THE 1903 MODEL A FORD

Henry Ford developed his first gasoline buggy in the closing years of the 19th Century, like others of its generation, it was a primitive quadricycle powered by a twin-cylinder engine. Commercial motorcar production did not however get underway until 1903 when the Ford Motor Co. was founded. The first commercial offering was the twin-cylinder-engine Model A. As evidenced by this example it was a well-designed and up-to-the-minute car with the engine positioned under the passenger seating, driving to the rear axle by chain. Production was established in a disused wagon works in Mack Avenue, Detroit. and Henry Ford's dream was underway.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1903 Model A Ford sold here is being offered publicly for the first time after 55 years of single-family ownership. The story of the Model A begins in 1903, being built by Ford and allocated engine stamping 280. This example was retained by Ford Motor Company where it would be used in settling any patent dispute cases. From Ford, this car was sold to the Stevens Institute in Newark, NJ where it remained until 1964 at which point the car was purchased by its current owner.

Buying the Model A in unrestored condition, it was subsequently shown and won a national first prize at an AACA gathering in 1964. Shortly after, it was decided that the car would receive a comprehensive restoration. Ralph Buckley was contracted to restore this example and completed the car to the exact specification you see today. Since its restoration in the early 1970s, this Model A has seen just one road outing- a trip from its garage to a local Sunday car gathering to celebrate its completion. Over the last few decades, this Model A has been garage kept and maintained in New Jersey. This Model A also benefits from the dedicated caretaking of a true enthusiast who collected many spare parts for the car that will accompany the sale. The long list of spare parts are highlighted by additional headlamps, horns, mechanical assemblies, and a spare engine for the car.

Viewed today in beautifully restored condition, this Model A represents the definitive early form of the first production Ford. Finished with a Maroon body and black bench seat and fenders, this two-seat buggy configuration accommodates the engine mounted underneath the passenger seat, delivering power to the rear axle through a chain drive. The car rides smoothly on a fully elliptic leaf spring suspension and utilizes wheel steering. One of the most coveted of all Fords, these first Model A's provide an insight into the start of the new Ford Company.

Despite a survival rate of more than 100 of the 1,700 Model As built, they rarely come to market and only a handful of cars have changed hands publicly in the last 20 years or more. A 116-year-old American jewel, this is an exquisite example of an early Fords production, and could grace any car collection as well as potentially provide an entry into the event popular Bonhams London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run, after successful VCC dating of the car.

Saleroom notices

• Please Note, the correct Ford Engine number stamped on the flywheel of this vehicle is 230. Also note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.