A smart, prepared and capable car that was said to be “as speedy as it looks” in period promotion; the Ford Roadster was even sportier when folding the windshield and associated windwings flat. The rumbleseat was optional, but the same advertising declared this could be done inexpensively.
In 1930 and 1931, Ford offered two versions of its popular 40-B roadster body style: Standard and Deluxe. The difference was not so much in visible differences; either could be had with or without sidemounts, or with or without a rumbleseat. The principal difference was in the windshield and top. The Deluxe Roadster had a lower, somewhat racier top, such as seen with this particular car.
This 1931 Deluxe Roadster runs with the 200.5-cid, 40-hp inline four-cylinder engine with three-speed manual transmission. It has been meticulously restored to a high level in which “everything is like new, although the restoration was completed several years ago.” The car is presented in a “rare pastel yellow” with black fenders and tasteful pinstripe accents and vibrant orange wire wheels making for an eye-catching combination. The proper restoration can carry a long life and with that, the canvas convertible top, saddle brown leather interior, engine detail, paint and undercarriage are all still said to be in excellent condition.
This Model A has the rumbleseat (with leather) and dual sidemounts (with cloth covers) that are both popular accessories with owners and restorers alike; additional equipment includes trunk rack, dual taillights and cowllights, radiator mascot, horn and six new whitewall tires.
The popularity and beauty of the iconic Model A was due to its simplicity of design, high quality of materials and accuracy in manufacturing and assembly. They were built to endure and to faithfully serve their owners; this one is ready to carry on with that mission some 84 years later.