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-   -   What do you like best about driving your A? (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54654)

700rpm 11-29-2011 04:17 PM

What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Last weekend I took my coupe out for a tour, and as always happens, many people smiled and waved and pointed the car out to their children. For me, I think giving and getting those smiles are the most rewarding part of driving my car. And it's all kinds of people: I especially enjoyed the kid with the green hair, tattoos, backwards ball cap, saggy jeans, and tight leather jacket: he crosses in front of me at a light, gives me a big smile and a thumbs up. Gotta love it. :)

Mike V. Florida 11-29-2011 04:48 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

No matter how bad the day, no matter what has happened, once I get in the car and hear the honks, cheers, thumbs up, and smiles it make all the problems go away.

That is what I like about my A.

peters180a/170b 11-29-2011 04:53 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

knowing its paid for..and it drives like a new car... :D

BRENT in 10-uh-C 11-29-2011 06:00 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

I enjoy them because 'Time slows down' when you are driving them. I am blessed because I get the opportunity to drive a different one all the time ....without having to own it! ;)


.

BILL WILLIAMSON 11-29-2011 06:02 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Remembering many pleasant trips with Chief & Momma in a Tudor that he built maaany years ago. The view from my "Window to World," LARGE Rear side window, the great sounds, and smells that only an A Model can emit. :D
And what a driver Chief was, WOW, whether it was muddy roads, mountains, fording a stream, or skinny woods roads back in the "sticks" of S.E. Oklahoma, Chief was THE BEST!
He always said, "We are all children, in old skins," and I believe this as I remember the silly looks on his face as we traveled to more places than some get to see in a lifetime.
My greatest drive was when my son, Gregg, and I were in a very slow parade in a large mobil home park where many retired and disabled folks live and we were able to share "MINERVA," my black '30 coupe, with them.

TerryH 11-29-2011 06:11 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Besides the numerous thumbs up and waves, I also enjoy the usual little crowd around my car when I park and return from the store. Many times they are older and have very fond memories of Model As' and that era, and want to ask questions, or just feel mohair upholstery again. Also huge fun to see the granddaughter's eyes light up when they go in the garage and look at "Emma"!

Robert 11-29-2011 07:14 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

That great Model A smell....Upon hearing this, my wife shook her head and said.... "Model A scented aftershave lotion would make a GREAT Xmas gift for "The gearhead who has everything"?!?!

Roadster62 11-29-2011 07:26 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Dad's Model has been parked for 28 years, I should get it out again, maybe 2012 is the year.

RcT 11-29-2011 07:27 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Driving around with my grandson, watching his reactions to other folks reactions, hitting a few yard sales. It's alway's good as an ice breaker for conversation. And the smells and sounds of driving around alone, knowing all is well...

Steve Wastler 11-29-2011 07:47 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

The artistic simplicity of a great automobile!!!!!!

Clem Clement 11-29-2011 07:58 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Everything.
the sounds and smells of a Model A set me off. As does the crowds of interested folks.

Jordan 11-29-2011 08:12 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

the best thing is Traffic Laws don't apply when driving a model a, especially on tours. Nobody fully stops at stop signs so that they can stay right behind the car in front of them, we can speed in town, but then go way below the speed limit on the high way. We expect everyone to give us(and usually get) the right-of-way. WE RULE THE ROADS.

buyitsmart 11-29-2011 08:43 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

I always have to add at least 30 minutes to any errand I run in the A because people ALWAYS want to hear about the car. Yesterday it took an hour to get out of the Home Depot parking lot and I don't know who enjoyed the conversation more, me or the crowd that had gathered... :-)

pick 11-29-2011 08:50 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

so many things; the slower paced laid back experience of cruising, the fact that I can do nearly all of the work myself & even if it doesn't always work out the first time knowing I'm not gonna hurt anything I'll just have to do it again, and the fact that the car removes all barriers - giving the opportunity to speak with people from all walks of life, It's FUN!

bobpo 11-29-2011 08:54 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

1 Attachment(s)
It's the Simplicity and Beauty of the Model A Car. It's the Smiles it brings to others who see it. Not to mention that it is just plain Fun to drive.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.......................

[email protected] 11-29-2011 08:59 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

People who normally don't talk to you at a gas station with a modern car suddenly walk around the gas island to ask the standard question. What year is it? Then you hear their stories about their connection to old cars.

My favorite story was when a woman in her ~ late 70's came up to me when I was fueling up the 30 coupe with the rumble seat. She shared that when she and her brother were real young her parents had a similar car but without the rumble seat. She told me that some of her fondest memories was going on vacation trips in the summer from Illinois down to Texas riding in their car. But her brother and her had to take turns either sitting in the front seat middle or riding in the closed up trunk for the entire trip!!!! Where were the child protection agencies back then?

Aerocraft 11-29-2011 09:13 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Nostalgia ! It used to be that I was in much better shape than my '30 Coupe, now it is in much better shape than I am. May it live forever........... Gar Williams

Mitch Bunkin in PA 11-29-2011 09:47 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Isn't it interesting how this hobby brings out the best in all of us & makes friends of total strangers as well !!!

TinCup 11-29-2011 09:50 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

It's the only way at my age that 25 year old blondes will still smile and wave at me.

Maclab58 11-29-2011 10:45 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

It is pure peace and tranquility! No radio, no cell phone. Just a big smile and smug feeling that I'm the only person out in a model A for miles around!

BCCHOPIT 11-29-2011 10:51 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

D all of the above...
I would just like to add one more think. I love the history of the racing of these old cars and the guys that made all the speed parts in there back sheds with out all the modern tools of to day. I program CNCs every day and I look at the work these guys did and it just takes my breath away. Not only did they make nice looking parts but the speed and power they they got out of them is just very cool.
So with some time and lots of work I hope to get my coupe in the 100mph club.

I would have liked school a lot more if we had the history of speed class.

Fred K-OR 11-29-2011 10:54 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

All of the above.

BILL WILLIAMSON 11-30-2011 12:14 AM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

All of the fine folks I've met as they've been attracted to the car.
1. A cop who said I might get a ticket for having too much fun!
2. Talking to a lady, her 9 year girl stretched out over my front fender and said, "Mother, I just love this car!"
3. After gassing Minerva at Bad Buds mini-mart, a blind man leaving the store said, "I heard a Model A door slam!" He asked if he could feel and touch the car. After determining she was a coupe with a trunk, asked her color, then he put his hand on the horn and said let'r rip!:D
4. An old Mexican man put his hand on my shoulder and said, "You're such blessed man to have such a fine car."
I could go on and on and on, but I type so slooow.

V4F 11-30-2011 10:31 AM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

mine is a daily driver . i like it cause its COOL ! ............ steve

harleyjj 11-30-2011 10:39 AM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

I love the feeling of nostalgia and the thought of how life must have been when our cars were new.

Jim Parker Toronto 11-30-2011 12:08 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinCup (Post 315835)
It's the only way at my age that 25 year old blondes will still smile and wave at me.

Very true... The "Miles of Smiles" from all the girls, from 7 to 70. The other day while picking up my 7 year old grandson at school, another little girl came up to me and said " you're the guy that drives that old car, aren't you?" and immediately started hitting on James so she could get a ride in it next summer! The fun just seems to rub off.....

msmaron 11-30-2011 01:16 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

The relaxing of the drive, no radio nothing......calm, quiet and and nice slow drive!

buyitsmart 11-30-2011 01:40 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

I agree with harleyjj:

I think about what life must have been like during the 30's. New things were being invented on a regular basis. People could create meaningful devices and products in their garage and in time they would change the world...people had character...everyone loved and respected America!

Freedom was valued and the Model T and Model A gave everyone a new sense of personal freedom. They gave us freedom and mobility on a level never experienced before...

Deluxe Delivery 11-30-2011 02:48 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Driving an A means being part of it. You are a very integral part of this magnificent machine, you determine when to shift, when to adjust the gav, retard the spark...and it all becomes automatic ! You become the car and it becomes you ! Then there's the whole time-travel thing. My favorite aspect of every antique car I have ever driven is that dreamy calm it gives you and your imagination soars and it IS 1930 again..at least inside my head. I can imagine the ugly 21stcentury fading into the background and the old former gas stations and stores glow in their faded glory...the houses and commercial buildings that were there then and have somehow managed to survive to this ungodly present day. It allows you to appreciate architecture, advertising, music, art, culture, integrity, personal responsibility and all the thousands of little things we have lost since the A was new. It is pride in America, pride in knowing how to actually fix something, pride in the virtues of Henry Ford and the resulting machines he created. Damn ! I gotta go drive something right now !

Earle 11-30-2011 06:05 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Cruising on a back country road, feeling and hearing this amazing piece of beautiful, historic machinery under me. AND feeling so good about the years of father-son bonding I'll never forget as he and I found the car back in 1983 and worked side by side doing the first restoration.

It's also pretty neat mentally escaping the modern-day madness and pretending I'm back in 1931 where "life was simple."

Earle

BILL WILLIAMSON 11-30-2011 06:36 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadster62 (Post 315745)
Dad's Model has been parked for 28 years, I should get it out again, maybe 2012 is the year.

Roadster62,
How about gettin' it going NOW, before it's valves stick or you get too old to drive!! I'm so old that I now hesitate to buy GREEN bananas.
If you hear groans in the night, that's the A Model asking you to bring it back to LIFE. Go out and stare at it's face, listen closely and it will talk to you! If it doesn't have a name, give it one.
P.M. me if you need help to pick a name. :D My Avatar '29 coupe is "VERMIN," since a white rat took up residence. Oh! by the way, they do leave WHITE droppings. ;);)

JtownJoe 11-30-2011 07:51 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Just the same reasons I have for owning it, Fun to Drive & I love the engineering of the whole package, I do drive it a lot more with F-150 4 speed, just makes it more enjoyable in traffic & much quieter on the road.

buyitsmart 11-30-2011 07:56 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Bill, speaking of vermin you bring back a memory of a rat that took up residence in my '31 Coupe. LAST WEEK!!!

I was working on the car outside and had the floorboards out and the next morning I saw broken shells from some nuts and some 'droppings' on my seat.
"A darn squirrel has gotten into my car", I thought, so I buttoned it up tight that night to keep them out.

The next morning I saw 'droppings' again on my seat.
"How could that squirrel have gotten back into the car?", I thought to myself.

That day my wife and I drove all over town smelling that squirrel in the car. :mad:

I was pretty upset at the smell.
The next day, again, we went all over town in the car.
Later that night on my way to church you won't believe what happened...

A large RAT jumped up on the small railing of my beautiful wood grain dash and walked from right to left across the windshield until it was behind the steering wheel not 3 inches from my left hand....

I freaked out so bad...I quickly reached between the steering wheel spokes with my right hand and caught the rat under its belly. I flicked it instinctively and it flew out the open window!! All of this probably happened within 4 seconds.

NOW I KNOW WHAT THAT SMELL WAS!!

My wife wasn't with me or we would have wrecked the car and if that window had not by chance been open and the vermin bounced off the closed window and landed in my seat, my wife would probably be putting flowers on my coffin because it scared the mess out of me!
THANK GOODNESS IT WENT OUT THE WINDOW!!

I can't imagine that rat running around my feet in the dark!!

After I got home, determined to find out how or where it came from, I tore that car apart. I found out it was 'living' under my seat. It had made a real nice nest under there and by the looks of things it had been there a while.

The two gentleman that restored my car were from the Boston area and I really believe the rat came from there...you know how I know??? Because it had a little sticker in it's nest that stated....

I VOTED AND I VOTED DEMOCRAT! :D

Mikeinnj 11-30-2011 08:01 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON (Post 315685)
Remembering many pleasant trips with Chief & Momma in a Tudor that he built maaany years ago. The view from my "Window to World," LARGE Rear side window, the great sounds, and smells that only an A Model can emit. :D
And what a driver Chief was, WOW, whether it was muddy roads, mountains, fording a stream, or skinny woods roads back in the "sticks" of S.E. Oklahoma, Chief was THE BEST!
He always said, "We are all children, in old skins," and I believe this as I remember the silly looks on his face as we traveled to more places than some get to see in a lifetime.
My greatest drive was when my son, Gregg, and I were in a very slow parade in a large mobil home park where many retired and disabled folks live and we were able to share "MINERVA," my black '30 coupe, with them.

Who are Chief and Momma ? Did we miss something here ?

BILL WILLIAMSON 12-01-2011 12:39 AM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Chief was my dad, Dempsey, building & selling A Models, (so we could eat) down in the backwoods of S.E. Oklahoma. He was my fun, humorous, Model A mentor and had scads of old "wisdom" sayings that ring very true, even today.
Momma, my mother, Bertha Mae, was the head cook, bottle washer, vegetable gardener and great supporter of the Model A "garage" out front under the giant oak tree, complete with chain hoist hanging from a huge limb. Momma would save any single layer cardboard boxes so we would have plenty of emergency gasket material. We used an old cast iron wash pot for a hot tank and she kept the fire going under the pot and would "TURN" the parts while they cooked in Lye soap. An old Chevrolet rear fender was used as a moveable windbreak for the fire. (Chief would never sacrifice a Model A fender for this task!)
Without electricity, and before butane was invented, except for cars and radios, we lived much like folks did in the late 1800's.
When a car was "finished," our test drive was to load up, cross Red River on a rickety old ferry, and visit relatives in Will's Point, Texas, a two day trip. WHAT A GREAT LIFE IT WAS!

Dusty 12-01-2011 12:50 AM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Making it back home.

edfueler 12-01-2011 06:43 AM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

I love pulling a nice inside turn on an un-asphalted surface and being able to look down and see that front wheel skeeting over the ground on that fine balance between understeer and oversteer and feather that throttle accordingly.

I love the wind blasting past my ears and feeling like I am doing 90mph when I'm doing about 45. I love taking the neighbourhood kids for rides in the pick up bed despite our ridiculous nanny-state type litigious society.

I also get a sense of pride from having built the ol' gal, a sense of having given the combination of parts a new lease of life and a feeling of extending those 80-something year old stories into the present and, hopefully, the future.

I love having shared the time with my friend during the build and having learned a few skills along the way.

Like others who have posted, I also get that sense of time transport..back to the 30s. (Actually, most things I own are deliberate time travel devices, from my atomic coffee maker to my penny farthing or 1920s path racer...and, being a bit of an addict of time travel, I like to use these things more or less, daily. Not a lot about the 21st century grabs me, really.)

I love driving a smile maker and, while it is a blast putting smiles on the faces of old folks and kids, alike, as they see me passing by, I love nothing more than seeing the smile on the face of an elegantly dressed lady in the passenger seat. There is not much that is finer.

Purdy Swoft 12-01-2011 11:02 AM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON (Post 316297)
Roadster62,
How about gettin' it going NOW, before it's valves stick or you get too old to drive!! I'm so old that I now hesitate to buy GREEN bananas.
If you hear groans in the night, that's the A Model asking you to bring it back to LIFE. Go out and stare at it's face, listen closely and it will talk to you! If it doesn't have a name, give it one.
P.M. me if you need help to pick a name. :D My Avatar '29 coupe is "VERMIN," since a white rat took up residence. Oh! by the way, they do leave WHITE droppings. ;);)

Bill, your posts are really good and I enjoy reading them. Keep them coming!!!

Earle 12-01-2011 03:13 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Oh - another thrill when driving our '31 roadster: On a warm summer or fall day, with the top down, pulling up beside some poor guy who just knew that he was the coolest thing on the road with his new convertable Porsche, Mercedes, Jag, Mustang, etc. - then watch him try his hardest to avoid looking over at me because he saw me coming in his rear-view mirror and instantly knew he was no longer the coolest thing on the road. I know he's dying to check the roadster out but doesn't want to give me the satisfaction of his "admiring" a car other than his own.

How sweet it is....

(How prideful of me! - But justified when it comes to our beautiful, eye-catching Model A's!)

Earle

dr.j 12-01-2011 04:45 PM

Re: What do you like best about driving your A?
 

Several cold pints at the end of the road.


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