1929 Ford Model A Flat-Head V8 Tudor Saloon

Taking Ford overnight from country cousin to country club, the Model A had a cachet lacking in the workhorse Model T and suddenly film stars and presidents were happy to pose next to one. Longer, lower and better suspended than its predecessor, it was powered by a Howard Hicks-designed, 3,285cc, L-head four-cylinder engine developing 40bhp (twice the Model T's output) and boasted coil ignition and an integral water pump. Mated to a three-speed manual gearbox, 30mpg was achievable and with a top speed of 65mph, four-wheel drum brakes became a necessity. The vehicle was the first Ford to use the standard set of driver controls, with conventional brake and clutch pedals, throttle and gearchange.

Produced from December 1927, it was available in four standard colours, but not black, and a range of body styles was offered, including saloons, tourers, coupes and light trucks. When production finally ceased in 1931, over 4.3 million had been sold in no fewer than 22 different styles.

This attractive, two-door, Tudor Saloon is one of those 4.3 million, however, rather nicely modified by its late owner. The car was purchased from the USA and imported into the UK with bodywork that had patently suffered the worst effects of the sun and marque specialists Belcher Engineering in Norfolk were entrusted with turning the rusty old Ford into the tastefully presented hot rod you see today.

It’s running a 1952/1953 Ford EAB Flathead V8 which was built by Belcher last year with invoices on file. Topped with Edelbrock heads and fuelled through Stromberg 97 Carburettors. It’s fitted with a 5-speed manual T5 gearbox from a mid-90s Chevy S10 truck mated to an 8" Ford rear axle from a 1970 Mustang. The front axle is from a Model B, hydraulic drum brakes all round, electric power-steering and the car sits on Ford 17" V8 wire wheels.

Fully repainted, re-trimmed, and superbly presented in maroon with black wings and running boards, a grey top-half, cream central band and a new grey textured roof. We understand that it’s running and driving well.

There is a huge history file of receipts with the car totalling some £70,000 for the restoration works in recent years. Unexpectedly offered for sale by the deceased estate.