1928 Ford Model A Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

The transition from Ford Model T to Ford Model A happened in 1927. The Ford Model A was more powerful, better equipped, and more refined than its predecessor. Production ended in 1931 after 4,320,446 units had been built.

Technical Details:

The Ford Model A represented a decisive technical update for Ford, and the 1928 Roadster version shown in the video shares the same core engineering as the rest of the Model A range. Power came from a front-mounted inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3,285 cc (3.3 liters). This engine featured standing valves and was fed by a simple Zenith updraft carburetor. Output was rated at 40 horsepower, or roughly 30 kW, a significant figure for a mass-produced car of the late 1920s.

The drivetrain followed a conventional layout, with power sent to the rear wheels. A three-speed sliding-gear manual transmission with reverse handled gear changes, paired with a rear axle ratio of 3.77:1. This setup allowed the Ford Model A to reach a top speed of around 100 to 104 km/h, depending on conditions. Fuel consumption typically ranged between 12 and 19 liters per 100 kilometers, reflecting both driving style and load.

The chassis was based on a sturdy steel frame with rigid beam axles at both ends, suspended by transverse leaf springs. Braking was provided by mechanically actuated drum brakes on all four wheels, marking an advance over earlier Ford designs. Importantly, the Model A introduced a standardized control layout, using separate accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals along with a conventional gear lever. This configuration aligned Ford with emerging automotive norms and made the vehicle easier to drive for a growing customer base.

• Manufacturer: Ford
• Model Name: Ford Model A Roadster
• Year of Manufacturing: 1928

Design:

In design terms, the Ford Model A Roadster of 1928 balanced simplicity with a more modern presence than its predecessor. The body was constructed from steel sheet metal, giving the car a solid and cohesive look. The open Roadster configuration emphasized lightness and accessibility, with a clear focus on the driving experience rather than enclosed comfort.

Ford offered the Model A in four standard body colors, though black was not available for the main body panels. For production reasons, however, the fenders were always painted black, creating a visual contrast that became a recognizable feature of the model. The 1928 Roadster rode on 21-inch wheels, contributing to its upright stance and period-correct proportions.

The exterior lines were straightforward, with an uncluttered grille, simple bumpers, and exposed elements that reflected the car’s mechanical honesty. Inside, the cabin was functional and sparse. Large windows and the open-top layout enhanced visibility and connection to the surroundings. The design did not aim to impress through ornamentation but through clarity and usability, qualities that resonated with buyers at the time.

Historical Significance:

The Ford Model A replaced the Model T, known worldwide as the “Tin Lizzy.” By the mid-1920s, competition in the automotive market had intensified, and Ford could no longer rely on a single, largely unchanged design. The transition from Model T to Model A began in 1927 and required nearly half a year of factory retooling before the first cars rolled off the production line.

The Model A was more powerful, better equipped, and more refined than its predecessor. Its 3.3-liter engine illustrated how American mass-produced cars of the era already operated with larger displacements than most European vehicles. Despite this, the Ford Model A was offered internationally. To bypass high import duties, vehicles for the German market were assembled in Berlin, a step that later led to the construction of a full Ford factory in Cologne.

Production ended in 1931 after 4,320,446 units had been built. Although its production run was much shorter than that of the Model T, the Model A played a critical role in modernizing Ford’s image and production methods during a rapidly changing period in automotive history.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The launch of the Ford Model A was accompanied by extensive promotion. Henry Ford personally championed the new model through interviews and advertising campaigns. Public interest was high, and prominent figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Mary Pickford owned Model As. Several Hollywood personalities even posed for photographs with their new cars, reinforcing the Model A’s cultural visibility.

At the time, commentators famously remarked, “Henry has turned the Lizzy into a Lady,” a phrase that captured how much more refined the Ford Model A appeared compared to the Model T. Over the years, certain Model A variants achieved lasting fame. The “Mean Green Machine,” a green 1929 Ford Model A Tudor sedan built in 1931, became closely associated with the University of North Texas and has appeared at football games and events since the 1970s. Similarly, the “Ramblin’ Wreck,” a 1930 sports coupe, serves as the official mascot of the Georgia Institute of Technology and remains a fixture at student and sporting events.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.

Conclusion:

The 1928 Ford Model A Roadster, including the example shown in the video, illustrates a key moment in Ford’s evolution. Technically more advanced than the Model T, it introduced higher performance, standardized controls, and four-wheel braking. Its design emphasized clarity and function, while its historical role underscored Ford’s response to increased competition and changing consumer expectations. Combined with its strong presence in popular culture, the Ford Model A remains a clear marker of automotive transition at the end of the 1920s.