Footnotes

'The gift of being able to sugar the "pill" of utility with an attractive coating has always been a notable facet of the Ford Motor Company... Ford could make a utility car still look like a "car", low purchase price often being accompanied by a lively performance and good fuel economy...' - Bruce Hudson, British Light Cars 1930-1939.

Hudson's words are particularly apposite when one considers the Ford Model A. Replacement for the ubiquitous Model T, the Model A went on sale in December 1927. A more complex car than its predecessor, the 'A' was also more powerful, its four-cylinder sidevalve engine producing 40bhp - double the output of the T - which was good enough for a top speed of 65mph. A three-speed sliding gear transmission replaced the T's planetary gears, there was coil-and-battery instead of magneto ignition, and at last there was a brake for each wheel. The T's ungainly styling was abandoned, and the eagerly awaited Model A's up-to-the-minute looks, choice of colours and, needless to say, competitive pricing, helped ensure its success. Ford priced the new Model A at just $450 and would go to build 4.8 million over the next four years despite the prevailing economic gloom. Ford outsold Chevrolet 2-to-l in 1929/30 when more than 1.4 million were sold - the Model A's best year - and production continued until the V8's arrival in 1932 saw Ford's four-cylinder car renamed 'Model B'.

A very correct older restoration, this 1930 Deluxe Roadster retains its original body and wings. Noteworthy features include dual side-mount spares, driving lights, dual tail lamps, whitewall tyres, radiator stone guard, and the popular 'quail' radiator cap. Previously forming part of the Gerald Sichel Collection where it was professionally maintained, this Model A was purchased by the Key Collection when a selection of the Sichel cars was auctioned at Hershey in 2010.

Should the vehicle remain in the UK, local import taxes of 5% will be added to the hammer price.