- 1 of only 130 known to exist
- Complete body-off-the-frame restoration
- One of the most desirable and sought-after Model As
- Dual side-mounted spare wheels with many other period options
LOT 354
Selling on Saturday
From the Passport Collection
1931 Ford Model A400 Convertible Sedan
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The creation of the Model A Ford is one that cannot be overstated; following the life-changing Model T, the Model A virtually picked up where the T left off but in better form. Ford had produced well over four million units but even with the massive amount of success Henry Ford had, he still felt as though he was missing something. As a regular member of the country club, the story goes that Ford would see his competitors driving luxury automobiles to and from the club, boasting of their prestigious societal status without having to even say a word. Ford knew he needed a car like that in his own lineup, so he put his son, Edsel, on the job. Introduced in May of 1931, the Model A400 Convertible was a unique and sporty option that fit perfectly in Ford's Deluxe lineup of cars. Ford also knew production had to be low to really make them a luxury for Model As, so production ran for one model year. A total of 5,093 units were produced worldwide, 4,864 for the United States and 229 for overseas. What made the A400 so much better than anything else in the lineup was the fact that it was a cross between the Victoria Coupe and Deluxe Phaeton, getting the very best of both models.
For the rare and hardly seen 1931 Model A400 here, it was given a second life as it was the recipient of a complete restoration. Once the body contours were straight and true, the exterior was finished in a handsome color scheme of Ford Copra Drab with black fenders and soothing yellow spoke rims wrapped in whitewall tires. The light tan convertible top operates easily when one desires and completes the exterior. Unlike most other Model A Fords, all A400s came standard with many attractive period options like cowl lamps, chrome exterior windshield frame, chrome windshield wiper, full-length chrome bumpers in both the front and rear, and dual side-mounted spare wheels which are enclosed. Additional accoutrements include a radiator stone guard, trunk rack, and a quail hood ornament.
The luxury appeal that Henry Ford was striving for is evident throughout the entire cabin. The seating is wrapped in genuine leather, while the door and cowl panels are lined in matching crushed grain faux leather. The garnish moldings around the windows and dash panels were all finished in an elegant imitation walnut grain. Luxury was not just for the driver either, as the rear was equipped with armrests and ample amount of foot room, thanks to the wells in the floors. The 200-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine was gone through and presents in reliable condition to be driven to and from events or to participate in tours or parades.
To help preserve and track the history of these rare Model As, the Model A A400 Club was formed. The Club has only been able to find 130 of these models varying in different conditions. For any enthusiast, the Model A400 is a must-have. Hardly seen for sale and almost never seen on the road, it is regarded as one of the rarest and most sought-after Model As ever built.
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