​​1931 Model A Coupe

   In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Ford Model A was one of the most publicized and best-selling cars in America. It was sporty, attractive, well-built, and smooth-running compared to the Model T, which it replaced in the 1928 model year. 

   In the early 1920's, the plain, utilitarian Ford Model T far outsold other new cars and gave millions of working Americans the advantages of personal mobility. But by the mid-1920's, Ford's market share was shrinking because other automobile manufacturers offered stylish, sophisticated cars at low prices and enticements such as buying on credit.

   Henry Ford decided to replace the Model T with a new car that would attract as much attention as the "Tin Lizzie" once had. When the Model A debuted on December 2, 1927, thousands of people were eager to see for themselves that "Henry's made a lady out of Lizzie," and they stormed Ford showrooms. 25,000,000 Americans literally assaulted Ford showrooms in the span of just a week.

   The much anticipated 1928 Ford Model A was chic and sporty, and it had mechanical features that the Model T lacked: a three speed, sliding -gear transmission, four-wheel mechanical drum brake system, and hydraulic shock absorbers. The engine was a 201 c.i. L-head inline four-cylinder with water and oil pumps, and providing 40 h.p. The car could cruise comfortably at 40-45 mph, and top speed was around 65 mph. 

​   In less than two weeks there were 400,000 orders, and Henry Ford could not keep up with the demand for his latest "gift" to an increasingly mobile nation.

​   Despite the onset of the Depression, Model A production remained strong at 1,261,053 cars in 1930 but fell to 626,579 cars in 1931, the last year that the Model A was produced. Model A production ended in March, 1932, after 4,858,644 had been made in all body styles.

   Ford never again dominated the new-car market as it had at the height of the Model T's popularity; Chevrolet, Plymouth, and other makes proved to be formidable rivals in the 1930's and beyond. In the 1932 model year, Ford replaced the Model A with the Model B, which featured an updated four-cylinder engine, and the Model 18, which introduced Ford's new flathead V-8 engine.

   The Model A we have on display was donated by Tim and Jill Kietly.