1928 Ford Model A

The Ford Model T was first produced in 1908 and its affordability helped put millions of families and drivers behind the wheel of a car for the first time. By the close of 1924, the Model T was being outclassed by more sophisticated competition from other manufacturers. With persuasion from his son, Edsel, Henry discontinued the model that had brought his company so much success, and Henry allowed the development of a new model to begin.

The new model would be given the designation, Model A. In comparison to the Model T, the Model A was more complex with approximately 6,800 different parts compared to the less than 5,000 components that made up the Model T. It had a new battery and ignition system and a conventional sliding gear manual transmission. Other improvements included four-wheel mechanical brakes, welded wire wheels, and Houdaille-type shock absorbers. Similarities included the four-cylinder L-head engine and semi-elliptic front and rear transverse spring suspension. The engine was a 200.5 cubic-inch four with 40 horsepower, which was nearly twice as much as the out-going Model T.

The body designs used styling cues from the Lincolns of the era, with a longer wheelbase, a higher beltline, and several additional color choices that then Model T's utilitarian black.

Body styles included a rumble seat roadster, phaeton, business coupe, rumble seat coupe, Tudor, Fordor, business roadster, and sport business coupe. Prices ranged from $460 to $600.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020