model a style 28-29 or 30-31

[Modelakid31]

What do you like best? 28/29 or 30/31. i never really cared to much for the 28/29 look/style. i like the 30/31 look. the hood and cowl are better styled in my opinion.

Thanks for your vote. also post some comments below. i would like to hear people reasoning for there votes

[JoeWay]

I vote for '28-'29, but that's mainly because I have a long history with my '29.

When/if I get another A, it will be a '30-'31--preferably open p/u.

Joe

[Modelakid31]

Joe i always believed that is how i came to like the 30-31 better. i grew up around them. my dad has 2 late 31's and then i got a 30 chassis when i was 14. then i got my 31 tudor sedan in 2009 that im almost done restoring(my tudor site). im 19yrs old so i always wonder what my choice will be later on down the road.

[Steve Wastler]

I like both 'groups' equally, I love all A's.....

[Russ/40]

I like the 28/29. Specifically, I like the way the front fenders wrap tighter around the front wheels. I also like the lower cowel reveal of the early models. I do have to admit, I like the 31 radiator shell the best.

[John Wing]

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I have a 29 standard coupe. the 28-29 cars reflect on 1920's car styles and 30-31 reflects car styles of the 1930's. That is what is great about Model A's and the transition of the prewar styling trends. I favor the early cars because I drive one.

J Wing

[Ron in Quincy]

I had a 1928 Roadster when in High School; guess thats why I am kind of partial to the 28-29's. How ever I do have a 30 Deluxe Coupe which I enjoy driving, primarly because of the 2 tooth steering and a little more inside room; it is also easier for the wife to get in and out (never upset the cook).

Ron

[MCHinson]

My first Model A was a 1931 Briggs bodied town sedan. I initially thought that the 30/31 cars looked better. My current Model A is a 1929 Phaeton. I still like the later closed cars, but the earlier open cars have really grown on me over the years.

[Milton]

I like the early A's look with the 21" rims and tightly wrapped front fenders, smaller cowl etc. but, alas, looks aren't everything. I prefer the 30-31's because they are an improvement over the earlier cars. Fewer parts, stouter construction and a firmer look about them.

[Roadster62]

I placed my vote with 30-31 because I've owned more of them than the 28-29's. The front fenders on a 28-29 are just perfect, I really like the way they wrap around the tire. The 28-29 cowl just looks awkward, except on the Briggs Fordors. The 28-29's just have a nice "Antique" look, while the 30-31 has a redesigned, good by to the Model T look. They all look good IMO.

[Modelakid31]

Originally Posted by Russ/40

I like the 28/29. Specifically, I like the way the front fenders wrap tighter around the front wheels. I also like the lower cowel reveal of the early models. I do have to admit, I like the 31 radiator shell the best.

They are my favorite too!!

[Modelakid31]

Originally Posted by Roadster62

I placed my vote with 30-31 because I've owned more of them than the 28-29's. The front fenders on a 28-29 are just perfect, I really like the way they wrap around the tire. The 28-29 cowl just looks awkward, except on the Briggs Fordors. The 28-29's just have a nice "Antique" look, while the 30-31 has a redesigned, good by to the Model T look. They all look good IMO.

Agreed. I think thats why thy dont look as nice as the 30-31's. The 28-29's look more like model Ts

[eswanson]

30/31 are my choice except if I were to do a RPU, for some reason like like the hard cowl line on those trucks.

Eric

[ratamahata]

28/29 I like the Olds

[LSGUN]

I like the '28-'29 for roadsters and '30-'31 for everything else.

[Hitchhiker]

I voted 28-29 they look a little older than 30-31's which I like....even though I have a 31.

[CarlG]

I voted for the 30-31. I have only ever owned 31's, my first 2 vehicles were 31 Model As, there by the reason for looking for another 31 when I acquired the truck in my avitar.

[29RPU]

I voted 28-29. I too like the tighter wrapped front fenders. That is my favorite part. I also like the shape of the headlights and steering wheels over that of the 30-31. I just prefer the 'older' look of the 20's.

[Richard/Ca]

I like the 28/29 because they just look like what Model A should look like. But I wouldn't turn down or throw out any 30/31. Both have style of their own.
Richard Smith

[Randy in Illinois]

While both I like very much, the 1930-31 captures the look of the "NEW" Ford.

[28RPU]

I like the 30-31 style better even though I own a 28.I prefer the cowl style of the later model except the rpu which for some reason I think looks better in the 28-29 style. 1931 cabriolet is the perfect car.

[Greg Jones]

I prefer 30-31 for many of the reasons given and because of the stainless steel brightwork. I have a 26 T and it bears a striking resemblence (albeit a little more spindly) to the 28-29s.

[gunmetal blue]

There all great but I like 28-29 mybe because my first and others and last one were all 29cars and 1 truck, now Ihave 1 29 AA truck.

[1931 flamingo]

I have a late 31, so thatis my choice. My druthers are 1932, 1937, and 1940.

Paul in CT

[Seth Swoboda]

I like the slant winshield model A's the best. The 400A, 190A and all of the slant windshield fordor town sedans. There is just something about that lower body, the slant windshield and the body lines, it must be that 1930's styling that gets me.

[Roger V]

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I prefer the '30-31's as they appear sleeker to me whereas the '28-29's look more like the Model T's. I walk the talk as I've owned eighteen '30-31's and one '29 (bought only to resell).

[sturgis 39]

I like them all. The 30-31 are the poor boys 32.

[Bill in Al]

I like the "old" look of the '28-'29. Has more of the horseless carriage appearance than my '30. Love all the 'A's!

[Mikeinnj]

I like 28-29 as they look true antique especially the area of the "locomotive" cowl. The 30-31 look modern.

[sturgis 39]

My boss belonged to an old car club in the 80's. The 28 and 29 were the highly desired Model "A" then. The 28-29 roadsters were 12-13,000 dollars then. I thought I would never afford one. I think the internet brought a lot of them out of the woodwork.

[Modelakid31]

Originally Posted by Randy in Illinois

While both I like very much, the 1930-31 captures the look of the "NEW" Ford.

This is the best way to describe it! seriously!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the answer to my choice of the 30-31 look

[Mitch Bunkin in PA]

Hi,
As a novice, I just figured that all the "bugs" (if any) would be worked out by 1930 and I would have fewer problems that I didn't know how to fix. I also felt the original stainless lights, hubcaps & rad. shell would make it easier on me as I've seen that original nickel plated lights & shells usually need a lot of work to preserve. I also like the larger radiator.

[milo]

28-29's do it for me......

[Neil Mylar LakewoodCA]

My first Model A was a 1928 special coupe. I've always been partial to the 28/29 early style. I like the wheels, the cowl, and the fenders. I do however like the 31 slant windows. I think it's great that there are 2 different styles to choose from and I enjoy viewing both.

[sturgis 39]

Originally Posted by Mitch Bunkin in PA

Hi,
As a novice, I just figured that all the "bugs" (if any) would be worked out by 1930 and I would have fewer problems that I didn't know how to fix. I also felt the original stainless lights, hubcaps & rad. shell would make it easier on me as I've seen that original nickel plated lights & shells usually need a lot of work to preserve. I also like the larger radiator.

The radiators are about the same size. The 30-31 is taller but narrower than the 28-29. The number of tubes and the number of fins and the material are the important issues. Copper "r" value is half (approximately) of aluminum.

[gweilbaker]

Hey, what's with this poll? We from the Chicago area can only vote once! That is totally unacceptable.

What next friendly, smiling DMV personnel?

30~31 is just so cool but then again 28~29 are the true babe magnets.

GW

[Randy(PA)]

I voted for 28-29 style. Just to tease my fellow club members, I always tell them the later 30-31 models are just the result of cost-reduction programs.

[Special Coupe Frank]

My over-all preference is for the '28-'29...

I like the radiator, the Coupe' cowl-pillar, the 21" wheels, the look of the nickel-plating ( when it is in decent condition )...

Next-best I like the 1930 models... ( a black '30 Coupe with apple green wheels is the first A that I can remember seeing in person, at a little antique car museum somewhere between York and Lancaster, circa 1973 - it was parked out front under a canopy, and you entered the museum through the gift-shop in front ( of course! ) ).


I really do not care for the painted inset on the '31 Radiator shell...

Now, for trucks, I like them all, but have a special fondness for the '29 AA, especially the open express...


Not trying to flame anyone else, just offering my likes / dislikes...

[Purdy Swoft]

I really love them all !! My first was a 29 that I still have. I guess the reason that I voted 30-31 is because of my 30-31 roadster that I had wanted most of my life and finally was able to buy one on eBay that had been riddled with bullet holes and rebuild it about eight years ago.

[steve s]

28-29. If you're going to have an old car, why not have it look old?

Steve

[30ccpickup]

I was going to vote Chicago style, but I see 30-31 style is winning so far, so there is no need to.

[a sedan]

Like many have said. All of henerys a,s are a treat to look at . But me I love the looks of 30 / 31 the best...

[oldsman41]

i own a 28 roadster and love it. but i like the 30 31 coupe

[supergnat]

I prefer the 28-29 due to the 21 inch tires.

[Mike V. Florida]

The slant windshield cars in '31 look like there is something missing. I also don't care for the emblem on 31's. I like the blue oval and looks of the 30.

[Tinker]

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Originally Posted by Mikeinnj

I like 28-29 as they look true antique especially the area of the "locomotive" cowl. The 30-31 look modern.

The "locomotive" cowl is my favorite too. It's like dimples on a women. .

You know how I voted!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Tinker

The "locomotive" cowl is my favorite too. It's like dimples on a women. .

You know how I voted!

I never heard the 28-9 cowl refered to as "THE LOCOMOTIVE COWL", but I like it. LOL

[Bob in Ga]

Have to say the Slant Window models are my favorite, can not afford the Vicky so go with late 31 Slant. Got mine from our cousin after 26 yrs. Really enjoy touring with this model. Thanks

[RcT]

In my opinion, the times dictated the styling of the car. In 1927, the model A was quite an advancement. Still rather "T-like" in appearance with all the current upgrades. Color was the big thing, and the transmission design was a big jump for Ford. This was a modern car, attractive and functional, fitting for the times.

By late '29, the enthusiasm for the "New Ford" has waned a bit, and now the emphasis was on styling. The car became smoother in appearance, with new models and extra features. Different times, different appearance. Basically, the same mechanics, but Ford was now facing stiffer competition, and needed a car with more pizazz...

My favorite styling is the '28-'29 models, however, I would like a nice '30 cc pick-up one day. More room, more money, more time, please.

[Kiwi Helrod]

My preference... '28-'29

[Hoogah]

I'm in there for the '28/29. Like most of us, the preference is totally illogical and ruled by the heart.

It was a '28 Tudor that first got me excited about vintage cars when I was a young boy who had to practise on the piano in the front room of our house each morning before school. Every morning at the same time, the blue Tudor came down the hill and the owner honked the horn as he went through the intersection near our house (dunno why you'd do this, maybe he had no brakes?? ). I would dive off the piano stool and race to the window to watch this marvelous machine go past our house. That did it for me. I was hooked.

Some fifty years later I became the owner of a 28 Phaeton. By the way, there's nothing wrong with any of them!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

For years I had an Early '29 & an Early '30 5 window coupe, side by side. It's AMAZING to study the DIFFERENCES! The stance & even the "FACE" is SO different! The '29 was the year of choice for the Dry Lakes cars, as it had LESS frontal area, resulting in LESS wind resistance. Few body parts will interchange!
On the Coupes, the '30 has more leg room & it's easier to get yo' LEFT foot in the car. On my '29, I "thought" about cutting about 5" off the front edge of the seat platform & the seat springs, where it overhangs the seat riser.
Bill W.

[mshmodela]

A very hard choice for me... I own a Late 31'... I see the 28' and 29' as a younger looking car due to the lower radiator and hood line and the 30-31' as an older looking version of the 28'-29' body style. All 4 years of the Ford Model A are charming in their own unique way.

[Russ B]

A resurrected old thread, but my favorites have always been the '28-29. The radiator shell and front fenders are just more attractive, imho. The cowl, however, is the BIG difference that causes folks to love one style more than another. I think though, the Briggs Body cowl for '28-28 is the most beautiful cowl until the '32 came out.

[DougVieyra]

RcT 's post #49 closely fits my thinking.

The two distinctive styles came from two distinctly different eras. One from the 1920's, the other from the 1930's. One style was pre-Depression, the other post-Depression. Each of the Model A's two styles reflected their respective eras.

As a historian who specialized in 1900 t0 1930 American cultural and automotive hiistory, I appreciate both equally as well. Today I have inter-active living-history examples of each era. An open car (which dominated the '20's) in my 1928 Touring (Phaeton); and a closed car (which dominated the '30's) in my late '31 Dlx Coupe.

To give myself more diversity, one car is a two-seat model, the other a one seat model, in addition to the - one open, one closed diversity. Each was selected to represent a multitude of characteristics of their eras and my own taste and needs.

- Doug Vieyra, Eureka, Calif - 65 degrees @ 4 pm

[glenn in camino]

I have 1 or more of each year. and I love them all.

[DJ S]

I voted for the 30-31 styling. This is a very bias opinion as I grew up around
30-31s. I do however love the look of a 28-29 roadster.

[TDO]

30-31, I just like the styling.

[ian Simpson]

Originally Posted by gweilbaker

Hey, what's with this poll? We from the Chicago area can only vote once! That is totally unacceptable.

What next friendly, smiling DMV personnel?

30~31 is just so cool but then again 28~29 are the true babe magnets.

GW

So true, our club stages 30+ mini-car shows at local senior residences each summer. Our 1928 Tudor is often the attention from residents of the fairer sex whereas our friend's 1930 Tudor tends to be ignored even though it is in much better condition.

[al's28/33]

1928 best, the year my Dad was born!

[Gerald1961]

I voted for the 30/31 because I am driving one ;-)
honestly, I love the stainless steel and the huge radiator..

[daveymc29]

28/29 to my way of thinking has the best dash and the whole car stance seems prettier, IMHO.

[bambooboy]

when we went looking for A trks,we knew nothing.i just wanted one.seen one for sale in amish country pa.liked it a lot except for fiberglass fenders&the price.went back second time,never did find it.typed in 28,29, 30,31 on craigslist autos for sale in all surrounding states. found my pickup after going to jersey 3 times.i could not believe the height difference.the one in pa was,30,31.mine is 29. did not like the height.wife talked me into it,price was 4 grand cheaper&just about everything was new or rebuilt.have grown to like the look with the bed stake boards on it.its a keeper ---tom

[monto]

My vote; 30-31. First one was a '30 Tudor. Current car is a '31 Tudor. All A's are great.
I guess I gravitate toward 30's and 31's.

[SeaSlugs]

depends on what model i guess.

to me the 28/29 feel more antique looking and boxy while the 30/31 appear to be rounder and going towards that aerodynamic bodystyle of the mid 30's-40's

i love the way my 29 AA looks with its square cab and overall utilitarian over style appearance.

the 30/31 truck cabs look more carish to me and "softer" (less pointy i guess), dont get me wrong i still love em tho!.

[Skibb]

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Drove an early 1928 Briggs Sedan for seven years as a kid. I loved that car. Back to A's fifty years later, problem is my waistline isn't 32/34 anymore. So, it's the '30/31s today. I love them all though.

[Henry's Lady's Man]

I like 'em both, but personally like (and voted for) the 30' '31 look better. They are still beloved Model A's , but I feel that by 1930, the A had come into it's own, with more streamlined fenders and bumpers, nicer wheels, hubcaps, teacup brake light, a more attractive radiator, and a final breakaway from the boxier look, taking it one step further from the rugged T look. (I'm not knocking the T lovers).

I also appreciate the several advantageous changes to the engine.