As a worthy heir to the legendary Model T, the Model A exceeded all company expectations and again made Ford the leader in a difficult time, overtaking Chevrolet.
St.Louis Car Museum
The Ford Model A (colloquially known as the A-model or A) became the company’s second success after its triumphant predecessor, the “Tin Lizzie”. It appeared on October 20, 1927, but was presented to the general public on December 2. In the first year of production, it was available in four standard colors and was immediately favored by the customers. Already on February 4, 1929, one million As were sold, and by July 24 – two million! Body styles ranged from the Tudor (starting at $500) to the twin hood city car ($1200). 1930 was a record year: in March, sales of the vehicle reached three million, and nine body styles were available.
Source: Volo Auto Museum
No wonder the second decade of the 20th century was called “roaring”. Already in the 20s, the automobile ceased to be something unusual. Automakers were striving to attract customers with more powerful engines, attractive designs, additional equipment, and comfort improvements. Thanks to the “Tin Lizzie ” Henry Ford achieved phenomenal success, gaining a foothold at the top of the US automotive market for a full 18 years. However, over the years this vehicle was outdated, and Ford began to rapidly fall behind the Chevrolet brand, owned by General Motors. In such conditions, the “Tin Lizzie” ‘s only advantage was its low price, but many customers preferred to pay $150 extra and buy a Chevrolet. The “Blue oval” was forced to recognize the need to replace the legendary automobile. The company was confident that the new vehicle should not be inferior to competitors in all respects, including a low price. In 1927, the brand stopped its factories for 6 months to prepare equipment for the release of the next mass car. Logically, as a successor to the “Tin Lizzie”, it should have been called the “U”, but the company started the product designation from scratch to emphasize a colossal step forward. The vehicle’s chassis was designed from scratch and made from stamped sheet steel, which did not have the same strength as the Model T. However, to reduce the cost, Henry Ford had to face it: besides, he had already entrusted the new project to his son Edsel. At the end of 1927, the new automobile was presented to the public, and the company’s assembly line restarted work again. Already in 1929, the company built the 2 millionth A and again outsold Chevrolet.
Source: Heritage Museums & Gardens
During the entire period of production (1927-1931), the only change in the car was the introduction of a radiator grille and headlight housings made of stainless steel in 1930. The machine was equipped with an in-line 4-cylinder lower valve L-head engine with a volume of 3286 cm3, with a cast-iron block and head, electric ignition, and one carburetor. The motor developed 40 hp and was equipped with 3-speed manual transmission. In the European market, its volume has been reduced to 2033 cm3 to avoid excessive taxes. However, this automobile still sold poorly abroad, as it was too big and expensive for its class, and did not match the comfort level of more luxurious vehicles. However, there were plants in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Australia, Canada, and Argentina. The company offered a wide range of bodies: Tudor and Fordor sedans, 3-window Business Coupe, 5-window Coupe, Sport Coupe with a soft roof center, 2 or 4-door chaises, roadster, open roadster pickups, regular pickups, Town Car, 2-door Convertible Sedan, Victoria, Panel Truck (Delivery) and wooden Station Wagon. Prices ranged from $385 for a roadster to $1,200 for a Town Car. Sedans, coupes, phaetons, roadsters, and pickups were available in Standard and Deluxe versions, distinguished by the quality of the interior and color scheme.
1930 was a record year: in March, sales of the vehicle reached three million, and nine body styles were available.
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