1931 Ford Model A Special Delivery Style 255-A

The Ford Model A followed on the coat-tails for the Model T, and was introduced in December 1927. It was, in many respects, similar to its predecessor, but incorporated a sliding-gear transmission, four-wheel brakes, and a larger and more powerful engine. There were Houdaille hydraulic double-action shock absorbers which gave a very comfortable ride; this was a feature uncommon on a lower priced vehicle. Over four years there were almost five million examples of the Model A produced.

The light commercial vehicles in the Model A lineup were available right from the beginning on the Model A. This included the 76-A and 82-A Roadster and Closed-Cab Pickups, respectively. After a short while, they were joined by Panel Delivery trucks, both standard and Deluxe, styles 79-A and 130-A. In 1930 the 295-A Town Car Delivery truck and 255-A Special Delivery were added to the list.

The 255-A Special Delivery was based on the 150-B Station Wagon. The 255-A had two-doors and solid side rear panels. This particular example is painted in Manila Tan and complemented with a wood body. The car is mostly solid though there are a few blemishes such as at the right cargo door which now wears a brace near the latch. The fenders are solid but a bit ruff. The interior is nice and appears to have weathered time in nice fashion. The steering wheel has no visible cracks. The horn is a modern replica and the front bumper is missing. The engine needs mechanical attention before proper use, but is operable. The odometer displays 41,995 miles since new, and it was last inspected in Pennsylvania in 1955.

This rare example of the Model A was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $15,000 - $20,000 and offered without reserve. Bidding surpassed the estimates with the final bid settling at $66,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007