Thread: Model A Ford help needed...

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I can agree with MT that they are more abundant and thus less expensive, and the initial appeal of the '32 was the availability of the V8.....though there were quite a few 4 cylinder versions sold too (Model B for the 4 vs Model 18 for the 8). The A ran for 4 years of production, and, as noted, the '32 for only one. People sometimes think that the depression hit in '29 when the Stock Market crashed, but it took til '32 for the Great Depression to officially begin. I would differ on the popularity being just the engine though. Edsel Ford styled the '32 to pick up a number of design elements of the Lincoln, thus giving the "common" man a taste of high end luxury in a lower priced package. The styling of the '32s has had strong devotees since day one, to the point that even within Brookville's line of reproduction bodies, the '32 roadster sells for about twice what an A roadster body goes for. In original tin pricing the disparity is even wider.

To Jerry's point, the A body on deuce rails had several motivators; again, cost in the form of a cheaper and plentiful body swapped to the V8 chassis (say from a less desirable body such as a 4 door) equals instant improved performance. The lakes racers especially appreciated that the A body was somewhat lighter, and more aerodynamic with it's narrower cowl section (especially the '28-9). As for a particularly styled combination of parts looking like a '32, that may have been the motivation of some, but likely not the first point for most.

I get that all the time, folks thinking it's a '32, but most often they are enthusiastic about rods to a degree, but not informed enough to get the nuances. On this car the grille is a double curve ball for those folks. It's a '32 commercial, not passenger, and while it's similar, side by side they are pretty different to the discerning eye. The '34 trim ring helps with that confusion............