1930 Ford Model A

This 1930 Ford Model A 5-window coupe was transformed into a street rod with a 4-inch chop by a previous owner in 1988. It is based on an aftermarket TCI frame and outfitted with original steel bodywork that was painted orange and features pinstripes applied by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, the creator of the Rat Fink hot rod character. A reproduction 1932 Model A grille sits in front of an exposed 454ci V8 that has been enlarged into a balanced 468 running aluminum heads, a forged crankshaft, Probe forged pistons, hydraulic roller lifters, and more, and puts its power to the road through a TH350 automatic transmission and a 9-inch Ford rear axle with a limited-slip differential and 4.11 gears. The cloth and vinyl interior is equipped with white-faced VDO gauges, a Pioneer audio system, and a B&M shifter. Now available from a selling dealer, this award-winning custom Model A comes with documentation, trophies it won, and a clear Utah title.

Unveiled to the public in December of 1927 as the lower and sleeker successor to the Model T, the 1928 Model A was the first Ford vehicle to feature the blue oval logo and came equipped with a Triplex shatterproof windshield and hydraulic shocks. This modified Model A from the 1930 model year features a steel body with a 4-inch chop finished in orange and accented with pinstripe details and a Rat Fink logo that were reportedly applied by Ed Roth. Features include round headlights in stainless steel housings, a reproduction 1932 Model A grille, dual side exhaust outlets, side mirrors mounted to the doors, and teardrop-shaped taillights.

WELD Racing wheels are at all four corners and come wrapped in Firestone tires in the front and wider Mickey Thompson rubber in the back.

Inside, the Model A is furnished with black carpeting, a modern beige cloth and vinyl bench seat with two headrests, and two-tone cream and brown side paneling and headliner, as well as matching trunk compartment trim. Equipment includes manual windows, a silver 3-spoke "banjo" steering connected to a body-color tilt steering column and manual rack and pinion steering, a Pioneer audio head unit, and a floor-mounted B&M shifter.

In the middle of the woodgrain dash panel is a black fascia plate that surrounds six white-faced VDO gauges that include a 120-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and readouts for the fuel level, voltage, water temperature, and oil pressure. According to the selling dealer, there are 0 miles on the odometer; true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

Power is generated by a 454ci big-block Chevrolet engine that has been balanced and enlarged to a 468ci displacement and features a variety of newer parts, such as a shotgun intake with body-color flaps, aluminum heads, a forged crankshaft, Probe forged pistons, hydraulic roller lifters, and COMP cams. Additional equipment includes a Mallory electronic ignition system, an Edelbrock Street Tunnel Ram Intake Manifold, and a pair of Edelbrock 500-cfm carburetors as well as a high-volume water pump and an oversized aluminum radiator. The engine draws gas from a 10-gallon fuel cell in the trunk and puts its power to the road through a 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission and a narrowed 9-inch Ford rear end with a limited-slip differential and 4.11 gears.

Underpinnings are comprised of an aftermarket TCI frame that is reported to have cost $9,500, custom-length Moser axles with Moser bearings, an independent front suspension with coilovers, and rear coilovers. A 4-wheel disc brake conversion with new drilled front rotors, new pads, and a new master cylinder handles stopping duties.

Sale includes documentation and trophies the vehicle has won at car shows.