1927-1931 FORD MODEL A

Replacing the long-lived Ford Model T was never going to be easy, but the Model A brought Ford back up to speed with its rivals, whose products made the ‘T’ look antiquated. Powered by a 3.3-litre four-cylinder (and in Europe a tax-dodging 2.0-litre), this was the first Ford to use pedals in the ‘conventional’ way and for today’s pre-war freshmen that means less demanding, more enjoyable ownership. With more than four million built and a fantastic array of body types, there’s an A for every would-be owner. Powerful, reliable, immensely usable and eligible for many events, there’s no better introductory pre-war car.

BUYING TIPS

CHOOSE YOUR BODY Decide which bodystyle best suits you – with saloons, coupés, convertibles and phaetons, there’s lots of choice. Prices vary with body type.

3.3 VS 2.0 Does your car have the bigger engine? It makes the A far more practical and you’ll appreciate that if you end up entering trials and navigation rallies.

CHASSIS Get underneath and check for any twisting in the chassis: It’s strong but getting long in the tooth – and anything could have happened down the decades.

FORD MODEL A TUDOR ENGINE 3287cc/4-cyl/SV POWER 40bhp@2200rpm TORQUE Unknown MAXIMUM SPEED 62mph 0-50MPH 29sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed manual

WHAT TO PAY CONCOURS £16,000+ // GOOD £9500-12,000 // USABLE £7000-9000 // PROJECT £2500-4500