When Ford introduced the Model A at the end of 1927, the company had it all to lose. After dominating the market for basic, affordable transportation, the Model T was rapidly outpaced by the competition. The Model A needed to be dependable, practical, affordable, and stylish – and Ford could no longer dictate what the customer required, much to old Henry’s chagrin. Thankfully, the buying public responded with delight, and Ford was soon back on top of the sales charts. While the handsome “baby Lincoln” styling, championed by Henry’s son Edsel Ford, attracted many buyers to the showroom, the Model A was also considerably easier to own and operate. A conventional three-pedal arrangement (first introduced on the Austin 7 in 1922) became the standard, as did a 3-speed sliding gear transmission, replacing the T’s tricky planetary unit. Like the T, the Model A came in a wide variety of open and closed body styles for a wide variety of uses. The charming Roadster Pickup was a versatile light-duty truck that was popular for both personal and commercial use, and they are now highly sought after by today’s enthusiasts for many of the same reasons that their original buyers purchased them – style, practicality, and versatility.

This superbly restored and eminently charming Model A Roadster Pickup is one of the rarest variants of the Model A line, with just 3,429 produced in the 1930 model year. It is beautifully presented and highly detailed finished in an appealing period-correct color scheme of blue with black fenders, black interior, and black convertible top. It is a multiple award-winning example, with several prestigious accolades attesting to the quality and authenticity of the restoration. The paintwork is attractive, displaying a consistent finish that is faithful to original standards. The grille proudly bears numerous awards, which include Model A Restorers Club MARC of Excellence and Master Restoration awards, Model A Ford Club of America Award of Excellence for Restored Class, a 2007 AACA National First Prize, and a 2009 AACA Senior Grand National First Prize.

Mechanically, this RPU is in similarly excellent order. The 201 cubic-inch inline-four is rated at 40 horsepower and runs well while properly detailed in the tidy engine compartment. The robust ‘four is mated to a 3-speed manual sliding-gear transmission, capable of propelling the average Model A to speeds of approximately 65 miles per hour. This engine is simple, reliable, and straightforward to maintain, so it is easy to see why grassroots enthusiasts have made the Model A a cornerstone of the collector car hobby.

The chassis features a solid front axle and a live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptical leaf springs, improvements that provided a smoother and more comfortable ride over the Model T. Stopping is provided by 4-wheel mechanical drum brakes, which were also more effective than the T’s two-wheel brakes. This truck rides on black-painted wire wheels, fitted with Ford script center caps and Firestone gum-dipped Blackwall with red pinstripes for the perfect period-correct touch and proper stance.

An excellent example to show or tour, this rare and desirable “RPU” is sure to satisfy even the most discerning Model A enthusiast. The numerous prestigious awards from some of the most discriminating and respected clubs in America speak volumes of the restoration’s quality. This is a superb opportunity to acquire what has been judged to be one of the best Ford Model A Roadster Pickups extant.

Offers welcome and trades considered 

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