Original price: $9,995.00
On loan from: Bruce Slocum, Litchfield, NE
Number made: 5,000 approx. up to 1982
Engine, etc. 2.3 liter
This car is an authentic reproduction of the 1928 – 29 Model A Roadster mounted on a 1980 – 81 Ford drivetrain.
The fiberglass body was made directly from the original Model A Roadster, so it is an exact duplicate.
The replicas were built to order with no production surplus. Production was limited to 10,000 for U. S. sales. About 3,500 were made by September, 1980.
It is about 700 lbs. lighter than the 2.3-liter engine was designed for and was rated at 24/38 mpg. The drivetrain, suspension, steering, and brakes are 1980 – 81 Ford and the car could be serviced by any Ford dealer. It had a 12,000 mile or 12-month warranty.
The standard roadster cost $9,995.00, the deluxe and super standard were $10,595.00, and the pick-up model was $11,995.00.
The car is named after Harry J. Shay, a 30-year veteran automotive engineer who introduced Detroit mass production/lower cost techniques and expertise to the automotive reproduction industry.
Shay Motors filed for bankruptcy in 1982. The bankruptcy records stated that 5,000 roadsters had been produced. Camelot Motors Inc. purchased the equipment, etc. and restarted production.
From 1982 to 1993 Speedway Motors, Lincoln, Nebraska sold a roadster kit car called the “Modern A”.
Source: http://www.shayhistory.com/index.html
See also: http://www.shayhistory.com/1980page1.html (Original dealers’ brochure)