100% Replica Model A

[Chris in WNC]

UPDATE:
Tampa Tribune, 29 June 1976:
"Model A Family Begins its Own Assembly Line"
almost full page article with 2 photos.
Frank Laumer and his family in Hernando County FL were building "new" 1930-31 Model As with Roadster, Coupe and Pickup bodies.
Bodies were all fibreglass but Frank claimed they were exact duplicates (??) of factory bodies.
Engines were said to be new from a supplier in CA.
They said only 10% of the parts were restored originals because no new parts were available.
Cars were only being sold in correct 30-31 colors.
They were planning to complete 2 cars each month.
Do any of you know Frank or his family and what became of this enterprise?
I was living in Tampa in '76 and wish I'd taken the time to go visit them.......

[SDJason]

Originally Posted by Chris in WNC

UPDATE:
Tampa Tribune, 29 June 1976:
"Model A Family Begins its Own Assembly Line"
almost full page article with 2 photos.
Frank Laumer and his family in Hernando County FL were building "new" 1930-31 Model As with Roadster, Coupe and Pickup bodies.
Bodies were all fibreglass but Frank claimed they were exact duplicates (??) of factory bodies.
Engines were said to be new from a supplier in CA.
They said only 10% of the parts were restored originals because no new parts were available.
Cars were only being sold in correct 30-31 colors.
They were planning to complete 2 cars each month.
Do any of you know Frank or his family and what became of this enterprise?
I was living in Tampa in '76 and wish I'd taken the time to go visit them.......

Here's a link to the archive - without a subscription I can make out the headline, but can't read the text of the article...providing this on the off-chance that someone reading this thread has a subscription to the archive service and can make use of this information

[burner31]

When I was young my Mom had a '56 T-bird, I loved that car...I'm sure everyone has seen how they butchered that in their attempt to "recreate" it. I cringe every time I see one on the road, which is not that often...since they are junk...Just my humble opinion

[w.michael]

I have a December 28, 1976 issue of “Old Cars” with a display ad for “Brand new completely original 1930-1931 Model A roadsters, a completely authentic reproduction.” Lordship Antique Auto, 5 Prospect Drive, Stamford, Conn. 06497

I’m not smart enough to post a picture of the ad. If someone will PM me with contact information, I can text you the photo of the ad so you can post it.


W. Michael

[Oldbluoval]

(I'm sure everyone has seen how they butchered that in their attempt to "recreate" it.)

Actually I like the 2002-2005 restart of classic T’bird. Grossly overpriced when they came out. I evaluate anything as such as to what “it” is; not what the original was. I can’t tolerate the Shay A but I know two folks that had them and had more fun with them than any of my Model A buds with their four-banger original

Some of these tribute/retro/re-dos are not meant to be the original offering. The 02-05 Tbird is actually a screamer of a car…. V8 engine is way overpowered
IMHO

[Johnnya101]

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Posting for W. Michael.


Edit:

Looks like here's some more info on them?
http://www.lordshiphistory.com/GASWEBPAGE.html

[Model A Ron]

Why go get fake ones when the real thing looks and feels so good

[Chris in WNC]

I have no interest in Shays, but they work for some people.
Many folks can start with linited mechanical skills or knowledge and get up to speed appropriately.
Others can't.
A couple in our FL club had a very nice Tudor but could not wrap their heads around what it required for successful ownership, much like the recent thread here by the Roadster owner who gave up on his.
The FL couple sold their Tudor, bought a Shay and were very happy with it.
Different strokes for different folks.....

[CarlG]

A guy in our club has 2 Model As here and a Shay in Eastern Canada where he spends a couple of months each year.

[McMimmcs]

A car show I attended last year for antique pre 1960 cars refused admission to two Shays!

[Model A Ron]

Shays are fine for people who like fake stuff......I myself would take a free Shay but would never spend the money on one......and then I would flip it. Sorry but the Pinto was never a big thing with me.