Known as the “Universal Car” for its simplicity and ubiquity, the Ford Model T no doubt possessed a certain charm; it was not exactly known for its style, however, especially by the time production wound down in 1927. The Model A that arrived for 1928 was greatly improved mechanically, most notably thanks to its 40-horsepower 200.5-cubic-inch inline four and sliding-gear three-speed transmission. The Model A also boasted a surprisingly diverse catalogue of available bodies, as even Henry Ford was forced to concede that aesthetics, too, helped sell automobiles.

Budget-minded buyers could get a basic Model A Tudor or Fordor sedan or a useful pickup truck, but Ford would also offer a rakish Phaeton and even a Town Car for those who preferred to be chauffeured! In 1930, the Model A Victoria joined the lineup. Immediately identifiable by its slanted “bustle back” rear end, the Victoria could be had in either cloth-topped (by Briggs) or steel-topped (by Murray) forms.

This first-year steel-topped Model A Victoria wears an older restoration in green, with dark green accents and black fenders. Bright green pinstripes highlight the body lines, and the color is carried over to the bright green wire wheels wrapped in whitewall tires; a matching spare is found at the rear. A flying quail mascot tops the radiator, adding just a bit of flash to the already quite stylish exterior. The interior is finished in light brown cloth, with a green, pinstriped dashboard bringing the attractive exterior colors into the cabin.

The Victoria was an uncommon body style when new, with 6,306 examples produced for the 1930 model year and 40,212 built in total; this represents a miniscule fraction of the over 4.8 million Model As produced in total. Survivors are coveted today, and there is even a club (the International Model A Ford Victoria Association) that caters specifically to this appealing body style.

Particularly in this striking color combination, this 1930 Victoria will stand out at any Model A gathering. It offers its next owner to sample one of the rarer variants of Ford’s highly influential, smash-hit Model A.