1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Roadster

The Ford Model T remained in production from 1908 through 1927 with over 16.5 million examples sold. Henry Ford was reluctant to end production of the Model T, but Chevrolet continued to raise the bar, creating even more competition. In response, Henry Ford introduced the new Model A for the 1928 model year. It was first publically introduced on December 2nd of 1927, and within the first 36 hours of its introduction, nearly ten million Americans had gone to view the new car.

By 1931, nearly four million examples of the Model A had been produced. In keeping with tradition, Ford resisted making dramatic model changes from year to year. Instead, Ford preferred to make most of its changes on a running basis. Thus, the 1931 model was only slightly different from the 1930 model.

Power was from an L-head four-cylinder engine offering 40 horsepower and backed by a three-speed sliding gear-type transmission with floor shifter. On all four wheels were mechanical brakes, and transverse leaf springs supported solid axles front and rear. The wheelbase measured 103.5-inches

The DeLuxe roadster, Model 40 (D1), bodystyle was introduced in the summer of 1930. Sales reached 52,997 units, which was nearly 10 times the number of Standard roadsters built.

This particular 1931 Ford Model A DeLuxe Roadster is finished in Washington Blue with straw wheels and pinstripes. It is equipped with wind wings, quail radiator mascot, accessory trunk, whitewall tires, and dual side-mount spares with chrome tire bands.

This Deluxe Roadster was formerly part of the Clyde Ensor collection.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020