1931 Ford Model A, Tudor Sedan, Model 55B
Owner: Bernie and Janice Taulborg Collection
Original cost: $495.00 (In 1931: Average car cost, $640.00; average household income, $1,850.00; average home cost, $6,790.00; gallon of gas, 17 cents)
Number made: 148,225
Engine, etc.: 4 cyl.; 200.5 cid; 40 hp; 3-speed; 103.5 in. wheelbase; 2,375 lbs.
The name Model A was first used by Ford in 1903 when it was also known as the Fordmobile. Henry Ford had $28,000.00 in investment capital to start his new business. By the time he produced his first motorcar, he had only $223.65 left. Production of the first Model A generation lasted from 1903 through 1905 with 1,750 cars made.
Second generation Model A’s began production in 1927.
Near the end of the 1920’s sales began to slip for the Model T’s and Ford realized a new model was needed. Production ceased for six months as Ford retooled equipment and prepared to make the Model A. Production began on Oct. 20, 1927 and sales started in December, 1927.
The public eagerly awaited the sale of the new Model A’s and weren’t disappointed. The new model was a stylish and elegant vehicle designed by Henry Ford’s son, Edsel, who was president of Ford. It was more sophisticated and complex than the Model T.
Prices ranged from $385 to $570 for the various models available. These included a 2 or 3 window, Victoria, station wagon, truck, town car, convertible, phaeton, business coupe, sport coupe, roadster coupe and coupe.
With a 4-cylinder engine of over 200 cubic inches, its top speed was over 60 mph and it achieved a rather remarkable 40 miles-per-gallon of gas.
Production of the first million Model A’s was completed on February 4, 1929. Construction of the second million began on July 24, 1929.
On April 14, 1931 the 20-millionth Ford (a Fordor sedan) was produced. Revised styling included a smoother roofline and runningboards.
Model A’s were produced until Aug. 31, 1931, until replaced by the Model B.
Ford produced 4,320,446 Model A’s.
Source: Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1805 -1942. Beverly Rae Kimes, et al. 3rd ed. Krause Publications, 1996.
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z5912/Ford-Model-A.aspx
http://classiccardatabase.com/specs.php?series=712&year=1931&model=8157
https://www.conceptcarz.com/s5912/ford-model-a.aspx.aspx
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1930_Ford/dirindex.html (4 original brochures, 1930 models)
