1930 Ford Model A Coupé
Chassis no. 3933045

Summer Motoring Online|30 June 2021, 13:00 CEST|Geneva

1930 Ford Model A Coupé
Chassis no. 3933045

• Coachwork and paint being in relatively good condition
• Not driven for some considerable time
• Requires re-commissioning/restoration
• Registered in Switzerland

* Please note that this motor car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Switzerland.

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.

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 (105km/h). 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.

After two years in production the Model A had been face-lifted for 1930, receiving wider tyres on smaller-diameter (19") wheels and being mildly restyled with wider mudguards to achieve a lower, more modern look. Model A sales peaked in 1929 when more than 1.4 million were sold, and production continued until the V8's arrival in 1932 saw Ford's four-cylinder car renamed 'Model B'.

This Ford Model A coupé is finished in black and red with matching interior, its coachwork and paint being in seemingly good condition considering the car's age. The Model A has not been driven for some considerable time and failed to start when inspected. It will need to be thoroughly checked over and carefully re-commissioned before returning to the road. The car is registered in Switzerland and comes with a handbook.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Cars