What is your average speed

[BobbyG]

On an average drive out in your model A - at what speed do you find yourself cruising along at ?

Bob

[CarlG]

50, sometimes creeping up to 55

[newshirt]

40, sometimes creeping up to 45

[goodoldvic]

Speed limit and traffic allowing, 45-50mph, stock engine (alittle tired) and 3:78 rear

[Donvito]

40 to 45. A month ago I got up to 52 going down a hill.

[Special Coupe Frank]

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Originally Posted by goodoldvic

Speed limit and traffic allowing, 45-50mph, stock engine (alittle tired) and 3:78 rear

Ditto.

I have had two runs on the NE Extension PA Turnpike, bewtween Scranton and Lehigh Valley, averaging 50-55 MPH.

'28 Coupe, stock, tired stock engine, 87,000 miles.

[Forker]

I don't know, my speedometer stops or hangs up at 20mph for some reason and never shows any speed higher than that?

But I know for a fact that I'm not breaking any land speed records that's for sure and getting my speedo fixed is another one of those 'Roundtoit' things on my list.
george

[Aok]

Not in a rush when driving my A so usually 40-45 on local roads

[Bill B]

Between 40 and 50 but once in El Paso rush hour traffic I saw the big six showing and slowed down in a hurry.

[Michael in Sedona]

40-45, like most of the others. Now and then 52 on a straight and level road.

[Mitch//pa]

40-45

[Purdy Swoft]

On the highway, we like to cruise at 50 mph.

[Great Lakes Greg]

40-45. I've been on a couple of tours where the leaders were driving like they're ass was on fire. Showing off, or whatever. There is no just reason to invite your engine internals to look for daylight.

[29ModelA]

It'll go 60, but I feel like it is screaming. It's a stock car.

It seems to be happy about 45-50 according to my GPS. My rebuilt speedo seems to always be about 10mph off.

[jkeesey]

45, I had my wife following me the other day and I did 45 the entire way home. Uphill, downhill, around corners, all 45mph.

[MikeK]

75-80. When I get my MPH speedo fixed and take out the KPH version it will be back down to 45+.

[fordcoupe]

45 to 55 with the zenth carb. with the tilly carb. 55 to the yahoo 60 hold on baby.

[Duffy1]

Great Lakes Greg ; That was funny . That is my second good laugh today from F B.
Most of the folks in our club have stock model "A" and like 40 to 45 max . Then you have about 15% with O D ( me included) and they like 50 to 55 . So when you go on a club tour the folks with O D normally end up running out of O D. Makes you wonder why you have an over drive.

[luckyal]

Around town usually about 25, in the country about 35 to 40 and rarely over that ! I am not in a hurry to get where I am going in the old girl. Drive it to enjoy it and not like you are in a race !
Al

[wayne1953]

40 to 45 got her up to 55 one time car was doing great I was scared to death

[30ccpickup]

I do 45 just like every one behind me. Occasionally 55 if the line in back is real long.

Paul

[cp5491r]

Usually around 40- Top speed is 45 but I have never checked to see what rear end gear ratio is.

[J Franklin]

My most relaxing drive in my car was from Cottage Grove Oregon to Reedsport on Smith River rd. at an average speed of around 25-30 MPH. We saw only one car each way on the road with us.

[jmeckel]

Originally Posted by Donvito

40 to 45. A month ago I got up to 52 going down a hill.

Same for me.

[Forker]

I'm headed out on my first club ride this weekend and I'm concerned with keeping up as my car seems to drive beautifully at a speed just below pushing and holding it to the floor, which I'm estimating to be 40 to 45mph. I guess I'll find out this weekend just how agressively the club drives on these club trips...but if it's a pace faster than I'm comfortable pushing the old girl, I'll let them go on ahead without me I guess, because I'd prefer to drive home and not end up being towed.
george

[Tom Wesenberg]

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Originally Posted by J Franklin

My most relaxing drive in my car was from Cottage Grove Oregon to Reedsport on Smith River rd. at an average speed of around 25-30 MPH. We saw only one car each way on the road with us.

I find that a great speed for enjoying the scenery, but the only place around me for those speeds is the parkway in town. Wisconsin has lots of nice Model A driving roads, but in Minnesota you'd need to get a long distance from the cities to enjoy the drive.

My worn engine sounds pretty wound out at 45, so I like to drive 40-45, but had it to 57 once on the freeway when I wasn't paying attention to the speedometer.

[Louis]

I like to drive 35-40 around town, If I want to go fast I ride my Harley.

[al's28/33]

52 MPH was the fastest I ever went, but regular cruising speed for me is between 35 to 40. I only stay on the back country 2 lane roads, no freeways. If there isn't a tailgater behind me then I slow 'er down to 25 - 30 range, I love to hear the engine rumbling along without any excessive speed.

[snowbird06]

40 to 45 on local back roads

[whirnot]

My car loves 45, had it to 53 once going down a hill and it seemed smooth. But 45 feels good.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

With Snyders 5.5 H.C. Head 40-45 and 3.78 rear and 50-55 in Mitchell overdrive.

[1crosscut]

32 mph. But it's a AA truck with a worm drive rear end. The truck likes to go a bit faster than that going uphill but sort of complains if I go faster when going down hill. Strange I know...

[dumb person]

i was told a model A in good shape would drive at 55 all day but mine will only do 40-45 or 50 downhill. Am i doing something wrong?

[Rock Hornbuckle]

I once had 'Ol Nellie the '29 Coupe doing 57 downhill, when I remembered what my best friend once said to me while we were driving down the east side of 4th of JUly pass in northern Idaho. His Ford truck started to slide on the ice, and he said, "pay attention, because you've never seen a crash like the one we're going to have". So, I slowed 'Ol Nellie down. 40-45 is good enough for me. When I want speed, I'll use my Hemi.

[columbiA]

On my coupe with 33 B engine & 5.9 head,I usually toodle along at 40 or so in high gear,but when I dont want to hold up traffic to much on a busy hiway,I will cruise at 60 in OD with the same rpm.My ratios are 4.11 & 2.94 in OD.I would never go back to a std rear end.I do have good brakes.

[ScottNW/Ohio]

Mine seems to like 45-50, have seen 55 a couple of times but it really sounds like it's "straining" above 50 mph.
I've only got a couple of hundred miles on it since I put it on the road

Wife and I had it out Easter Sunday, and remarked about all the things you notice when you're in the "A" that you don't pay attention to when you're in a "modern" vehicle

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by ScottNW/Ohio

Mine seems to like 45-50, have seen 55 a couple of times but it really sounds like it's "straining" above 50 mph.
I've only got a couple of hundred miles on it since I put it on the road

Wife and I had it out Easter Sunday, and remarked about all the things you notice when you're in the "A" that you don't pay attention to when you're in a "modern" vehicle

Not only that, but people are much friendlier when you're in an antique car.
In all my years of driving an old car, last summer I met the first real jerk who thought I shouldn't be on HIS freeway.

[John LaVoy]

My sedan runs at 55-60 pretty nice.

[jr-41ford]

I like driving the speed limit in town and 45 to 50 on the highways and freeways.

We have a 190 to 200 mile round trip tour this Saturday, I hope they don't drive over 50 mph, prefer 45 so I can enjoy the drive and scenery.

Any speed over 45 mph is not enjoyable.

[Logan]

Speed limit around town 60-65 Down the highway and open road

[Maclab58]

45 seems to be the best for my stock Vicky, my sport coupe with a balanced inserted engine with a 6.0 head hit 60 last week with stock rear and trans. Was a bit too fast for comfort.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Should have Vermin drivin' by Saturday, don't have the speedomometer goin' yet, "HANG ON, BUSTER T. and count the fence posts" Buster T's Pet Guy.

[rwp]

40-45

[Kirby1374]

Originally Posted by luckyal

Around town usually about 25, in the country about 35 to 40 and rarely over that ! I am not in a hurry to get where I am going in the old girl. Drive it to enjoy it and not like you are in a race !
Al

Maybe I find racing enjoyable I drive between 45 and 55 on the highway.

[Jordan]

Usually 55, but if I'm on a busy hwy 60-65. I do have overdrive.

[Geo. H]

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Pretty near zero, right now.

[P.S.]

You certainly have a LOT of answers!!

My car is all stock, no overdrive or hopped up motor, and it does 55 no sweat. Sounds a little screetchy getting near 60 or higher, but feels like it would do it if asked. Never had it past 58 MPH. Need to balance the front wheels before attempting that! Was a tad spooky.

Most comfortable speed is 45 or so.

Do you guys with overdrives have to balance your front wheels? Or do you just tolerate the steering wheel shaking over 55?

[Kurt in NJ]

There are days that my average speed is very low --1,or 2 mph when all I drive is a local parade, there have been other days that the average speed was over 50 from driving most of the day at 60-65

[Patrick L.]

40-45 mostly, 50-55 at times if needed

[Gold Digger]

45-50 mostly but in a hurry 50- 55.

[V4F]

highway .. 60-65 . town speed limit .

[Chris in CT]

When I'm on secondary roads, I'm most comfortable at 50 mph. I really prefer 30-35 on the back roads between the northern lakes for summer cruising. I had it up to 70 when I was doing road tests on the Burlington crankshaft, but the car is basically stock, and I did not feel safe at that speed. "Take it slow and easy, babe, if you want to get along with me..."

[JBill]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

My most relaxing drive in my car was from Cottage Grove Oregon to Reedsport on Smith River rd. at an average speed of around 25-30 MPH. We saw only one car each way on the road with us.

I'm with Franklin here. My car will do 50 or 55, but I'm not comfortable going that speed. I enjoy a ride most just purring along at 30 or 35 on some out-in-the-country blacktop.

[John Stone]

45, Cars seems to like that speed.

[rons49]

I have a pure stock setup with a late side bowl Zenith. 40-45 cruising. Will go to 60. I tried a Tillotson and got 62 with level road & no wind years ago.

[mtnmice]

Hi Bob:

How is spring in "Merry Ole E......" ?

I don't know about the engine, but my most comfortable "butt speed" is VNE 40 mph. Faster than that I begin to imagine all sorts of strange vibrations and noises. Additionally, since I am never actually going anywhere, I want to make the trip last as long as I can.

[P.S.]

Originally Posted by mtnmice

since I am never actually going anywhere, I want to make the trip last as long as I can.

How come you don't use your car as ............... a car? Why not use it for a trip to the grocery store or to visit a friend?

Wife and I use our car all the time like a "regular car" and it's a lot of fun! Using the Model A as our family car has turned out to be the most fun we could ever imagine in a motor vehicle. Try it!

We have only done part of a club "tour" one time, we were bored to tears and it was most unpleasant. We bailed out on the group before the destination and did our own thing.

[mtnmice]

Hi PS:

Originally Posted by mtnmice
since I am never actually going anywhere, I want to make the trip last as long as I can.

You asked, "How come you don't use your car as ............... a car? Why not use it for a trip to the grocery store or to visit a friend?"



That is a durn good question and one I am ashamed to answer publically. I am old coot and grumpy and generally don't like people. (Present company excepted, of course.) So when I do go somewhere a crowd always forms and people ask idiotic questions and generally annoy me. More than once I have come back to the car to see the door or hood flopped back on itself with some fud with his head into it, giving a seminar on the thing. Then there are those who, despite how far out you park, will park up next to you and they WILL hit you with a door or bumper. So anyway, I know I'm a little odd but there it is. Actually it is not as bad as it used to be back in the mid 60s. Back then old fools would gather who had actually owned a Model A once and they would happily go on with their psedo expertise and it was difficult to get loose from them. They are bout all dead now so that misery is gone. Undoubtedly, I will be next!


PS, you are a lucky man to have a wife who likes riding in your car....mine despises it! (Or maybe it is just being "Couped" up (pun intended) with me that she finds vexacious.

;-)

[brum1]

35 mph all day long; having a bit of a commute to work each day, i am not interested in trafiic or speed, and usually find myself on the back roads with no worries

[CarlG]

As soon as the ice (& gravel) goes away, I'll be driving mine to work every day I can. But I only have about a 5 mile commute, and that will be at 30-45 mph depending on the speed limits along the way.

[P.S.]

mtnmice, Ha ha! All good points, and understood.

My wife not only rides in the Model A, she has been known to drive it also. If it had an automatic transmission, she'd probably want to make it her daily driver.

Perhaps I can be of some help to you.

I find people standing next to the car occasionally when coming out of the store, post office, etc. And usually, just going about my business with a quick "hi" is all that it takes to get going on your way.

As an engineer, I fully understand and share your "dislike of everybody" thing (present company excluded, of course). Mostly because it's mentally strenuous to have to "dumb down" everything to converse with "normal people" in public. Sometimes, just tossing out a sentence with well chosen multi-syllable words will do the trick. Other times, a salutation and brief sentence hastily spoken in a foreign language gets rid of them.

The other problem is people who assume because you are driving that car, that you are a "car guy" (which I am not) and want to talk about cars. A quick "I have milk and/or perishables in these bags, I really need to get going. Have a nice day" always does the trick.

I have never come out to the car to find someone with the hood open or a door open! That crosses the line. What would that person do if they walked out to find someone with the hood of THEIR car open? In your most firm tone of voice, bring that to their attention and tell them you are calling law enforcement.

It's sad that the outside world limits your enjoyment of your automobile. The trick is to find ways to reduce the distraction and detriment of others so that you can enjoy your car as much as possible.

Very sorry for the derailment, guys.

[1931 flamingo]

Comfortable at 40-45, been known to do 55. I stay in rh lane on the i/state.
Paul in CT

[rosenkranswa]

Like many others, 40-45. I've had them up to 55 and still accellerating, but they just didn't really seem to like that.

[donQ]

I think 40 -45 is good for a stock engine. If you have a balanced crank or OD you might run 50 -55. Even at 55 the new cars are going to be right on your tail on a busy road. Take the back roads and don't push the old girl too hard.
donQ

[Mad Mac]

Originally Posted by donQ

Take the back roads and don't push the old girl too hard. donQ

Yeah, what he said.
I have a simple rule: if I am in a hurry, I don't drive the "A". For me, most of the enjoyment of driving is just tootling along a back road (lots of 'em around here) at only 30-35 mph. My open cab pickup is really comfortable and a pleasure to drive at that speed. It feels great to cruise along the country roads, smelling the country smells and noticing that its time old Cedric painted his house. On longer trips I cruise at 40 but don't like pushing her over 45 as I want my A to last me out.

Funny thing though - she seems to drive a bit differently each trip. Sometimes she is smooth and quiet and cruises along effortlessly, while other times the motor seems noisier and I have to set the hand-throttle a bit lower to get the same road speed. I can't decide whether it really is her having one of her "off" days, or whether it just reflects my own state of mind on any particular day. Do any of you guys notice that?

One thing I do know for sure: even a slight head-wind will knock 5 mph off my speed.

[SSsssteamer]

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We bought our 1929 Tudor from the original owners in 1968 with it having only 53,000 original miles on the speedometer. It had spent its whole life on Shaw Island so I know the mileage was correct. As purchased, the car easily ran 70 mph on the freeways for about 10 years until it finally threw a rod bearing. I had to replaced the original engine and it is now a strain to get it to run much more than 60 MPH. It will do it, but I am using most of the throttle to get past 60. For about 30 years now, I have been occasionally freeway cruising at 60 mph with no ill effects. The Tudor is all stock and now has over 100,000 miles on it. I really prefer to run the back roads at about 50 mph or less, and that is a lot more fun. Likewise....a head wind will really slow the model A down. Another experience....a heavy tail wind at 60 mph has occasionally overheated the radiator. ....Not enough of a headwind for complete cooling.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Mad Mac

Yeah, what he said.
I have a simple rule: if I am in a hurry, I don't drive the "A". For me, most of the enjoyment of driving is just tootling along a back road (lots of 'em around here) at only 30-35 mph. My open cab pickup is really comfortable and a pleasure to drive at that speed. It feels great to cruise along the country roads, smelling the country smells and noticing that its time old Cedric painted his house. On longer trips I cruise at 40 but don't like pushing her over 45 as I want my A to last me out.

Funny thing though - she seems to drive a bit differently each trip. Sometimes she is smooth and quiet and cruises along effortlessly, while other times the motor seems noisier and I have to set the hand-throttle a bit lower to get the same road speed. I can't decide whether it really is her having one of her "off" days, or whether it just reflects my own state of mind on any particular day. Do any of you guys notice that?

One thing I do know for sure: even a slight head-wind will knock 5 mph off my speed.

Yes, my well worn temporary engine is noisier some days than others.
It always has good power for only 50 lbs. compression though.

[plind]

Hi,
On a normal fine day, it go between 35- 45 ..If i hit the rain, i did not go over 40.. And 55 is max. i have driven in my Tudor...

Best regards
Per In Denmark..

[colin1928]

Got to run at 60mph+ with overdrive or the big rig trucks will drive over me or blow me off the road trying to pass
Colin

[Smitty]

40-52ish, sometimes 55. High comp head, 3:54's and Mitchell OD.

[Jim Brierley]

62-64 on the road, looks like I am a minority! I live in SoCal and need to get on the freeway in order to get anywhere. 4-port Riley on a B block, Ryan overdrive, 16" radial tires, balanced. 2100-2200 RPM feels about right.

[Duffy1]

I have had my car up to 60 mph with a lot of pedal left .Never have had it wide open.Previous owner said it would run 65 all day long . Sweet spot for me is 55 mph although when on a club tour ,usually run 40 to 45 . 31 s/w B touring engine, over drive, 16 in wheels .

[Terry Longest]

40-45 unless I'm racing, then 52

[Robert Putnam]

40-45 creeping up to 50 on down hill runs.

[Jazzjr]

Mine purrs at 35-45 mph, when I push it towards 50, you can tell by the different sound that It is starting to work harder

[Purdy Swoft]

My roadster has a low milage engine with the original rotating assembly (pistons and rods). I overhauled it with new rings , stainless steel valves and gaskets because it had sit up since 1963 and one ring had stuck on the number four cylinder. It will cruise at 50 mph or more, just as smoothly as a modern car and is in no strain. We prefer this speed on the highway because we don't want to be in the way of traffic and get run over. On dirt and farm to market roads we may drive at 30 to 40 mph and enjoy the sights and smells.

[Bob-A]

I have been crusing 55-60 with the Borg-Warner OD and a rebuilt engine in my '29 roadster. Engine is stock save for a lightened flywheel and a Pertronix coil. Lately, however I am making an effort to slow down a little. 50-55 makes more sense safety and longevity wise.

Bob-A

[dave in australia]

About 40-45. It could be a tad higher except it starts to get hot.

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by Bob-A

I have been crusing 55-60 with the Borg-Warner OD and a rebuilt engine in my '29 roadster. Engine is stock save for a lightened flywheel and a Pertronix coil. Lately, however I am making an effort to slow down a little. 50-55 makes more sense safety and longevity wise.

Bob-A

Hey Bob, sounds like that Pertronix coil is doing pretty good!! I like the one on my roadster.

Purdy (Insert smiley face)

[Christoph]

Never on Autobahn and never over 45mph

In common we go 40mph on backroads
(which reads very different over here )

[Mitch Bunkin in PA]

35 to 45.

[MikeK]

Looking at this from a different perspective, there are 8,760 hours in a year. If you drove less than 8,760 miles last season, then you averaged less than one MPH for the year.

[Bob-A]

Purdy Swoft,

Yeah Man, I really like the Pertronix coil on the '29! I also have one on the '31 roadster too. Thanks for the advice on them.

Bob-A

[Redleg86]

I have run comfortably at 50-55 in my 29 roadster. Engine is stock except for an alternator. Longest run at that speed is only 5-6 miles though.

[Skeezixx]

Anything over 45 and a whole new set of rattles and squeaks take over.

[Jordan]

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When it was stock- 50-55. After mods- 65 with ease

[springerpete]

I agree with luckyal. 30-35 is good for me as I am enjoying the scenery and drive my A for the fun of waving to folks and having the ride last longer. I also grew up with antiques in a Model T and a bit of that still is with me.

[V4F]

55-60

[19fifty4]

45-50.