Classic custom car enthusiasts should take note of this true 1950’s built Ford Model A V8. It was built in California and later owned by Danny McCue of Santa Barbara and came to Maine in the 1980’s. The present owner purchased it at a local estate auction in 2005 and sold to a friend in Pennsylvania. When the friend sold off his collection the present owner bought it back. The paperwork showing the California ownership background went missing…
Classic custom car enthusiasts should take note of this true 1950’s built Ford Model A V8. It was built in California and later owned by Danny McCue of Santa Barbara and came to Maine in the 1980’s. The present owner purchased it at a local estate auction in 2005 and sold to a friend in Pennsylvania. When the friend sold off his collection the present owner bought it back. The paperwork showing the California ownership background went missing while the car was in PA. It now has a clean PA title.
Up front this Model A custom is powered by a 59A series Ford flathead V-8 and backed with a 1939 style transmission. The 1942-48 era engine has Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads and Edelbrock two carb intake manifold with a pair of Stromberg 97 carburetors. Chromed tube exhaust headers lead to a chrome plated dual exhaust system. The tailpipes show some deterioration but are believed to be original to the 1950’s build. A modified Lincoln Zephyr distributor with a dual coil provides ignition.
The frame and body are original Ford components with no rust or rust repair. There are no reproduction body parts on this car. The 60+ year old paint on the chassis shows some deterioration but the white pin-striping on the maroon paint is still bright. Hydraulic brakes are 40-48 Ford style, steering box is F-1 Ford, wheels are 15” postwar Ford with Coker Whitewalls, 8.00×15 on the rear and 6.70×15 on front. The front axle has a 4” drop and the back axle is Model A. A new six-volt battery is mounted in the rear with new battery cables and the starter has been rebuilt. Sealed beam headlights have pre-1956 style bulbs. The original Spartan horn has a chrome-plated trumpet. Fender welting is bright finish against the all-black bodywork. There are some nicks,chips and scratches in the paint, as on would expect of 60+ year old lacquer.
The top dates from the fifties build and is reasonably good with some staining. Red “Naugahyde “ upholstery is in very good condition.
It has had a recent full service and tune up. The engine runs well, starts easily although it can be a bit fussy when cold as no chokes are fitted to the carbs…Southern California car. Even without a fan the engine does not overheat in traffic. The car will run down the road happily at 60.
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)