The Ford Motor Company made very good cars and this splendid 1929 Fordor Saloon chassis number 196-15187 with engine number B538/669 is proof, if any were needed, that they were well engineered and built to last!
Model As are very driveable and this one is even better than a standard car as its four cylinder 3,285 cc Model A engine has been replaced with a more powerful Model B unit (please see Note ** below).
The car has 12v electrics and the dynamo has been replaced by an alternator plus it has been discreetly fitted with flashing indicators, USB connectors and a power socket.
It also has a stone guard for the radiator, a Quail mascot, a fold down rear luggage rack and all of the chromework is perfect.
Its striking yellow livery, TAXI windscreen plate and side panel with taxi fares came about as it featured as a New York cab in the 2016 film Genius starring Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman, Jude law and Laura Linney.
I think this looks like just the sort of car that you get in and go where you want. In summary it is an attractive, comfortable and reliable long distance car just as Henry Ford intended!
Another important thing to take into account is that Model A spare parts are very readily available in the UK and there is an excellent club where you can meet other owners socially and take part in events plus you can also get help and advice if you need it.
Note **
The Model B engine produces 25 % more power than the Model A unit (40 bhp rises to 50).
The engine rev range has risen from about 2200 for the Model A to 2800 for the B.
The Model B cylinder head is more efficient than the A
The Model B has a higher compression ratio than the A
The main bearings on the Model B engine are pressure fed
The Model B has a more robust crankshaft than the A
The Model B exhaust manifold is more efficient than the A
This technical information was given to the car’s owner by vintage Ford expert Mr John Buckley who wrote The Essential Buyer’s Guide to the Ford Model A