Henry Ford actually did not want to stop producing the Model T; rather, he was forced to do so by rival Chevrolet, who was building far sprightlier cars. Thus, the new Model A became available for the 1928 model year. After it was first introduced to the public on 2 December 1927, newspaper accounts told of nearly ten million Americans having gone to view the new car within the first 36 hours of its introduction.

Fast-forward to 1931, when nearly four million Model As had already been produced. And in typical Ford fashion, the company resisted making dramatic model changes from year to year. Ford preferred to make most of its changes on a running basis. As a result, the 1931 was little changed from the 1930 model.

Motivating the Model A was a 40 hp L-head four-cylinder engine and three-speed sliding gear-type transmission with floor shifter. Mechanical brakes were fitted at all four wheels, and transverse leaf springs supported solid axles front and rear. The tidy package sat upon a 103.5-inch wheelbase. Soaring in popularity was the DeLuxe roadster, Model 40 (D1), which was introduced in the summer of 1930. Sales accounted for 52,997 units, nearly 10 times the number of Standard roadsters built.

Finished in the most desirable color combination of Washington Blue with straw wheels and pinstripes, this jaunty Model A is well equipped with wind wings, quail radiator mascot, accessory trunk, whitewall tires, and dual side-mount spares with chrome tire bands. Formerly part of the Clyde Ensor collection, it has been driven and enjoyed by the consigner and stored in a climate-controlled environment while in his possession.