Frequently Asked Questions
"Would you help me buy a Model A Ford?"
"Would you help me sell a Model A Ford?"
"Would you help me price a Model A Ford?"
"How fast will she go?"
Why is this always asked? Speed is important, I guess. We are usually
asked this while stopped at a traffic light and someone just wants to
ask something - anything. Our answer? "We average 40 to 45 miles per
hour on tours." Of course, some cars have high compression engines and
have been known to get going on the Interstate Highways, but not our
"How much did you pay?"
Usually people do not ask so bluntly, but I suppose that casual observers are trying
to figure out if they might be able to afford one or is it totally
out of their price range. Our answer? For our 1928 Tudor Sedan, "we
have less than $10,000 invested." I have seen ads for Model A Fords for
as much as $26,500. "Basket cases" go for much less. Drivable Model
A's seem to range from as little as $6,000 to $16,000 and on up.
"How much will you take for it?"
We hadn't had our Model A Ford for 24 hours before people were wanting to
buy it from us. At first, our answer was, "She's not for sale." We told
one man in jest, "More than you can afford," then later wondered if the
old geezer had a fortune in oil wells or something. After all, this is Texas.
Lately, we've considered that if we could sell it to some fool for $24,000,
we could buy two pretty reasonable Model A Fords. First, though, we have
to find that fool.
"Is it original?"
This one is hard to answer. The engine is a Model A Ford engine, but
not original to the body. We have added wind wings which were an original
option. For safety, we added turn signals and seat belts neither of which
were even an option in 1928. The CB radio is an added safety feature
and is entertainment on tours. The 1956 Ford truck gearbox makes the
steering easier. Our answer to the "original" question? "Pretty much." If
they are really interested and we have the time, we will point out details.
"How often do you get to drive it?"
At least every weekend. We drive the Model A to all the club functions.
This includes tours, parades, monthly meetings, and breakfast gatherings.
The only thing we watch for is having to drive after dark. The winter weather
is mild enough here that the cold does not stop us. It
is just in the summers that it gets too hot for afternoon tours. Meanwhile,
we drive to breakfast every Saturday morning year 'round.
"Is this a Model T?"
Here is your chance to educate the American public. Since Henry Ford
made over 15 million "Tin Lizzies" between 1908 and 1927, it is
understandable that people think we are driving a Model T Ford. What is
not so well known is that Ford made over 4,320,000 Model A Fords in just
four years between 1928 and 1931. Our answer? "No, this is a 1928 Model
A Ford. Model T's were are even older."
"I thought Henry Ford said you could have any color car as long as it
was black?"
Another misconception. Henry Ford said that about his Model T Ford.
Model A Fords came in some standard colors and you could special order
different colors.
"Are parts hard to find?"
This one is easy. There are catalogs, swap meets, two international clubs,
and all their chapters. It is amazing what you can find out there. Since
you, dear reader, are here, you can start by surfing to this
links page. My answer? I hand them my business
card with my web pages listed.
Most Frequently Made Statements (while looking at a green 1928 Model
A Ford Tudor Sedan):
- "My father (uncle/brother/grandfather) drove a car just like
this one - except it was a blue Chevrolet that had four doors."
- "I courted my wife (first wife/sweetheart/first love) in a car
just like this one - except it was yellow with a rumble seat."
- "I learned to drive in a car just like this one - except it
was a red pick-up truck."
Most Frequently Misunderstood Statements:
What I say: "This is a '28 Ford."
What they say: "It is a 28-year-old Ford!?"
What I say: "This is a 79-year-old Ford."
What they say: "It is a '79 Ford!?"
Last updated on November 01, 2007 | 
