Winning bid
£13,500

1928 Ford Model A Tudor

Highlights

  • Incredibly well preserved & presented
  • Starts & runs perfectly
  • A rare opportunity to own a true piece of motoring history
  • Just 69,000 miles
  • Original specification, authenticated by the Ford Model A Club of GB

The Background

Throughout the 1910’s and 20’s, Ford Motor Company had a strong grip on the automotive market, with its revolutionary Model T dominating the roads. However, as the mid 1920’s rolled around, competitors had finally managed to catch up with Ford’s manufacturing processes and threatened Ford’s hold on the American & global markets. 

As Ford’s competitors began including more luxurious features and mechanical advancements such as electric starters to their vehicles, consumers had begun to expect these features as essential extras, despite Henry Ford deeming them unnecessary. This played a huge role in shaping the Model A’s future and purpose. 
As Henry Ford was not particularly in favour of these new additions or even the idea of styling an automobile for vanity, the design was left up to his son Edsel. The result was a far more stylish replacement for the Model T, that offered customers the option to motor in comfort, and style. 
With 9 variants produced including a coupe, roadster, truck, sedan and of course the Tudor, the Model A quickly became yet another favourite and was mass-produced until March 1932, with just under 5 million orders fulfilled. The Model A was later replaced by its successor, the Model B, but still serves as an iconic reminder of the dawn of flexible mass production and motoring history in general. 

The History

This stunning Ford Model A hails from the good ol’ USA, and was purchased from Wheelz Sales and Leasing, Grand Rapids auto dealership Michigan back in the summer of 2019. Shipped over using “Shipmycar” in a consolidated container, the car was given a roadworthiness check and had its customs & Nova, MOT, and DVLA registration completed prior to the current owner’s collection of the car.  
Throughout the current owner’s possession, the vehicle has ventured out from its garage a small number of times on dry days and has never failed to turn heads. It’s not uncommon for pedestrians to marvel as the Model A goes by, and motorists love to give way to the vehicle at junctions. The current owner also informs us that it’s quite a frequent occurrence for people to ask whether the vehicle is available for functions or wedding hire, despite never having been used as such. 
This Model A was pride of place at the Darlington Car show and has been residing as a showpiece at the local Ford dealership since October 2021, where it continues to bring in business and attract attention from customers. The dealership is also the perfect place for the vehicle to have been stored, as it’s dry, warm, and well ventilated. 
After being exceptionally well cared for by its current owner, it’s now time for this wonderful Ford Model A, affectionately named “Ruby” to find a new home. The car deserves to be enjoyed by an enthusiast or collector and treasured for many more years to come.
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The Paperwork

As mentioned above, this vehicle was purchased from a dealership in Michigan, USA and imported to the United Kingdom by “Ship My Car”. As such, the vehicle’s paperwork will include the USA certificate of title, USA bill of sale, and all relevant paperwork for the import & registration process, including:
  • Nova
  • MOT
  • DVLA Registration
  • Ship My Car invoice
  • Road Tax
  • Import VAT
As the vehicle has been expertly treated to a selection of new parts as mentioned below, the paperwork will also include workshop labour and parts invoices, along with parts invoices from O’Neill Vintage Ford Parts. The car will come with its well-earned certificate of authenticity as stated and recognised by the Ford Model A Club of GB, as well as the required V5C document. 

The Interior

Being inside this vehicle is a very enjoyable experience, and leaves you wondering if you’ve perhaps gone back in time. It cannot be stressed how incredible the condition of the original interior truly is, with the only noticeable flaw being a small mark to the headlining. Whilst we’re mentioning the headlining, it is worth noting that this vehicle was also treated to two new ash roof supports back in 2020. 

All seats are not only in brilliant condition but are also exceptionally comfortable and spacious. Door cards and carpets are in very impressive condition, with no noticeable marks either. All door handles, window winders and door stays follow suit with the rest of the interior, and appear to have barely been used. Due to the colour of the interior, it’s also a surprisingly bright cabin and is no doubt perfect for sunny drives out. 
A quick glance towards the dash will reveal the addition of a 1928 clock, which the current owner has fitted using the existing mounting points. Should the new owner wish to remove the clock, the item can simply be removed with basic tools and will leave no signs that it was ever fitted. The driver is also treated to an original red wooden steering wheel, which is a particularly well-sought after piece of kit from the very earliest Model A examples. It should go without saying that the steering wheel is also in brilliant condition, and has been very well preserved over the years, much like the full car. As an added bonus, this vehicle also comes with an original brass jack, which currently sits comfortably under the driver’s seat.

Just above the passenger’s view sits a plaque from the Ford Model A Club of GB, which serves as proof of validation for the vehicle’s authenticity. A representative of the club traveled to verify this Model A was an original vehicle and took a great amount of time and attention in doing so.

For all the prospective buyers out there; you’re getting the real deal here. 

The Exterior

The exterior of this vehicle is simply stunning. The combination of red paintwork, black arches, and chrome trim pieces ties the exterior together and attracts attention from onlookers wherever the car ventures. It’s difficult to believe that this Model A is nearly 100 years old, as the roof looks brand new, the tyres have barely seen the road, and the paintwork is in a condition that would rival a great number of cars on the road today. 
The car has also never been driven in the rain, and the vehicle’s underside is a true testament to that fact, with no signs of rust or wear. The chrome trim pieces all around the car’s exterior are also a clear example of the car’s care-filled past, with none of the typical signs of wear and tear. 
You would certainly be hard-pressed to find an example of this historically significant car in greater condition in today’s market.

The Mechanics

Having been very well cared for over the years, this Ford Model A is in excellent mechanical condition, with no known faults whatsoever. The current owner has certainly dedicated plenty of time and effort to ensure the car performs perfectly, fitting several new parts along the way, some courtesy of O’Neill Vintage Ford in Leicester. After being imported into the country, the car was treated to a new head gasket, skimmed manifolds, new hoses, and even a rebuilt distributor with new points & plugs. 
It should go without saying that the vehicle drives well without hesitation and pulls along quite nicely. The current owner has also ensured the car’s fuel mixture is set up perfectly for first-time starts and smooth driving, ready for the new owner to take to the road.
In terms of electrical components, prospective buyers will be pleased to know that every instrument and item works without issue. The car’s known past has also been free of electrical gremlins too, having only needed new wiring for the headlights after the current owner identified a short with the original wiring.

Other than the parts mentioned above, the car has needed nothing other than 2 new ash supports for the roof back in 2020, purely due to the age of the vehicle. Throughout its current ownership, the car has been meticulously maintained by a Ford Model A expert & enthusiast and has been treated to everything it’s needed and more.
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The Appeal

Given the Ford Model A’s significance in motoring history, this is certainly a car that should be considered by any collector or enthusiast. To find a well-running example in the same condition as this stunning example here today, would be an exceptionally difficult task. 

This Model A is in near-perfect condition, runs and performs exactly as intended, and needs absolutely nothing to be enjoyed by its new owner. 
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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Auction Details

  • Year1928
  • MakeFord
  • ModelModel A Tudor
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer69,064 Miles
  • Engine size3300cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownDarlington
  • CountyDurham
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

23 Bids

Gary ga••••
Bid
£13,500
11/04/22
goldens••••
Bid
£13,250
11/04/22
Gary ga••••
Bid
£13,000
11/04/22
goldens••••
Bid
£12,250
11/04/22
Gary ga••••
Bid
£12,000
11/04/22
goldens••••
Bid
£9,000
11/04/22
Gary ga••••
Bid
£8,750
11/04/22
morris.••••
Bid
£8,650
11/04/22
Metasso••••
Bid
£8,420
11/04/22
palmer.••••
Bid
£8,250
11/04/22

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