Model A vs. Flathead quandry

[BlueSunoco]

Kind of a general question, BUT if you had to choose between a Model A Ford or a pre-War Flathead V-8 Ford, can't have both only allowed one of them, which would you pick and why? Say both cars are equally restored, no issues or anything talking turn key cars ready to drive. Money not really being a factor either. Which is a better all around driver/maintainer in your way of thinking?

[Pete]

Which is better, an apple or an orange?

[modelamotorhead]

Model A's, because I love 'em, period....

[BlueSunoco]

Originally Posted by Pete

Which is better, an apple or an orange?

I see your point Pete, maybe I should be more specific.....parts availability, ease of maintenance, etc. I'm not too familiar with the V-8 side as well as Model A. I posted this over there too to see what those guys think, to be honest hopefully not prejudiced.

[Purdy Swoft]

As far as parts availability,Beside the fact that I've got lots of them, I figure model A parts are more readily available and more reasonable in price.. After owning and fixing my own model A's for over 50 years, I can fix model A's easier..If I could keep the model A and had the choice of buying a V8 or buying another model A I would buy the V8.

[Keith True]

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I would have to say the A,just because they take up less room to store in the winter.I have three A's on the road right now,but really only use one at a time.The idea of having a bunch of A's sounds like fun,but after 30 years or more of taking halfway care of them it gets old.Right now I'm on the lookout to trade my unrestored standard roadster for a pre-war flathead to drive.

[ctvpa]

We can't choose your mind for you. You have to think about what YOU want, and what YOU are going to use it for.
I have both. For me, I like the model A better. Some personal reasons, but also it is more primitive, so not everyone can drive it, but not as primitive as Model T (I love them too) but is it getting very limited in areas to drive a T without putting people at risk, because of all the self centered brats on the road.
My A is fast to figure out a problem, and usually I can fix it. It looks great, as aerodynamic as a brick, but people just love to stand and look at them. At most shows, you will see more people looking at the A's.
I have fun with it. When I have friends who have never ridden in one, I have them climb in and I go over some railroad tracks at about 40. Years later I will have a guy come to me and say, "Do you remember taking my father and me in your car? When we hit those tracks I thought we were airborne". So 20 years later, they still remember it.
Model A owners tend to hold onto what we have. At the opening of the Museum (Yes, not an unbiased population) the had everyone hold up their hands; they asked you to take your hand down as they counted down the years; "How many have owned you car 5 years or less lower your hands, 10 years, 20 years......" They got to 70. I have had mine 40 years, I'm a newbe.
My V8 is fairly new to me, and is very different than most any V8 you will ever see. It's in great condition, National Best of show winner. I really like it. I enjoy it. But if I am forced down to one, model A stays.
Get the car that you like, that makes you feel good, that makes your heart skip a beat, that brings back a memory, that you want to see in your driveway. If you like the V8, go for it. They are great cars.
Then please post a photo of what you have chosen.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Originally Posted by pete

which is better, an apple or an orange?

exactly!!!

[Tim Armstrong]

I would cheat and find a way to get both.

Never too old to have a happy childhood.

[Flatout]

The answer depends on which forum you post the question.

[ford3]

the v/8, smoother, more power,a lot easier to rebuild with out the babbited rods and mains, and in my opinion more reliable, and some of the pretties body styles ever producded

[Patrick L.]

Which one pulls your trigger ?

[Hicktick]

In order for a fair answer I must have more info.

Model As span four years with many different body styles .
Pre war V8 spans 10 years with a lot of changes .

Questions , how big are you and what will you use the car for ??
Do you have family riding with you etc , ???

Now if you have a chance to buy a 32- 35 coupe , original , restored for what you can buy an A model for then , I would get the V8

Tell us more

[Karl]

I would love a 34 Ford V8 Coupe -However based on the current prices of these and Model A's (at least in New Zealand) I could buy three or four nice Model A's for the cost of one nice 1934. Would I like the 34 more than 3 or 4 Model A's -Not sure . Academic really as I don't have the funds for either currently-Karl

[Mike V. Florida]

As this is a Model A forum I'm assuming you are asking about what to place in the Model A body style.


I own a model a and as such I like the A engine. If I owned a Hot Rod I would choose a flat head V8.

[gwhite]

I own a hot rod and chose a Model A engine

Let's not forget that the A & B motors were THE hot ticket on the dry lakes in the late 30's!

[28ACoupe]

You can basically build a Model A out of a catalog. I don't know of any of the post-war flathead cars that have that kind of support.

[1931 flamingo]

Personally I think your age has to come into play here. I, myself may have to make this decision in the spring. I am presently going thru an infected hip revision (orig oper was 8-7-13, new hip 12-6-13) and the going is slow. Much muscle tissue was removed from left leg due to pseudo tumors. The recovery is going much slower than the 1st time about 9 yrs ago. Now the question becomes will I be able to get into my tudor and operate the clutch, perform maintainance and crawl under it OR do I need to look for something with bigger doors and more seat room (there goes the T bucket) or get into something even newer that a fat ford but distinctly different??
There's plenty of A AND flathead knowledge here on the board and plenty of flathead body and mech parts avail. JMO FWIW
Paul in CT

[BlueSunoco]

Originally Posted by Hicktick

In order for a fair answer I must have more info.

Model As span four years with many different body styles .
Pre war V8 spans 10 years with a lot of changes .

Questions , how big are you and what will you use the car for ??
Do you have family riding with you etc , ???

Now if you have a chance to buy a 32- 35 coupe , original , restored for what you can buy an A model for then , I would get the V8

Tell us more

Hicktick, over 6 foot tall and 200 pounds. Size 12 shoes.

The '36 Ford I slid into today was definitely easier to get into than any Model A!

[john in illinois]

I am 6'3 and have a Tudor Model A. I moved the seat back on rails that I made. Has plenty of room and I have driven a 4,000 mile trip to Montana.
It is easy to make a 2 door sedan fit. The roadster hot rod I am building is tighter. I guess if you want an A you can make it work,same with the V8's.

Have fun deciding.

John