Edsel's 1930 Model A Ford

[Bruce Adams]

I don't recall seeing tis car's photo posted here in a while. Its Edsel Ford's custom dual cowl phaeton with an aluminum narrow body, European Headlamps, and looking good. The photos are from 2014 Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance
In the link posted, the green ribbons indicate a car completed the 85 mile tour and Michigan License Plate 10 is a friend's custom Chrysler Imperial which took first place in American Classic Closed Cars.


http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...=8SZuXDZmzUxXA

PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURSE D'ELEGANCE 2014

[Roadster62]

Thanks Bruce! I've always loved the looks of that car from the first time I saw a photo back in 1961 or 62, glad it finally got the restoration it deserves. There is some great Pebble Beach photo coverage over on the HAMB. I knocked two items off my "Bucket List" this summer, maybe Pebble Beach will happen next year. Bob

[freak]

Who owns Edsel's car now?

[CT AV8]

Thanks, Bruce for sharing that. Here are some great shots of that amazing car likely not new to most but still worthy of taking another look at.

[Bruce Adams]

Originally Posted by freak

Who owns Edsel's car now?

The ownership ID Plate indicates
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

[Roadster62]

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Wow! Thanks for that chassis shot, never saw it before. Lots of details to study there. I did notice the brale activators were on an angle in a headon shot, is that the first Model a with a dropped front axle? Bob

[CT AV8]

Bob, that front end looks a lot like a '35 with the actuators angled up and the way the axle sweeps up is the same as '32-'36. It's neat that they were experimenting with how to lower the car before it shows up in production '32 and forward. So, yes, an early "dropped" axle.
It also appears to have a center mounted cross steer link unless that's some type of steering damper. Any experts here know about that?
I thought I'd read that there were semi elliptical half springs fore and aft of rear axle but I don't see any spring at all in the photo.

[neds29]

Wow. I've seen it before, a picture of it before that is, loved it then and even more now. It is a beauty. Love the chassis picture. My truck's chassis that I once thought looked OK, looks like c**p next to that one!

[Joe K]

It also appears to have a center mounted cross steer link unless that's some type of steering damper. Any experts here know about that?

Maybe a lateral sway restraint - makes for better tracking.

Looking at the underside (1st pix CT AV8), it would appear the car has a overdrive installed.

And (more differences) the frame crossmembers are "humped" - seemingly to further lower stance. Front crossmember is unlike anything used on a Model A.

Truly a "car made from parts" - but it's all in how you do it I guess.

Or who does it...

Joe K

[Roadster62]

I'm so glad to see the car restored, feel bad pointing out things that may have been changed years after it was built. This holds true with the second Edsel Speedster, the red one that is now green, that is restored with later features than the year of the original build. Good to see they are both restored and out were we can see them. Bob

[rocket1]

wow a model A at Pebble beach,whodah thunk.

[CT AV8]

Bob, you shouldn't feel bad. I think those items you highlighted were all original. I think they were trying things out that later saw production.
I found this excerpt on Hemmings plus a few more pics.

"Considered one of his crowning achievements, the Model A could still benefit from some upgrades, Edsel figured, so in 1929 he and his father approached LeBaron to create a special one-off Model A. They specified a dual-cowl phaeton – a body style Ford never offered in the Model A lineup – built about two inches narrower than a standard Model A and with a number of custom touches, like the laid-back windshields, the Victoria-like back panel, smooth cowl sides, and elongated front fenders. As was LeBaron’s practice, its craftsmen built the body in aluminum over a wood structure. To the black-painted body Edsel and Henry added Stephen Grebel headlamps, a center-mounted Klaxon horn, exposed chrome detailing, and patent leather splash aprons. Powered by a standard Model A four-cylinder, the chassis still featured a number of modifications, including a completely custom frame, a rear axle narrowed by eight inches, a factory-dropped front axle, and cantilever rear springs similar to those found on a Ford Model AA truck. “There’s really not much on this that’s from a stock Model A,” said Chris Roberts, who worked on the restoration of the car for Mann’s Restoration and Maintenance."

[roccaas]

While we're on the subject of Edsel's cars, here is his roadster, currently in Atlanta's High Museum of Art. An exhibition well worth viewing-it has been so popular, they are extending the run.

http://www.high.org/Art/Exhibitions/Dream-Cars.aspx

[Ken Ehrenhofer]

And to think this car was stored in a barn 5 miles from my house.....Ouch!
Ken

[raprice22]

Thanks Bruce.
I seem to remember that there was a nice article about this car in the "Restorer" magazine a while back. It had some of those terrific photos in that article.
Rog