Model A Ford History

Model A History

Henry Ford was always convinced that people should satisfy themselves with nothing more than a good, simple and economical car. At the price of great efforts, his inner circle finally succeed in eroding his stubbornness and, in May 1927, after having produced more than 15,000,000 Model Ts since 1908, Ford closed his plants for many months in order to retool his assembly lines for the production of his next legend: the Model A. The latter will ultimately be produced in 5,000,000 copies between 1928 and 1931. This new miracle is equally attributable to Henry and his son Edsel. Henry will dedicate himself to the mechanical aspects and Edsel will bring a whole new look to the "people's car."

No new automobile has ever been so expected in History. The competition sharply felt the hurt of this waiting period (as much as tens of thousands of Ford employees which were temporarily laid off) since many were putting off their purchase of a new car in order to see what Henry was going to pull out of his hat this time.

When the New Ford is unveiled in December of 1927, riots occur in a few cities. 25,000,000 Americans (more than one out of every five man, woman and child in the U.S.A.) literally assault Ford showrooms in the space of only one week!

A fresh jaunty look, sparkling performances, easy drivability and a low price all contribute to half a million sales on the spot!

Ford easily retakes first place in sales, but will loose it in 1931 at the hand of Chevrolet.
Compared to the Model T, technical improvements are numerous although certain anachronisms persist. For example, the conestoga-wagon transverse semi-eleptical suspension is kept.

On the other hand, a water pump, an oil pump and hydraulic shock absorbers are added. The 2-speed planetary transmission is replaced by a modern 3-speed gear box. But since it is not synchronized, the driver must now master the double-clutching technique.

This is a copy of the ad that ran in newspapers the day before the new Model A was unveiled.

Moreover, the carburetor is gravity fed, eliminating the need for a fuel pump. Since the gas tank is now immediately behind the rudimentary instrument panel, it is now possible to determine the fuel level by peering through a small port-hole.
Brakes are now on all 4 wheels and are actuated by steel rods. Henry will insist that his brakes remain mechanical all through the 30s even though all his competitors have adopted the hydraulic system. He took satisfaction in explaining that a single small leak could incapacitate the entire hydraulic system He will relent only in 1939 after years of supplications from Edsel.

The engine is a 4 cylinder affair of 200.5 cubic inch, producing 40 horsepower. A comfortable cruising speed is 40-45 miles an hour and a top speed of 65 miles an hour can be reached. Compression ratio has been expressly kept low (4:22 / 1). Of course, this low ratio lowers horsepower

Model A assemby line in Detroit

The 4 cylinder, 200.5 cubic inch, 40 horsepower Model A engine, used from 1928 to 1931.

output and speed but, on the other hand, allows the use of lower grade fuels even if de-carbonization of cylinder heads isn't performed regularly. Longevity, dependability and simplicity were more important to Ford than performances.

Wheelbase is 103.5 inches. Track is 56 inches. Weight varies from 2,050 to 2,386 pounds depending on the model.

In 1930, the appearance of the Model A is refreshed. The grill is higher as well as the hood line. The front fender curve is more graceful. Wheel diameter is reduced from 21 inches to 19 inches. At the end of WWII, the Model A will become the unchallenged queen of the vintage car scene. This brief moment in automobile history (1928-1931) will generate the largest gathering of enthusiasm around a single model that no other has ever equaled since. Two gigantic Clubs and an entire spare part industry see the light of day. The abundance and ease with which technical information and new or refurbished parts can be found have made the Model A the easiest vintage car to buy, understand and maintain. One could even be able to assemble a completely new Model A from all the new parts that can be found on the market today! However, assembling the 6,800 distinct items could run well over $50,000.

Ruth Bryan Owens' car is a 1928 or 1929 Model A roadster. Ms. Owens, the daughter of William Jennings Bryan, was Florida's (and the South's) first representative to the United States Congress and later served as the United States ambassador to Denmark.