1928 Ford Model A
When production of the Model T Ford ceased in 1927 its replacement was eagerly awaited by the American public. At that time, model changeover in a mass production situation was something of which car manufacturers had little experience as most cars were virtually handmade. Henry Ford’s solution was radical by today’s standards as he simply stopped production and laid off the workers while they organised to set up for the new model. Indeed the factory remained idle for almost a complete year.
The new Model A Ford was first exhibited at the end of 1927 and it was reported that some 10-million people queued to see it in the first two days. This new Ford had a powerful four-cylinder engine, a conventional three-speed gearbox and was the first production car ever to feature safety glass.
The styling of the new Model A – created by a team led by Henry Ford’s son Edsel – created a sensation as it was based on Ford’s luxury car, the Lincoln, and came in a wide range of colours and trim fabrics; a far cry from the monochromatic Model T.
Much had changed from the days of the Model T as the Model A was a significantly more modern car. Ford realised that he had waited too long before changing over from the Model T, and had lost momentum and industry leadership as a result. He wanted to retain traditional Ford qualities: inexpensive to own and run, reliable and capable of being produced in huge quantities.
Although it retained the same proven transverse elliptic springing as used in the Model T, a concession to improved road surfaces over the years saw the Model A fitted with hydraulic shock absorbers, which previously had only been fitted to much more expensive cars.
Although the Depression began only a few months after the release of the Model A, it was still affordable for many people because of its low price and Ford Model A sales far outstripped its main rival, the General Motors Chevrolet. In fact Ford production in 1930 of 1.1 million cars greatly exceeded production of Chevrolets. To meet the different markets Ford produced various body styles including both two-door and four-door saloons as well as two-seater and five-seater coupes and convertibles and a timber-trimmed station wagon.
In total, four and a half million Model A Fords were sold over a four year period. In addition, Ford had established a growing market for commercial vehicles. However, the company could no longer rely on the Model A to sustain sales: a new policy and new models were needed to carry Ford through the 1930s.
