My first drive in a 1930 Ford Model A

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A Ford Model A convertible from our grandparents’ era. Is it really such a nice car? Is it an experience in itself? Sven Baas found out for himself in his first drive in a PreWarCar and gives us his first impression.

What is an A-Ford?

The Ford Model A, or A-Ford, is well known in the world of classic cars. One reason, for sure, is that almost 5 million of them were built from 1927 to 1931. Where else can you find a car with as many as 40 different varieties of bodywork? Best known is the popular Tudor with 1.2 million of them having been made. Of course, there are also some other popular models, like the Roadster and the Phaeton. The Ford Model A is the successor of the Model T, built from 1908 to 1927. A great advantage of a Model A is that spare parts can be bought practically all over the world, and there is a lot of documentation on it. There are many active clubs, and so the know-how is closer than you may expect.

The powerful 4-cylinder engine has 3,300 cc and produces some 40 hp. The gearbox has 3 gears and is not synchronised. Each wheel has its own brake, and it has 6 volt electrics.

That's enough about numbers. When you get in you meet with the authentic odour at once. We decide to leave the canvas top open because the gods have some fine weather in store for us. As the car has no heating, we wear our winter coats just in case. The sun is shining and with such a blue sky the Ford takes the lead by 1-0. It struck us that this version has the luxurious Dicky Seat. This backseat can be set in a position to accommodate two more passengers, to fit a total of four on a beautiful day like today.

Ready? Here we go.

Getting started is reminiscent of old times. We find there is a choke. Just like in my first car, a 1983 VW Polo, which brings back sweet memories. It also requires the ignition advancer to be set to the maximum position with the lever at the wheel, and the petrol jet must be go to its maximum position as well. The cold engine needs some extra fuel to warm up. We switch the ignition on with the key, but the actual starting is done with the foot. This start button is positioned over the accelerator, and, of course, must be activated by foot. When the engine runs, the advancer can be put back into its 0-position, and you adjust the jet to the engine. That this can be done is quite handy, for example when you tour the mountains and the engine then needs extra fuel. Well, we are now all set, and after some miles, I get the hang of it. Sometimes my left knee touches the steering wheel, but I am almost 2 meters tall, which is a bit more than average. Especially compared with the people 90 years ago.

The car drives smoothly, everything is working well, it steers precisely and the speed is good. In no time we do 50. Oops, these are miles. Take it easy.

We drive on and notice the beauty of the Northern Dutch roads, undulating and challenging. On days like these, you realise what a fine part of the country this is.

Double-clutching and intermediate gas?

As the gearbox is not synchronised, we need to use double clutching. In the beginning, you have to get used to this, but after driving some ten minutes I was used to it. Rev-matching by touching the throttle is another challenge. It is a way of moving to a lower gear without synchronisation. To put it briefly: the rotational speed of the secondary and main shafts must be more or less equal. Then the cogs can be easily shifted (if the clutch is applied), and with a little revving, the box can be put into a lower gear. This prevents the gnashing scream of the gearbox. This also holds good for this Ford Model A. We note that the third gear is powerful and can be used at many speeds.

Strong characteristics

With its authentic looks, this car is welcome at all car shows. Our car has a surprisingly smooth way of moving and the 3.3-litre engine is a pleasure. Spare parts are no problem wherever you are, and if well maintained, it will keep its value. You can see it as a user-friendly investment, presenting lots of pleasure. And the full Dicky Seat provides for the whole family.

Weak points

The appliance of double-clutching may take some getting used to. But if you want to avoid grinding gears, it must be mastered. Tall drivers can keep contact with the wheel via the left knee.

Conclusion

A fine no-nonsense car that can be bought at a reasonable price if you take the time to look around. In spite of the absence of power steering, it handles quite easily. If anyone wants to use this car on a daily basis, there should be regular maintenance. Our test drive was a successful experience. Now we just need to find a reason not to buy this Ford Model A.

Words by Sven Baas. Photos by Juri Catricum (the young boy).

Would you like to experience for yourself what it is like to drive a Ford Model A? See all Ford cars for sale in our online marketplace.

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