Ford Model A - a 1920s car which changed the world

Ford Model A
By the time the Model A came to fruition, Ford already had an enormous triumph: the Model T - so making sure the Model A was not only just as good, but better, was a tall order.
The new car was aimed at not only the emerging world of motorists across the globe, but the Model T driver who wanted something a bit more modern and Ford recognised the challenge and created an entirely new car - there are no parts shared between the T and A.
Which made this new car an incredibly exciting and modern prospect. In fact, Henry Ford described the evolution of the A so new for the company, it was wiping the slate clean and starting over again.
The car launched in the winter of 1927 for American buyers and essentially, the public went wild. Over 10 million people went to see the new car in the first week and the public gatherings were so excitable, the police were called to help keep the calm and keep the traffic flowing! I just don’t think we can compare that to anything launching today - it must’ve been an unbelievable sight.
However, despite getting it so right with the design, Ford had a hiccup: they hadn’t quite anticipated the sales volume and the new Rouge manufacturing complex was behind on orders until middle of 1929 - when the line was at full capacity churning out around 9,000 cars per day.
The new car was designed for the new roads being built and could achieve a top speed on the 3.3 engine of around 65 miles per hour and the engine was achieving around 40bhp. Which was very decent for the time and allowed motorists a considerable range of travel. The engine was paired with a fully crash 3 speed sliding gear manual box with reverse.
There are rod brakes and drums all round and it’s worth noting that whilst this sports the 3.3 engine - that wouldn’t have been a common sight in Britain.
The British cars were mainly fitted unless otherwise specified with the 2043cc engine which had a horsepower of 28. You might be wondering why they did this - well - the British taxation system of the time was related to the fiscal horsepower of the car and for each fiscal horsepower, there was £1 per annum to be paid in tax. If Ford had gone with the 3.3, it would’ve really pushed the tax up on the car and make it an unattractive prospect for the majority of buyers.
Overall, this meant Ford in Europe didn’t sell as well as it did in America, because they weren’t marketing a like for like product and that smaller engine really did hamper the appeal.
After a blinding launch in the December of 1927, the production ended in March 1932 with over 4.8 million of the As made and sold worldwide.
Nearly 100 years later, the car is still a huge favourite of many people across the globe, with many still in regular use as daily drivers, show cars and hot rodded motors.

[@frenchfriar]

Steph, the absolute joy on your face the whole time you were driving says what fun it must be to drive one of these old ladies. I think you did a fantastic job!

[@lordleonusa]

This has been one of the best videos that you have made, these model A's are wonderful little cars, and I'm sure that once you've got used to the pedal arrangement etc, they are a ball to drive.

[@clarebrookes314]

❤️ ahh My word Steph, tears rolling down my face again after watching this! Brilliant. You did incredibly well to get in and just get on with it. Your driving skill whilst giving adhock commentary 👏. Your hat just had me cracking up. I tend to drive with the screen down these days. Well done, I would love to see the out-takes!! 😂

[@Chewy1986123]

That’s fantastic what a great video 👍👍👍

[@AlbertMeza]

Well done, Steph! You were brilliant at driving the old girl. I simply adore car chicks, they rule!😎

[@Apollo949]

Great to see you drive a real vintage car that's beyond the memories of virtually all people these days. Thank you for an amazing video and virtually putting us in the driving seat of almost a century old car.

[@ianford2383]

Great video Steph

[@lesklower7281]

A totally different driving experience is the Model A Ford with the accelerate and brake in opposite positions l could never get my head around that but you do give a great insight into what these old cars are really like to drive

[@gregscally5119]

Wow!! I am lost for words in admiration, Steph.

[@Stephenb033]

What an excellent ride. So enjoyable to watch.

[@Vince_uk]

You never cease to surprise Steph, great video.

[@patrikez1]

Nice of that lovely lady from azerbaijan to show us the A.

[@georgejohnson1498]

The second best thing to actually driving a car like this is to watch Steph have such fun doing it in stead! Thanks and best wishes from George

[@chrispenn715]

Well done Steph - those pedals look a real challenge! Nicely done.

[@alansimpson835]

Good job. Not only did you manage to make it move - something I'm not sure I could - but you managed to properly drive it and talk at the same time. Huge respect. It looked like you were having a lot of fun too

[@josephmifsud8261]

Another brilliant video. Well done to Claire for taking this on and for you to get behind the wheel of this classic beauty

[@allanmollison6971]

What a beauty of a car, thanks again for sharing Steph 😊👍

[@mikeparkercreative5136]

I have a 1930 model A Coupe.....I love it so much! So much fun....and so beautiful

[@garyharding1261]

Oh My Goodness Steph ! That was a Great Video and must say your "Multi-tasking Skills" are excellent ! How did you get your head round that pedal arrangement! Well Done "SuperSteph" A Brilliant Video 👍 🏁

[@joeseeking3572]

Well done :) Here in the US these are still incredibly common. Reasonably inexpensive, easy to work on, everything is available, tons of variations made and still to choose from. There's an annual local show near me that has a whole contingent of Model A's - maybe 40-50 in all (it's a pretty big show). A lot of T's too, but you can drive the A so much more easily. But the first thing to do is get those rod brakes iin good order :) Interestingly some states initially threatened to keep the A off roads as there were safety concerns about that cowl fuel tank - perhaps not the best engineering idea (Ford: gravity flow = no fuel pump = save $$)

[@russelmaclean4416]

You did a great job of driving the A. They are a lot of fun. Have two a 1930 Tudor and a1930 Standard Roadster. You always have a great variety of cars and never shy away from pre war cars. It's becoming a Hallmark for you.

[@RonaldThomas-j9g]

it's so wonderful to see you enjoy a1920's classic car and that it has really put a big smile on your face and that you had loads of fun.

[@timdailey2571]

So glad you enjoyed your outing with a model A. I haven’t driven mine in years, but driving it with the windshield (windscreen) folded down makes one’s imagination run wild - a true adventure. In case any of your viewers are wondering, the ‘29 roadster you drove us basically stock, but has 1932 front wheels (18”) and 1935 rear wheels (16”). That is typical of postwar hot rods. ‘28-29 A’s used 21” wheels, and ‘30-31 A’s used 19” wheels. Thank you for your many wonderful videos Steph!

[@michaelhalsall5684]

I noticed a "V8" logo on the rear wheels and thought ""what?" because it should be a V8. Your comments explain it.

[@spidejohnson8345]

Thanks

[@loveisall5520]

As with the Ford model T, the model a was built with such high-quality that it has allowed so many of these to become survivors. You seem awfully brave to be driving with that windscreen up!

[@fredeverett4340]

Brilliant vlog Steph. Great demonstration of double declutching too. Model T next?

[@BelfastMurf]

I’d have been terrified to take that out on the public roads! I’m sure I’d have hit the accelerator instead of the brake at a crucial moment. It’s a beautiful car.

[@gary1705]

Both are simply gorgeous 😉

[@adamjones8684]

I own a 1920 Dodge Brothers, 1921 Model T Ford and a 1929 Chevrolet sedan. Love my vintage cars

[@ARCHSTANTON61]

you did great steph..

[@adriansweet3359]

You did brilliantly to drive and talk at same time everything in wrong place pedal wise. We'll done

[@woodrow60]

My father’s first car was a Model A Ute in the late 1940s. Still remembers it fondly. I’m really enjoying your presentations on the older vehicles.

[@bobspeller2225]

That was a good piece of driving Steph, Have a good week Bob

[@seanmcgivney7631]

Fantastic adventure, thank you, Steph !

[@seanhumfrey]

Excellent film Steph, confirming what I have always thought, you are an excellent driver with real mechanical sympathy. 👍

[@jedtayloruk]

I have a 1928 Chevrolet. It’s very similar to the model A, same pedal layout and tricky downshifts. Well done, it’s quite a learning curve!

[@LesterLovesWatches]

When did the pedal layout that we know today become more standard on cars?

[@jedtayloruk]

I think by the late 30s/early 40s everyone was singing from the same hymn sheet regarding pedal layout.

[@daviemaclean61]

Superb. Very Cruella de Ville with the wind mixing your hair and hat! ;-) I don't fancy that rumble seat though.

[@mbrettharris5168]

I love all of your reviews, Steph. But this is the first one that had me laughing all the way through the drive! Great work, loved it!

[@clarebrookes314]

I was trying to film while having hysterics at Steph, her hat and hair. So funny, the out takes would be worthy of a watch I'm sure!

[@nigelmulvee994]

Steph, thank you for showing this wonderful car. A gorgeous classic and well done for lady who owns car, ☺ suits you as well driving it Steph, 👍

[@sambone8194]

Henry Ford was forced to develop the A because Chevrolet was attracting people with their sliding-gear transmission and better-finished bodies. Left to his own devices, the elder Mr. Ford would have kept on with the T. Chevrolet's introduction of "A Six For The Price Of A Four" in 1929 sounded the death knell for the A. Ford leapfrogged the competition with the 1932 V8, and leapt ahead of every other volume carmaker in the US.

[@warmstrong5612]

If Henry Ford had his way, there would've been Model T's until at least 1941. Henry hated the Model A seeing no reason not to continue T production almost indefinitely.

[@prins_af_danmark]

PROBABLY THE MOST INTERESTING TEST DRIVE. I GOT WORRIED!

[@johnoksys7713]

Good video Steph Good to see you driving something different & you look fabulous ❤I enjoy your variety of videos

[@marial8235]

That was a lot of fun, Steff👍

[@flamingvans1135]

Queen Steph I, you shifted that non-synchro Model A transmission like a pro! I can only think of one word for Model A roadsters of that era... jaunty! And a rumble seat besides.

[@tunneltug]

Another brilliant video thanks Steph

[@pauldeacy9989]

Extreme bravery! Great vid

[@johncaldwell-wq1hp]

I own a 1930 Model A Coup'e --you did really well !!-I'm always "crunching-gears"-it's a non -syncro"box--but you drove like you owned it!!--well done (P.S=where can I get a hat like yours ??)

[@shaunw9270]

Brilliant to watch the constant look of concentration throughout that drive. What a great unmodified car .

[@johnjtm1097]

As brave as ever Steph. It looks as though you were really enjoying that drive, just as much as I was watching you. Great job!.

[@darrenoak7187]

Amazing to watch, thankyou for sharing.

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

well done steph amazing car amazing job !!

[@markkimberley3083]

Wow well that was fantastic and funny to boot you did a great job driving that car giving us commentary on how to drive it

[@alexandrecouture2462]

It looks like Steph is going 300 mph in this car, even if it's not possible! :) Have fun!

[@garycorbin2789]

Always wanted a Three window Coupe ,

[@anthonytallarida4192]

A model Roadster is awsome Steph i really thibk it suits you

[@alecporter1784]

Great courage taking it for a drive

[@kevinlindsay7967]

Well done, you mastered a handbrake start first time, very tricky on the model A!

[@uncomfortableconversations2613]

Well done Steff I don't think I could have done any better . Much appreciated❤Alex

[@theden0minat0r]

Thank you for making such a great video.

[@keithmountain9437]

The lhd U.S. Model A Ford had the accelerator in the usual position on the right with the brake in the centre. When the car was redesigned for rhd it was found that it was easier in manufacture to position the throttle pedal in the centre.

[@trailingarm63]

In the years just after WW2 my father was serving his apprenticeship in an engine reconditioning shop in Flintshire, North Wales. The local taxi driver brought his decrepit, Model A-based taxi in to have its engine rebuilt. My dad knew it had been rebuilt many times before and was knackered. He spoke to the boss of the firm and pointed out there was a bigger engine in the firm's scrapyard which would fit the taxi (probably the US 3.3). The boss said: "If you think it will work give it a go." They did so without telling the taxi driver. When he resumed driving he was overwhelmed by the increase in power. He decided my dad was a genius and told all his customers his car had been rebuilt in the best reconditioning shop in Britain.

[@theshowmanuk]

Great fun !

[@sellier-bellot22]

Well done !!!🥸

[@collinhunter9792]

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!!!!! and im talking about me at home!!!!!!!!!!! excellent , Steph, thank you very much for that. I was also a bit emotional during the ride, like as though i was driving myself. lots of love , new zealand

[@neville132bbk]

From Levin... Growing up in Dunedin ,, in the early 60s a family down the street had a beautiful chocolate coloured Durant.from the mid-late 20s at a guess.. never seen a Durant since.

[@upyaronson]

well done steph love your videos better than me id bugger it up

[@gryfandjane]

Thanks, Steph! It’s interesting to see the British version of the A. Here in the US, we had the “normal” pedal layout.

[@crashbox7130]

I thought that was the case. Even though I don't own a Model A I do watch Paul Shinn's YT channel (he's based in California) and was sure the pedal layout was 'conventional'. I own a 1932 Morris Minor which originally had a centre throttle pedal, but has been converted to 'normal' layout.

[@clarebrookes314]

As far as I know the RHD pedals are this layout because of space available. There is more room for an accelerator on a left hooker because it comes into the middle of the car. If you notice that on the steering column there are two levers, the left is adv/ret and the right is throttle, a sort of cruise control of its time but without the auto return to off when you brake!

[@crashbox7130]

@@clarebrookes314 Yeah, the throttle lever is pretty much a throwback to the Model T which didn't have a throttle pedal. Driving a T is definitely on my Bucket List. If you can drive a Tin Lizzie you can drive anything!! 🤣

[@JamesAllmond]

and old Henry fought tooth and nail against his son Edsel about that car... Edsel was right and won, of course...

[@graemew7001]

it would certainly take some concentration to remember the pedal switch around but other than that I think the A would be a dream to drive, I would be so aware of the brakes though so would drive it watching ahead at all times to ensure I could stop it.

[@runoflife87]

Hmm, interesting experience for sure. How many RHD Ford Model A survived as for today? And I'm curious about early 30's Ford model 18/40 - have they ever been assembled in the UK?

[@kdl1066]

Quite a few south Africa, Uruguay, Argentina, Australia but not many uk ones.

[@Kkjhg226]

Steph you are amazing what a narrator

[@AdamMacleod83]

Such a beautiful car, the colours are reminiscent of my old Citroen 2cv Charleston. Big chunky back tyres were a surprise. 😍

[@oxfamshop]

Great video .

[@chrislee2221]

Do like a Ford model A especially the pick up versions. Maybe a good idea to learn and practice the art of double de clutching , it's much needed on a model A changing up or down.

[@user-me5nh2sm9r]

Thank you Steph. I guess that's very rare in RHD and a challenging drive with the pedals. Lovely to see a near 100 year old car out and about.

[@leedale4008]

You did an excellent job of driving it,I would have been in a ditch blubbering like a small child 👍😉

[@stephenricketts7764]

What a wonderful old car. Once you got your head around the break and throttle positions you really seemed to enjoy the drive or was that smile just because the windscreen was open? 😁 For anyone thinking of buying a Model A all the parts are available, every nut and bolt. Just one thing to mention is that the cooling system is not pressurised so no fear when removing the radiator cap. I hope Clair has a great summer racing this old girl as I am sure she will have a lot of fun. Thanks Steph for another excellent review. 👍👍

[@clarebrookes314]

Thank you! I hope to make good use of the old jalopy. I might even buy me a big ole fluffy hat 😄

[@nlpnt]

Not all Model As have the central accelerator pedal, apparently only the UK-built ones do.

[@michaeltutty1540]

I caught one issue with this car. The right rear hubcap is from a 1932 or newer Ford, not a Model A. The hubcap has the V8 embossed while the Model A was strictly a 4 cylinder. I have to say, I have been grinning like an idiot from the first time you turned the key. What a superb video, Steph. A super car, too. Be glad you didn't have to switch to magneto and crank start. That looked like do much fun! Imagine being able to join one of the mammoth around the world Model A tours! I did chuckle when you said about getting into something more modern, your Morris Minor. I guess it is all relative! Keep up the good work. You are even more of a gem than the cars you drive.

[@RogerWarren-ec2ql]

Real.good.steph.from.australia❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@anthonystevens8683]

You did really well Steph, I'm sure I would have made a right dogs breakfast out of trying to drive it. I love this little car, simplicity at its best where you stand a fighting chance of fixing it on the roadside if it has a mardy moment. For a quick speedo fix just get a cheap old phone with GPS on it and stick it to the err... oh the windscreen is open, scratch that, fix the speedo at some point. Many thanks for sharing. I'm probably wrong (I'm a tad old and that's my excuse) but didn't these maybe as an option have the dickie rear seats in the boot?

[@clarebrookes314]

Ahh damn it, I wondered where that phone went! I will fix the speedo. I know what the problem is. ...and yes, the roadster has got a dicky seat in the rear. I think it is up in part of the video. 😉

[@SuperRetroville]

Wow, i really enjoyed that Steph, thank you. Id love to have a go in a model A some time.

[@ourv9603]

No, it was the model T that changed the world. !

[@crashbox7130]

Can I just say Steph, VERY well done for driving a centre throttle with ease. A YT channel to watch if people are interested in Model As is Paul Shinn. He uploads videos on all aspects of A ownership. Think I noticed this car has wheel caps from a later V8 engined Ford.

[@clarebrookes314]

Well spotted, yes the hubcaps are different. I have watched most of Paul Shinns videos really informative. He's a very interesting chap.

[@alanbellwood3902]

1. I couldn't talk, learn the weird pedals and hold a hat on. 2. With the hair blowing back and melding with the white hat you had a Ginger Cruella Devillle thing going on.

[@01Cheyenne2009]

the car that killed the ev.

[@andreasbenning]

Fantastic video! I had no idea that RHD Model A's had a different pedal setup! Now you're ready to try a Model T!! They have the brake on the right, reverse in the middle, and the left pedal kind of is the gear lever, with low being pressed down, high gear released all the way up, and neutral in the middle, which is also where you can apply the parking brake. (please don't tell me there's yet another setup for RHD Model T's??) I had the opportunity to drive a 1914 T once, but I declined it. All I could see was me landing it in a ditch or hitting a wall. I fully believe that you're more brave and able than me! :) Thanks for uploading! Greetings from Sweden

[@rickshaw2779]

Very enjoyable video to watch. I often see a Model A driving around the town where I live and it seems to go very well.

[@stefantrnacek1394]

There was a song written about the Model A back in the day called "Henry made a lady out of Lizzie" The previous model the Model T was known as the Tin Lizzie.

[@PatDemitras]

Great video as per usual! I must ask why. Why didnt you have the winsheild down in place?

[@patpateephangern9379]

THANK YOU FOR THIS! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!!!!

[@johnryan-kl6xp]

What a pity about the wheels -should be on 21 inch not 16 for the right stance.

[@clarebrookes314]

I still have the originals, they are stored away. They won't be parted from the car.

[@85waspnest]

My Grandfather had the truck version known as the 'Ton Ford' in 1929. He used it to deliver coal to villages around North Yorkshire, assisted by my dad who often reminisced about their adventures.

[@presidente4388]

Driving old fiat 126 😊

[@cool386vintagetechnology6]

1:19 Not trying to be pedantic, but the ammeter and generator cut out were common to the T and A. Although not exactly the same parts, the three point suspension with transverse springs was also carried over from the T. The windscreen locked horizontally is a bit risky; I saw that on a Model T on a rally and it slammed shut cracking it. I don't think they're meant to be opened that far.

[@tomlooney1453]

These rims are not Model A. They are later Model B 1932+ and there is also no rear bumper.

[@gbentley8176]

Good drive there. You get used to the central accelerator very quickly, just do not look at your foot. My Alvis has a similar set up .

[@JamesAllmond]

hmmm, most American A's have he "gas pedal" on the right...but you lucky Brits or all RHD Model A's have center gas! Lucky you!

[@robertsmith9810]

The apple mac o its day

[@kdl1066]

Incorrect wheels not 21"

[@clarebrookes314]

Yes, I do have the original wheels stored away but to be kept with the car.

[@compo308]

“Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” ~ Henry Ford.

[@johnmiller4973]

That was the Model T up until about 1925. The Model A was always available in a variety of colors

[@johnd8892]

By an amazing coincidence, just today a quiz popped up on KZbin from Vintage Car History. The explanation they gave was : Though black was offered in 1913, it was the only colour available from 1914 to 1925. Confirming my memory that the earliest models were available in a range of brighter colours. An example I remember was the Matchbox Yesteryear model in red, early model car shows will also confirm. I also the "any colour as long as it was black" was also attributed to F.W. Webb around the 1880s in reference to his colour choice for his locomotives for the London and North Western Railway. That was the largest UK railway until the 1923 grouping had it amalgamate with other Railways and become the larger again London Midland and Scottish Railway. So who influenced who or just coincidence.

[@aarondodge1913]

This was awesome!!