1930-1931 Ford Model A Truck

Superficially identical to the early 1928-1929 Ford Model A/AA trucks, the 1930-1931 Ford Model A trucks were changed considerably under the skin.

Alterations included lower, wider fenders; a higher hoodline; stainless-steel (instead of nickel-plated) radiator and headlamp shells; smaller wheels; higher steering ratio; standard vacuum wipers; and balloon tires.

The rare Town Car Delivery version of the 1931 Ford Model A truck was a shortened panel truck with an aluminum body and open driver's quarters.

As in past years, the factory offered a comprehensive selection of commercial bodies for the 1930-1931 Ford Model A truck. The most popular and practical versions of the were the fully enclosed Ford DeLuxe panel delivery and the closed-cab pickup.

But no iteration of the 1930-1931 Ford Model A truck was prettier than the Town Car Delivery. Offered for only two years, the Town Car Delivery was a close-coupled, foreshortened panel truck with an aluminum body and an open driver's compartment that could be protected by a soft roof in inclement weather.

Though used a suspension of every 1930-1931 Ford Model A truck was the same as that of the long-lived Model T, the Model A truck was superior in every way and far more sophisticated.

It could do 60 mph, had a modern gearbox and electrical system, and stopped much better with mechanical brakes on all four wheels instead of two.

Ford trucks packed more value for money than just about any others on the road, and Ford led Chevrolet in production from 1929 through 1931. Unfortunately, the Depression was deepening, and sales were dropping alarmingly. From 1.5 million units in 1929, production of Model A-based trucks slipped to just a third of that total in 1931.

Rumors in the trade for most of the year suggested that Henry Ford was working on a V-8 to go one-up on Chevrolet's six. Some said it would be put in a new truck line to replace the faltering Model A-based series.

Finally, on July 29, 1931, Ford laid off 75,000 workers and closed 25 of his 36 U.S. factories until sales showed some improvement. Privately, the wily auto baron knew it was all over for four-cylinder cars and trucks, and was well along with the Model A's replacement.

Collectible Pluses of the 1930-1931 Ford Model A Truck

Unique body style for the Town Delivery
Inexpensive and easy restoration
Strong enthusiast and collector club support
Plentiful parts
Mechanically simple

Collectible Minuses of the 1930-1931 Ford Model A Truck

Very hard to find
Tends to be over-restored

This 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Pickup was considered rakish in its day. This example boasts a smooth-sided cargo bed with chromed railings.