I have always liked the look of 31/32 model A's and would like to build one. I Prefer a 3 window but also like the 5 windows and they seems more available at reasonable prices. Why is there such a price difference between the two years?
Cause a '32 aint a model A. Model A was 28-31 , '32 was a model B and was the introduction of the beloved flathead v8 . Also a slightly larger car with some added cl***.
Model A stopped in 1931 ... the 1932 is a entirely different body. The Model A 5 window was produced at least 10 to one ... more than the 32 5W. The 32 3W ... was made less than the 5W. Almost 2 and 1/2 5W for every one 3W. 1932 was the worse year for the Great Depression so while folks wanted the 32 NEW ... most had a LOT of trouble having having enough to eat, much less buying a car. SO ... like it or not ... a 32 Ford usually costs at least twice as much ( often 3 or 4 times as much ) as a Model A. If you cannot tell the difference ... BUY a Model A I can tell the difference so I have a pair of 32's
Ok, makes sense. Just never researched it to find the difference and knew guys here would know. I did not realize the 32 was bigger than the A's. Was there a 3 window 31?
I never spent alot of time looking at them other than checking some out at car shows. What got me to looking was Kisam's build on "Tuffy" and seeing some others here. Guess you need to look at them side by side.
No. There was/is at least one prototype for one, but never produced. There is also a thread on this board about a guy building one himself.
Model A 5W coupe 1932 Ford 5W coupe Notice the difference Grill shell NO sun visor Fuel tank in the rear cowl vent Longer wheelbase ... and visible frame rail. 1932 3W coupe ALL the improved features of the 5W coupe but the 3W is a DeLuxe coupe with door that opens rearward. The 3W has a cigar lighter, a glove box and a ash try. They also had wood grained dashes ... a**** other options that were standard on the Murray built 3W coupes.
One '32 was built for roughly 20 Model A's, so add in INSANE levels of demand and fanatical fans, '32 prices have been high and climbing since at least 1940.
And...there were two entirely different steel top 3W prototypes built for '30-31. They've been heavily discussed in an old thread. At least one still exists, but I think you'd have to kill the current owner and you'd be REAL easy for the police to hunt down...
I guess I never realized there were two different versions of this prototype. Do you have pics of them?
Thanks for the info guys! It's great to be able to get a quick history on a car in 5 minutes here. I Have predominately been a Mopar guy for many years (Hemi Challenger, several Roadrunners, Sport Fury's, Dusters etc..) just kind of got tired of alot of ****'s in several Mopar circles thinking everything they had was gold and yours was junk. Only because they didn't own it, lol! Anyway when I first got into muscle cars buddies would help each other out with projects. Hell if I was not using it and a buddy needed it I would give it to him. Now most of the Mopar guys I have seen don't wan to give out info without a fee. So I thought I would jump around to some other hot rod makes.
1932 3W coupes in this shape reguarly bring 25 grand and up A 32 5W in the same condition is usually about half that ... and a Model A 5W in the same condition usually brings about half of the MONEY the 32 5W sold for. Supply and Demand
I can see a 31 3 window being called a sport coupe. No confusion here now. I can see the differences. It would have been to easy to look it up on the net, ha ha! I would rather get the info from the guys that know them.
Yep. That's what it's all about. All the guys in my club are constantly swapping parts, giving them to whoever needs it, etc. It always comes back around. If you stick around you'll find that most all of the people that are into traditional hot rods and customs are that way. It's a little different than the muscle car scene.
I have seen some 31 5 windows for sale in the $3500- $5000 range. They were obviously projects but had the frame and almost complete body on one and the other was a roller with a flathead sitting in it I think. I guess it comes down to what you want to spend. I would imagine that either one would still be a decent investment if you bought it right?
I have been into old cars for about 25 years and am just old enough to not want to deal with some guys BS. Helping each other out is what makes it fun. Hanging out with buddies that share the same interest and having a cold one in the shop on weekends or evenings while you build or change your hot rod.
Buying, and doing up old cars is very rarely a good investment! The cheapest way into a Model A coupe is to buy an older,running/driving restoration, then remove the bits that arent a hotrod. Be sure the body work was done reasonably well, and there is no way you will go backwards. buying someones unfinished hotrod is very dangerous if you dont know exactly what you are looking at. too many cobbled together ****heaps out there.(or maybe they just get imported to Australia and the good ones stay there?) anyway, every dollar you spend on a better car to start with will save you four dollars at the other end.Not a hard and fast rule, but Id like to hear it refuted!
I know what your saying, I have built many. But I do my own body, paint, electrical and ch***is work. I just don't typically build the engine or ******. But I have never lost money on one. I may have broke even, but was never out. I understand what your saying if they are farming out a bunch of work.
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