1928 Ford Model A Speedster, Greatrace, Antique, Vintage on 2040-cars

Own a piece of history!  My 1928 Ford Model A Speedster is for sale.  This car was the 2007 Greatrace Grand Champ (Labine) and graced the cover of Hemmings Motor News in Sept 2011.  If you are looking for THE PERFECT speedster to rally in Greatrace or VCRA events, this is it.  My speedster embodies the “spirit of the event.” 

I'm selling my speedster because we bought a 1935 Ford Fordor to race, and I no longer will use it as a rally car.  This car should be rallied and not just used to collect dust in my garage.  We use it to get ice cream on nice spring afternoons, but that’s about all.   

The car handles great and is a blast to drive.  The best description I can give you is driving this car is like flying a WWI Sopwith Camel or Fokker.  The wind in your face, the sound of the engine, the smells wafting by as you scramble down the road…..  AWESOME! You’ll feel like Mr. Toad of Toad Hall. 

I have rallied this car since 2010 in the following events:  2010 VCRA Ruffneck; 2010 Sugar Valley Rally (2nd in class; 2nd overall!); 2011 VCRA All Stars; and 2011 Great Race (2nd in class; 14th overall).  It has been a VERY reliable car – we’ve never had a DNS or DNF (Did-Not-Start-Finish).  The car starts every time and runs cool.  Engine temp is normally 160-190 and overheating has never been an issue.  The only problem we’ve ever had on-the-clock was a flat tire.  It took 10 minutes to change.  The worst repair we’ve had to make at night in the hotel parking lot was a bad fuel pump.  Since 2011, I have started and driven the car monthly.  We’ve had it in a few local car shows.  I just drove it the first weekend of February 2014.  Started right up.   Previous owners of this car include Bob Labine, Jeff Stumb, and Rex Garner.  Rex never raced it, but Bob and Jeff did with good results. 

Description: 

1)  205 cid, 65 hp, 4 cylinder Model A Ron Kelly Engine.  Had a top-end rebuild in 2007.  Since then, I’ve put less than 4,000 miles on it.  That’s an estimate since the car does not have an odometer.  Runs strong and cool.  No issues ever.  Ron Kelly has built more Greatrace winning engines than anyone else.  Check out his website at modelaperformance-dot-com.

2)  Dual Stromberg 81 Carburetors.  Dual fuel pump system (switch back and forth with a cockpit toggle switch)

3)  12 volt system with alternator

4)  Stock three speed gearbox with Ryan overdrive (6 forward gears)

5) Side mounted spare with magnets for the speedometer

6) Bucket seats in vinyl and seatbelts

7)  Modern safety equipment:  shocks, turn signals, upgraded radiator, juice brakes, horn, and seatbelts.

8)  103 and a half inch wheelbase, 137 inches overall length, 1,920 lbs curbweight

9)  0-50 mph 15.3 seconds (top speed should be 110 mph but I’m not brave enough to find out…)    :-)

10)  Price includes Dave Clarke headsets.  Some speedsters run with a communications system, and some do not.  It’s your preference. 

11)  Timewise speedometer INCLUDED.  This is a $1,000 option all by itself.  You need an electronic speedo to be competitive in rallying and generally, they aren’t included in the vehicle sale.

12)  All the necessary equipment to rally is included with the car and fits in the car:  jack, flares, tow rope, first aid kit, etc.  Also included are the data charts needed to accurately run a race. 

13)  All metal body.  Hand-crafted.  Some dings and chips.  This is NOT a show car.  It’s been driven.  Stickers are still on the car from 2011 Greatrace.

14)  Roomy - yes, that's right... this car has plenty of room.  Other speedsters I have owned were cramped, meaning the driver and navigator rubbed shoulders all day.  No shoulder rubbing in this car!  (and I'm a big guy...)

FYI: 

1)  There is a  small split in the bodywork on the passenger side, upper rear deck.  You can see it in the photos.  My plan was to rivet a brace to immobilize the area and prevent further splitting.  The split is mostly covered by the upholstery, so visually, it’s no problem.  If you buy the car and want me to rivet a brace in place, I will.  Otherwise, I’ll leave it for the next owner.

2)  The tires are close to needing replacement.  I would do a weekend event on the existing rubber.  But I would NOT do a week/multi week event.

3)  The other problem with this car is the crowds of people she attracts!!!  If you’re shy and don’t like talking to people, don’t buy my car.

Final Thoughts:  I feel confidant that this car could handle a weekend rally event as-is, turn key – fill up the gas tank, check the oil, and go.  Realistically, before doing a multi-week Greatrace event, I would do a normal service:  change filters, fluids, spark plugs, etc.  Go through and visually inspect all systems and tighten bolts up, etc.  Replace rubber.  Address seam split.  She is ready to go.  The 2014 Greatrace goes from Maine to Florida and will be an awesome event.  If you’re still months away from finishing your “project” save yourself time, hassle, and heartache – buy my speedster and be ready for June!! 

Car located in Denton, Texas (76201) and is for sale locally.  I reserve the right to end the auction early if the car sells locally.  I got burned selling a car on ebay a few years ago, so if you have negative feedback or less than 10 feedback, please email me to discuss before bidding.  A $350 non-refundable deposit is required within 72 hours of auction end.  You have up to 14 days to pay the balance.  If you show up and decide you don’t want the car, that’s fine.  No harm – no foul.  All you lose is the deposit.  PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND ASK QUESTIONS IF YOU ARE UNCLEAR.  I can store the car indoors for a reasonable period of time free of charge so long as it’s paid for.  Shipping is the buyer’s responsibility.  If you are located 250 miles from 76201, I might be able to deliver for a fee.  We can discuss it.  Please come inspect the car before bidding.  The reserve is set less than $20K and the buy it now price is $21K.  You could not build this speedster for the sales price!!