The "1931 Ford 'Model A' Tudor Sedan" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Walking the streets of Stone Harbor, New Jersey when I noticed a car parked  at an angle along the curb.  Caught my eye instantly.  Walked around the car snapping photos with my iPhone and in a minute a few more gathered around this piece of motor history.  The Ford Model A was Ford Motor Company's second market success after its predecessor, the Model T.  The Model A was first produced in 1937.  Prices for the Model A ranged from $385 for a roadster to $1,400 for the top-of-the-line Town Car.  The engine was water cooled and provided 40 horsepower with a top speed of 65mph.  The 1930 and 1931 models  were available with a stainless steel radiator cowling and headlamp housings.  The Model A was the first Ford to use the standard set of driver controls with conventional clutch and brake pedals, throttle and gearshift.  It had a visual fuel guage, and the fuel flowed to the carburetor by gravity.  A rear-view mirror was optional.  The Model A was the first vehicle to have safety glass in the windshield.  As I stood next to the car I loved the exterior tri-color, whitewall tires, spoked wheels, adjustable windshield, simple dash and full-sized covered spare tire.  I spent a few minutes taking photos, but tough to do when the car was in a small parking space.  Check out the photographs I was able to take.  I did wait a few minutes, but never had the chance to meet the owner of this fantastic car.  I'm sure you will agree it is remarkable, even if you don't appreciate automobile history.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Front view of the 1931 Ford Model A. 

The white-walled tires with spoked wheels can be seen in this photo. 

Notice the windshield can be opened for ventilation and on
top of the windshield is a sun shield.  The rear-view mirror
is attached to the frame of the front door window. 

I can see from the plate that the car belongs to Pop and he lives in New Jersey.

The spare tire is a feature of artistic imagination with the white leather cover and
Ford logo. The rear bumper is split to allow easy access to the spare tire.

I love the tri-color shown here.  Running boards were always
a neat feature to me.  I believe the top had a type of canvas covering.

Very simple steering wheel.  You can see the gas, clutch and brake pedals
in this photograph.  Seats were cloth with stitching for artistic effect.