry Birch Bay WA
 
Because for most people it is the identity. Almost everyone in this world has either owned a Model-A, --or known someone who has owned a Model-A.
 
Everything you listed plus easy to work on, readily available low cost parts, and for the age of most of us it is easy to relate to. We have lived from , mechanically speaking, that age period car to cars today run by computers. It's simple compared to a modern car.
 
Happy New Year to all...For me a Model 'A' is just a great joy to drive and go places in. Not always long trips, but to breakfast, hardware store, hair cut, book store and Starbucks from time to time, but not in the drive through. Miss Princess always starts and always runs well. I've had her since 05 and really enjoy her. I had a 30 coupe back in the 60's and sold it just before I entered the Army in 68...then that 'A' was for going to High School and to work...in those days it was just an old car. Ernie in Arizona
 
All the above, plus mine has been in the family since 1960. Have fond memories of my Dad working on it. If I had not inherited it, would probably would have bought one.


There is just something very enjoyable about; moving slower, listening to the personality of the A, the smells, no air conditioning, front window open getting air/wind in your face, relaxing and talking to people that come up to you and want to talk, getting thumbs up from others when on the road, the list is endless.
 
I agree...I also have a 49 Packard and while she gets her share of looks and questions, people do ask 'What the hell is that?' and no one ever has to ask what a Model "A" is...Ernie in Arizona
 
My first car was a '30 pickup. I learned to do all sorts of repairs as an early teenager. Later on I upgraded to a '30 Tudor. In '58 I drove that car from Massachusetts to Virginia and back when I went to Navy school. Later on, when I was stationed on ships in Newport RI I drove another '30 Tudor to work everyday. It never failed me. New child in '70, so I needed a more substantial (safer) car. Older Fords later on, but recently satisfied my hankering for another Model A and bought a '30 Coupe to play with. It was a long dry spell! Why a Model A? The styling is unparalleled, they have a unique sound, they are easy to work on, they just have character and represent a time in history that brings back memories, etc. They are so woven into the fabric of America! And my wife thinks it's cute!
 
They're fun to drive with friends and Family.
 

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Cost-availability-cost. :) Same thing as why many people have a Model T. I too have had a Model A, it's gone except a few bits and pieces. My Dad's 2ed or 3rd car was a Model A which just happened to be a 29 Briggs town sedan, the same as what I got and sold. His first was a 26 Overland, I would like one of those too! :)
 
It's a decent car. Parts availability helps too. Well built and doesn't have many plastic clips that break or get lost like other cars do.
 
Several things strike me about it
1. It is a generational thing. Either ones folks or grandfolks had one and it's
Part of their youth
2. One had a Model A as a younger person
3. They are relatively easy to work on and/or restore
4. They draw attention and compliments
5. It USED to be an affordable hobby!!
 
There like Lionel trains.

If you still have your old train set from 60 or 70 years ago. You might also still have your first car from than to. Or at least one like it.

Memories, get back behind the wheel and your sixteen again. Maybe even twelve or fourteen.

Do you think our children will feel that way about a 1986 Escort?
 
My father in law bought a beat up 30 AA truck out of someone's back yard for 50 bucks in 1982. After 3 weeks of ownership, he decided he didn't want to restore it, so I offered him his 50 bucks, and as they say, "The rest is history". I just liked the way that truck looked, what can I say?
 
Some cars just naturally make folks happy. The Model A is one of those marvelous few. And the Model A has a secret weapon to put a smile on the faces of the most hard-hearted: A-oo-gah! Works every time.
 
Why a Model A??
A few (about 20) years ago, I lost all of my cars (no Fords) and nearly my wife in a fire in the workshop. I swore off cars for a while but the bug was not to be denied. I missed the friendships and driving. I decided to buy a driver car that was easy to keep on the road. There was no choice, it had to be a Model A. We did many thousnads of miles in the first one before we welcomed another into the family and now we have 3 and a 4th due soon.
Only the owner of a Model A can understand fully what has been said about them already in this thread and I can't dissagree with any of it.
 
I like 30s cars and the Model A is pure 30s. I have had my Tudor 10 years and 25,000 miles and still love to get in it and drive. It is special to me.

John
 
Have you noticed how young children react when they see a Model A coming down the street? Never noticed them doing that when a muscle car rolls by.



A Model A just has the magic.:)
 
I liked old cars as a kid and wanted one. My barber was a big Model A guy and really got me interested.

I bought one when I was in high school - a 30 standard coupe. I never got it on the road. Forty years later, I bought a Town Sedan. Then I bought a roadster. And then two V8's and I just rescued a Model T coupe from a garage where it had been parked since 1962. I just love the the A's the best, though. Arguably the Model A is one of the best cars ever made.
 
I bought a '30 roadster when I was 18 years old in 1964 and it was so much fun to drive back country roads around my home. Dad restored it when I had to go in the service late 1965,it was a pretty nice amateur restoration at the time,excellent mechanical work as at that time there were still many old time garages and mechanics that knew these cars since they were new. I got involved with the Early Ford V8's after the Navy and marriage and sold the Model A 1975 . I just recently bought a 1931 roadster that needs some work but hopefully I will be enjoying a drive on those same country roads this spring or summer.I just wish my dad and the Model A guys he knew were still around but I do have this great forum.
 
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