1931 Ford Model A Phaeton
Simplicity was the Phaeton's strength. As one of the lowest-priced Fords, it was certainly basic, but the basic goodness of the Model A design makes it special. In true late 1920's styling, a convertible top, running boards, and 4 square doors, lend themselves to "phaeton" meaning light and airy carriage or vintage touring car.
For consignment, a Gibbons replica of the 1931 Ford Phaeton. With a peppy Buick V6, TH350 3-speed automatic tranny, some marine Naugahyde interior, stainless fasteners throughout and a powder coated chassis this classic replica is ready for some serious head turning, smile making, push back in your seat miles.
Exterior
A fiberglass Gibbons body, bathed in Tuxedo black which is the deep end of the pool combines with Wescott fenders, a steel hood and grille shell, and a very nice black canvas top to make this modded rodded version of the Phaeton of yore. The original frame has been retained and powder coated, and when all was put back together careful attention to alignment and the use of all stainless steel nuts, bolts, washers and screws was utilized. A near perfect vertical ribbed stainless grille is framed by a black radiator surround and flanked by chromed headlights held together with a chromed bar which protects the grille. Below is a shiny mirror like bumper grounding the curved fenders which swoop upward, melt into a running board, and then into the rear fenders. A cowled hood, shaved doors and a smooth rear quarter complete the sides, and there are no faults to be seen. The rear of the car curves inward then back outward for the rear tank, and is flanked by the downward curving fenders with pointed oval vertical tail lights. Another curved bumper, excellent I might add, is framing the car on the bottom. Straw colored steel wheels with FORD-DELUXE chromed moon caps are on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the door and deep maroon Naugahyde reaches out for our hand to beg for a touch, and it is smooth and supple to the touch. A simple stitched panel provides the field to have the door handle and armrest/pull. Look ma! no window, no window crank! Inside we see tufted and buttoned tuck and roll low back buckets up front and matching bench in the back. The Naugahyde just gleams in its deep maroon jackets and is very inviting to have a sit for a bit. Upfront, a banjo style steering wheel with its 3 chromed spokes and black surround fronts a full black dash which has the instrument panel planted firmly in the center of the black field. An elongated oval which is machined aluminum with a swirl pattern, houses some lights and white faced round chromed bezeled Auto-Meter gauges. Below is a digital Sony AM/FM/CD player with a built-in equalizer. A calm sea of red Mercedes Benz carpet floods the floors and is just pristine and floats the Lokar small shaft shifter with a maroon Naugahyde boot in the center. Round machined pedals add to the look, and we are firmly planted into the 1930's.
Drivetrain
Don't be snookered by the smaller 3.8L V6 under the cowl, as every part was machined by a sprint car builder, then carefully assembled and blinged out to look just fab. And that's only the half of it, performance is off the rails with this beauty. Topped by a single 2-barrel carburetor, backed by the TH350 automatic trans, and a Ford 9-inch rear axle, lots of pent up torque can be released back to the rear tires with this rodder.
Undercarriage
Nearly a work of automotive art is seen underneath, as powder coating and attention to detail was paid to this area. An all new chromed front rack and pinion steering and suspension is upfront with Willwood front disc brakes. On back is a 4 link system and drum brakes. Throughout the entire bottom end, it's hard to ignore the totally stainless shiny exhaust on this car.
Drive-Ability
The V6 powered Ford lit right up and on the test track has a surprising amount of power probably due to all the machining during its build. The transmission shifted smoothly, had a smooth cruise and steering was nice and tight. A test panic stop yielded a short distance to accomplish this and was bias free. All was in perfect working order.
A Gibbons/Wescott/some steel body, all buttoned up frame and mechanicals. Definitely a turn the key, crack a smile, and be on your merry way. And press the accelerator for a larger smile!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.