1931 Ford Model A Victoria

Description

Closed Model As always look more substantial and expensive than they really are. In 1931, this Model A Victoria was affordable transportation and made its owner look and feel like a million bucks (particularly important during the Depression). Today, it does much the same thing, with elegant styling that looks like it should cost thousands more than it does.

The restoration is now several years old, but it was done quite correctly. Chicle and Copra Drab was a popular choice on the Ford color chart and with contrasting black fenders, moldings, and splash aprons, it looks simply fantastic. Someone spent a lot more than the asking price getting it into this condition and it shows; the paint is glossy, the doors fit well, and aside from some minor checking due to age, it has held up extremely well. The Victoria was a late addition to the lineup and came in two styles, the "leatherback" and the steel version seen here, both of which were regarded as the top-of-the-line. Relative to a lot of other Model As, the Victoria is rather rare, and it offers the utility of a sedan with a bit more style. The rear-mounted tire is joined by an accessory trunk rack that allows the installation of a rear-mounted trunk, which enhances this Model A's touring capabilities. A straw-colored pinstripe highlights the subtle curves of the bodywork without looking gratuitous and the long-grain vinyl top insert is correct and nicely installed. Other accessories include the Boyce moto-meter on the radiator and a mesh grille guard.

The Victoria got lots of upgrades inside, where it feels as luxurious as its big brothers over at Lincoln. Correct broadcloth upholstery, an adjustable front seat, and woodgrained moldings all contribute to the upscale look and feel. Materials and patterns are correct, and this is a comfortable cruiser for four passengers. The standard Model A instrument panel is a late-31 piece with round speedometer and the dash has been properly pinstriped to highlight its shape. The hard rubber steering wheel with center-mounted horn and headlight controls makes you feel like you're at the wheel of something significant, and aftermarket turn signals were added for touring safety. Proper carpets with heel pad for the driver were installed over the original-style wooden floorboards, and thanks to restored weather seals, it closes up tightly and feels hushed inside. Can you believe that a car this nice costs so little?

The little Ford inline-four makes big torque and moves the relatively lightweight sedan with ease. 45 MPH cruising is not unusual for these cars, and their reliability and fun-to-drive quotient are legendary. How else do you explain that there are still millions on the road today? While many have been haphazardly restored and feel ancient from behind the wheel, this one is tight and confident, with good brakes (as good as Model A brakes get, anyway), and after you master the art of the double-clutch, shifting is fun and easy. The engine bay was obviously detailed at the time of restoration but has been driven quite a bit since then, making this a tour car, not a show car, but that's where Model As really shine. The only notable alteration from stock is a 6-volt alternator, but it's done right and doesn't call attention to itself. It's much the same underneath: clean and functional with signs of a lot of restoration work in the past. The original 19-inch wheels are fitted with accessory trim rings as well as a set of proper blackwall tires that suit the humble Model A just fine.

Who doesn't love Model As? This Vicky makes a convincing argument for simply getting into an old car and heading out on the road just to see where it leads. Call today!