For 1930, Henry Ford’s Model A was modestly redesigned. The hood line was raised, allowing a larger radiator, which was given a new stainless-steel shell. Smaller, 19-in. wheels let the car ride lower. Roadster and phaeton models gained fold-down windshields, and DeLuxe and Standard roadsters had different roof lines. The DeLuxe had a shorter windshield and lower profile top, making it the sportier and jauntier of the two.
In addition, Model As could be dressed up with a number of factory accessories and many, like this 1930 roadster, were. This car is equipped with a rumble seat, dual side-mount spares with stainless steel covers and mirrors, cowl lamps, winged Ford script MotoMeter, radiator stone guard, running board step plates, rear luggage rack with leather-covered trunk, and full rear bumper. Its engine number dates to November 1930, and thus it has the new-style instrument cluster and vacuum windshield wipers introduced earlier in the year.
The car presents well in rose beige, a tinted shade of tan, over black fenders, with dark green moldings bearing straw pinstriping. The straw-colored wheels are mounted with 4.75 × 19 Universal whitewalls. An older restoration, the paint exhibits a few flaws, the tires are older and there are some water stains on the tan canvas top. The interior and rumble seat have correct brown pleated artificial leather, complemented by brown carpet on the floor of the cockpit. The engine is currently disassembled, but the parts are included, in addition to an Instruction Book and a notebook of Model A Judging Standards.
Ford built 124,214 roadsters for 1930, just 11,313 of them the DeLuxe model. This one, once it is running, will delight its new owner. Model A Fords are tremendous fun, easy to maintain, accelerate swiftly, and keep up with all but superhighway traffic. The full effect is felt in an open car, none more enjoyable than this one, particularly in the rumble seat.