1931 FORD MODEL A DELUXE ROADSTER

After Model T production was finally halted, the many promises and much preparatory work on the long-awaited new model finally bore fruit with the press introduction of the T’s successor, the Ford Model A, on November 3, 1927. The launch model was a Tudor (two-door) Sedan. It bore a family resemblance to the Model T, but featured a more modern look with rounder lines and chrome trim parts. The car was designed by Henry Ford’s son Edsel and Joe Galamb, who had also contributed the rounded lines of the Model T. Its fans gave it nicknames like “Old Horse” and “Rickety”.

It was assumed that the new Ford was named series “A” to indicate Henry Ford’s intention to start again from scratch and feature more innovation. Production began with the Tudor Sedan, Coupe, Sports Coupe, Roadster, and Phaeton body styles. By mid-1928, ten different models were in production, including the Fordor Sedan and its taxi version, the Rumble Seat Coupe and Roadster, the Business Coupe and Roadster, the Special, and the Sport Business Coupe. It became evident that the Model A was more robust than the Model T. In one important innovation, its three-speed transmission used a floor-controlled lever rather than the pedal operation of the two-speed system of the Model T.

Our Model A here in the Museum was purchased at auction in the United States, alongside our 1926 Model T, and restored in Turkey. These are two of the Museum’s priceless pieces, due to their significant role in the history of automobiles.