1931 Ford Model A Open Cab Roadster Pickup

The Model A came equipped with nickel plated bumpers in both the front and rear, combination tail and stop lights, a driver's side windshield wiper, and an electric 'oo-gah' horn produced for Ford by Spartan. The car rode on 19-inch wheels, and was much easier to drive and steer than its predecessor. There were 12 different passenger car models offered, from an open roadster to elegant town cars and included the first factory built station wagon. Trucks were another mainstay of Ford's production, from large tractor type to lightweight utility models.

Ford introduced their new truck line in the mid-1930s. It had roadster type doors, wider fenders, and a one-piece flat folding windshield. The headlight pods and radiator shell were black and the interior wood floors were painted body color. The spare tire was positioned on the front fender well and the running boards had an embossed non-skid surface.

This particular Model A Roadster Pickup has been given a high quality restoration. There are five new period-style tires, fresh top, driver's side external rear view mirror, and tailgate chain protectors. It is one of only 2,637 open cab roadster pickups produced in 1931. It is painted in Hessian Blue and powered by a 200.5 cubic-inch L-Head four-cylinder engine rated at 40 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel mechanical brakes.

In 2009, this Model A Roadster Pickup was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The lot was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $21,000, plus buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009