How much is a Model A worth today?
In today's classic-car market, a Ford Model A’s value spans a broad range—from roughly $5,000 to $12,000 for rough, project-ready cars to $40,000–$60,000 or more for expertly restored examples. Most buyers find solid drivers in the $15,000–$30,000 range. The Model A was produced from 1927 to 1931, and valuations depend on year, body style, originality, and provenance, among other factors. Prices also vary by region and platform, including auctions, dealers, and online listings.
What determines a Model A's price
Several factors determine what a Model A will fetch. Here are the primary levers that price specialists consider when evaluating an example.
- Year and body style: Roadster, Coupe, Fordor, Town Sedan, Convertible, Pickup and other variants have different desirabilities and production numbers.
- Condition and mechanical state: Running, driving, or concours-standard mechanicals affect value more than cosmetics alone.
- Originality vs. reproduction/aftermarket parts: Matching-numbers components and period-correct trim typically add value for purists; non-original parts can reduce value unless they are well-executed restorations with provenance.
- Restoration quality and documentation: Professional, high-fidelity restorations with detailed records and correct parts often command premium.
- Provenance and documentation: Known history, awards, and previous owners can boost desirability, especially for rare variants.
- Rarity and body authenticity: Rare bodies, limited-production variants, or uniquely desirable configurations can fetch higher prices.
While the core mechanics of the Model A are straightforward, buyers should scrutinize rust, frame integrity, brake systems, electrical wiring, wood framing in some body styles, and any modifications that affect authenticity and safety.
Pricing bands by condition and body style
As of 2024–2025, typical market ranges reflect common body styles and condition levels across auctions and dealer listings. These bands are approximate and can swing with demand and regional availability.
- Project or parts car: 5,000–12,000. Likely needs extensive restoration and/or missing components.
- Runner or drivable project: 12,000–20,000. Engine and mechanicals run, but cosmetics or minor issues exist.
- Solid driver: 18,000–30,000. Presentable cosmetics, reliable operation, documented maintenance; often original or period-correct parts.
- Well-restored or highly original driver: 25,000–45,000. Quality restoration with good documentation; stock driveline preferred by many buyers.
- Concours-quality or rare, well-documented example: 40,000–60,000+. Highly authentic restorations or rarer body styles can push beyond this range in strong markets.
Note that modified or hot-rodded Model As may sit outside these bands, appealing to a different buyer base and potentially altering value away from strictly stock examples.
Where to find current values
To verify up-to-date prices, consult market data from established valuation guides, auction results, and current listings. The following sources are commonly used by collectors and dealers to gauge Model A values.
- Hagerty Price Guide: widely used for classic-car valuations, including condition-adjusted ranges for the Model A by body style.
- Major auction results: recent sales at Barrett-Jackson, RM Sotheby's, Gooding & Company, and regional auctions often illustrate demand for specific body styles and restoration quality.
- Online marketplaces and dealer listings: current asking prices in classifieds and specialty shops reveal what sellers expect in various regions.
- Model A clubs and provenance databases: documented restorations, serial-number checks, and awards can influence valuations.
Prices vary by region and platform, and they can move quickly. Always cross-check multiple sources and consider getting a professional appraisal for high-value purchases.
Summary
The Model A remains an accessible entry point into vintage-car collecting, with typical price bands that span from roughly $5,000 on the low end for rough cars to $60,000 or more for top-tier restorations and rare body styles. Most buyers should expect to pay in the $15,000–$30,000 range for solid drivers and well-restored examples. For the most current figures, consult up-to-date valuation guides (such as Hagerty), recent auction results, and reputable listings, and factor in restoration costs and provenance when budgeting.
How much is a 1930 Ford Model A worth?
The value of a 1930 Ford Model A can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,870 for a 1930 Ford Model A in good condition with average spec.
How much is a 1929 Ford Model A worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $20,200 for a 1929 Ford Model A (Truck) 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What makes a Ford model a valuable?
While vehicle condition is paramount, Hawk reminds us that body styles matter: “Roadsters and Phaetons are worth more than coupes, which are worth more than Tudor or Fordor models. Some body styles, like the Victoria, were made in very small numbers and therefore command a premium.”
How much is a 1931 Ford Model A worth?
The value of a 1931 Ford Model A varies widely, with a typical price for a good condition model around $16,600, while prices for well-maintained or rare versions can range from around $24,000 upwards. Prices for examples in poor condition can be as low as $5,832. Factors like the car's specific condition, history, and body style significantly impact the final price.
Factors influencing value
- Condition: A car in excellent, original, or highly restored condition will be worth more than one needing significant work.
- Body Style: Some body styles are rarer and more desirable than others. For example, a 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Coupe might fetch a higher price than a standard sedan.
- Modifications: Extensive modifications, while potentially appealing to some buyers, can lower the value for collectors seeking originality.
- History: A car with a clean title and good history is worth more than one with problems.
Sample price ranges
- Average: A good condition, average-spec 1931 Ford Model A typically sells for about $16,600, according to Hagerty.
- Low: The lowest auction price for a 1931 Model A in recent years was $5,832.
- High: The highest auction price for a 1931 Model A in recent years was $159,500, typically for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples.
Where to find current listings
- Classics on Autotrader: This site shows a range of 1931 Model A vehicles for sale, with prices varying by model and condition.
- eBay: This platform also features numerous 1931 Ford Model A listings, with a wide range of asking prices.
- Hagerty: Provides valuation tools and lists of recent auction results for a better idea of the current market value.
- Classic.com: This site compiles listings from various sources and provides a market overview.
