|
Links to Model A Sites
|
The
following history of the Model A was provided by the The Orange County
Model A Ford Club. They have one of the most active chapters in
California and are famous for their "Pancake Breakfast" which is
put on each each year in Hart Park.
THE MODEL A FORD: 1928-1931 This brief history of the Model A Ford is
intended for the general public who are not as aware of Henry Ford nor the
development of this automobile. There are a number of excellent
publications that provide full information on the development and impact of
the Model A Ford.
The history and story of Henry Ford and his impact on the development of
the automobile is a fascinating history in itself. In 1908, Henry Ford
initiated the design and production of an automobile "for the
people", that every family could own: the Model T. This car had a
production run for 19 years. The car continually changed to meet the demands
of the people, but essentially remained the Model T.
By 1927, Ford sales were dropping severely. Competition from other car
companies such as Dodge Bros, Chevrolet, and others were hurting the sale
of the Model T. Edsel Ford, Henry's son, knew
what had to be done, but he had to convince the venerable old man himself
that the era of the Model T had come to an end. Around- the time that the
15 millionth Model T was being produced, in mid
1927, discussions and reality were setting in. Henry Ford made the decision
that "we've got to do it". That meant design a new car. He also
decided that this was a new beginning. Since his first automobile in 1903
was a Model A and subsequent models were B, C, etc, this new beginning
would start with "A" again. So was born the Model A Ford.
Without any plans for a new car, the Ford plants were closed, and design
for the new car began. This in itself was unprecedented, for a company,
especially one as large a Ford Motor Company to completely shut down
without any plans, then completely redesign the factory, and start up
again. Henry set a number of ground rules, but the overall development of
the components were delegated to his associates. Edsel
Ford was responsible for the overall design. Every one of the 5,500 parts were new. Official announcement of the new Ford came in
May 1927. The announcement of the new car resulted in a drop in overall car
sales and Ford dealers had a rush of orders on a car that had never been
seen.
Many advances were made on this car and some of which were unheard of for a
car of this price range:
Safety glass windshield -Four wheel mechanical brakes -Four shock absorbers
-Electrically welded steel spoke wheels
Engine features included:
4 cylinder, L head, 200.5 cu. in. engine developing 40 horsepower at 2200
rpm. Fuel: Updraft, single barrel carburetor with gravity fed fuel lines.
Cooling: thermo-syphon with centrifugal impeller
and 2-blade airplane type fan. Electrical: 6 volt positive ground, coil and
distributor ignition system with electric L starter and generator.
The introduction of the new car on December 2, 1927 in New York City, drew over 10 million people to view it. The car
exceeded all expectations especially with its price being nearly that of
the low priced Model T, ranging from $375 for the Roadster to $570 for the Fordor Sedan. Ford sales skyrocketed and once again
became leader in the automotive world.
The Model A continued to undergo numerous modifications to improve it. The
transition from 1929 to 1930 brought about redesign of the body style with
a newer streamlined look. A new rustless steel (stainless) was incorporated for much of
the outer bright work, such as the radiator shell, and the head, cowl and
taillights. A smaller wheel and tire, from the 21 inch to 19 inch. Once
again in 1931, design changes that eliminated the outside sun visor on the Fordor sedan and also introduced several new body
styles to boost sales.
Overall, there were over 4,800,000 Model A Fords produced. It is believed
that over one million of these cars are still in existence.
Today, you have a great opportunity to view of what may be the largest
annual gathering of Model A Fords in California. Around you are
representatives of all of the years and many of the body styles that were
available. Virtually all of these fine cars drove here from all over the
southwestern United States and represent many Model A Ford clubs. Feel free
to ask questions, as there are many owners around you. Restoration of the
wonderful old cars is a very rewarding hobby.
The Orange County Model A Ford Club welcomes you to enjoy the day. If you
are interested in becoming more involved with the Model A Ford, come to one
our meetings or call one of our club members. You need only the interest
and ownership is not required to become a member.
|
