What colors did the 1929 Model A come in?
The 1929 Model A offered a broad palette of finishes, including many solid colors and a wide array of two-tone schemes available through Ford's color catalogs. In short, buyers could choose from a generous range beyond the era’s standard neutrals.
Color options for the Model A evolved with model years and manufacturing runs. Ford published detailed color catalogs that allowed dealers to mix body, fender, and roof finishes, resulting in a substantial catalog of single-tone and two-tone combinations. Availability varied by year, body style, and regional market, so exact options could differ from one car to another.
Color options and finishes
The following list summarizes the main color families and common patterns used on 1929 Model A cars.
- Solid body colors: greens, blues, grays, maroons, browns, tans, and black
- Two-tone finishes: body color with contrasting fenders, and often a different roof color
- Common two-tone pairings: darker body tones paired with lighter fenders or roofs to create a contrasting look
- Variation by year and region: the exact color names and combinations could differ depending on the dealer catalog and production batch
These options reflect a period when customers could tailor the exterior appearance to personal taste, within the constraints of Ford’s available color books and factory-led color schemes.
Notes for collectors and restorers
When restoring a 1929 Model A, it’s important to reference the specific color code or catalog year for the exact finish. Original paint codes and two-tone configurations were documented in Ford’s historical color charts, and reproductions or modern restorations often aim to match those classic finishes as closely as possible. Because color availability varied by year and production batch, verifying the era-year pairing helps ensure historical accuracy.
Practical considerations for owners
Choosing a color for a 1929 Model A involved balancing personal preference with authenticity. While many surviving cars showcase the era’s diverse palette, some colors are rarer today due to the passage of time and the fragility of enamel finishes. Restoration shops and Model A clubs frequently reference original catalogs to guide color selection and repaint projects.
In sum, the 1929 Model A offered a generous color spectrum—solid hues and numerous two-tone combinations—allowing buyers to express individuality while preserving period-accurate styling.
Summary
The 1929 Ford Model A did not rely on a single color family. It embraced a broad array of solid colors and two-tone schemes, with exact options published in Ford catalogs and varying by year, region, and body style. For collectors and restorers, the key is to consult the original color charts for the desired year to reproduce or accurately reflect the car’s historical finish.
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 colors did the 1929 Ford Model A come in?
Model A Paint Codes
| Color Name | DuPont | Color Name |
|---|---|---|
| Bonnie Gray (1929) | DS 149 | French Gray (Stripe) (1928, 30-36) |
| Balsam Green (1929) | GS286 | Brewster Green (1929-31) |
| Kewanee Green (1929-31) | DS118 | Rock Moss Green (1929) |
| Ford Maroon (1929-30,32) | DS056 | Vermilion Red (1929-35) |
What colors did Model A's come in?
The Model A came in a variety of colors like black, blue, green, and brown, depending on the year and model. Popular options included black, Ford Maroon, Washington Blue, and Thorne Brown, with some years offering two-tone color schemes for the body and molding. Additional details like wheel and stripe colors were also available, such as Tacoma Cream and Apple Green for wheels and pinstripes.
Body and molding colors
- Black: A standard and widely available color, often paired with other colors for molding.
- Blues: Popular blues included Washington Blue, Andalusite Blue, and Lombard Blue.
- Greens: Choices like Brewster Green, Kewanee Green, and Elkpoint Green were offered.
- Browns: Colors such as Thorne Brown and Seal Brown were common options.
- Other notable colors: Ford Maroon, Bronson Yellow, and Chicle Drab were also available depending on the model year.
Wheel and stripe colors
- Wheels: While black was the initial wheel color, options like Apple Green, Aurora Red, Orange, Tacoma Cream, and Hessian Blue were added later.
- Stripes: Pinstripe colors were offered to match the wheels or contrast with the body, including colors like French Gray, Tacoma Cream, and Apple Green.
Important considerations
- Year and model: The specific color options changed each year and varied by model type (e.g., roadster vs. sedan).
- Two-tone schemes: Many Model A's were painted with two-tone schemes, using one color for the lower body and another for the upper body, belt, quarter, and sill molding.
- Dealer-applied and custom colors: While Ford offered many factory colors, it was also possible for dealers to add custom colors, or for owners to choose custom paint, as discussed on Facebook and this YouTube video.
What color was the first Model A?
The Model A was sold only in red by the factory, though some were later repainted in other colors.
