What is the gas mileage on a 1930 Model A?

In practice, the 1930 Model A typically delivered about 20 miles per gallon, with a practical range of roughly 15–25 mpg depending on condition and driving style.

The Model A, introduced in 1927 and produced through 1931, paired a 200.5 cubic inch inline-4 engine with a 3-speed manual transmission. Official fuel economy figures from the era do not exist in the way modern cars are rated, so enthusiasts rely on historical tests, owner reports, and careful restorations to gauge how efficiently these classics could run.

Baseline design and its implications for efficiency

The car’s weight, modest aerodynamics, and simple mechanicals shaped its fuel use. With roughly 40 horsepower and a fixed gearing ratio, the Model A’s mpg hinges on how it is driven and maintained.

What determines fuel economy on a Model A

Before listing the primary factors that influence mpg, note that results vary widely based on condition and driving style. The following elements played the biggest roles:

• Engine displacement and mechanical efficiency: 200.5 cu in inline-4, about 40 hp.


• Transmission and gearing: a 3-speed manual with relatively tall gears affecting RPM at cruising speeds.


• Carburetion and fuel system: single-barrel carburetor and basic fuel delivery.


• Weight and aerodynamics: a relatively heavy, boxy body for its era with limited streamlining.


• Driving speed and conditions: typical cruising speeds around 25–40 mph; higher speeds reduce mpg.


• Tire type and inflation: balloon tires were common; proper inflation reduces rolling resistance and improves efficiency.


• Maintenance and tune: ignition timing, carburetion, and general engine health strongly influence economy.

In practice, these factors yielded an mpg range around 18–25 mpg under normal operation, with the upper end achievable under careful driving and good maintenance.

Real-world ranges by driving conditions

At moderate speeds and with a well-tuned engine, many drivers reported roughly 20–25 mpg. When the car is operated at higher highway-like speeds or heavily loaded, fuel economy could drop toward the mid-to-high teens.

Note that these figures reflect historical experience and modern restorations. Individual results can vary significantly based on the specific vehicle and how it is driven.

Restoration, modernization and how they affect mpg

Some owners pursue adjustments to improve reliability and driveability, which can also influence efficiency. The key is balancing authenticity with sensible improvements that don’t undermine the Model A’s character.

• Carburetor tuning and fuel delivery optimization to improve combustion efficiency.


• Ignition timing checks and maintenance to ensure complete combustion.


• Proper tire selection and correct inflation to reduce rolling resistance.


• Regular maintenance (spark plugs, valve adjustments, oil quality) to maintain engine efficiency.

While these steps can yield modest mpg gains and better reliability, the Model A’s basic architecture limits drastic improvements compared with modern cars.

Summary

The 1930 Ford Model A, with its 200.5 cubic inch inline-4 producing around 40 horsepower, generally achieved about 20 mpg in routine driving, with an expected range of roughly 15–25 mpg depending on speed, load, maintenance, and driving behavior. Historical and restoration-era data show the mpg can vary widely, but most drivers should anticipate a figure in that vicinity. With careful maintenance and thoughtful driving, you can maximize efficiency while preserving the car’s classic character.

How much is a 1930 Model A worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,870 for a 1930 Ford Model A in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1930 Ford Model A? The highest selling price of a 1930 Ford Model A at auction over the last three years was $110,000.

What was the top speed of the 1930 Ford Model A?

The advertised top speed for a 1930 Ford Model A is around 65 mph, but a more realistic and comfortable cruising speed is about 40–45 mph. Factors like the car's condition, handling, and the driver's comfort limit its practical speed, as some vehicles in poor condition may only reach speeds of 40-45 mph.
 
You can watch this video to see a 1930 Ford Model A in action: 26sThe LiftYouTube · Jul 7, 2023

• Advertised top speed: Approximately 65 mph (105 km/h). 
• Realistic cruising speed: 40–45 mph, which is considered safer and more comfortable for the driver. 
• Factors limiting speed:
  • Vehicle condition: A car's age and mechanical state significantly impact its performance, with some older, less-maintained engines only reaching 40-45 mph. 
  • Handling: The car's design and handling make it less stable at higher speeds, especially on curves. 
  • Driver comfort: Drivers are more sensitive to taking curves at higher speeds due to the vehicle's height and handling characteristics. 

This video explains the performance of the Model A's engine: 59sTIME STUDIO CAR YouTube · Aug 3, 2025

How much horsepower did the Model A have in 1930?

40 HP
This 1930 Model A has a water cooled inline four cylinder engine with a displacement of 201 cubic inches. This engine produced 40 HP and the top speed was around 65 mph. The Model A had a 103.5 in wheelbase with a final drive ratio of 3.77:1.

How many miles per gallon does a Model A get?

The gas mileage for a Model A Ford varies, but owners typically report figures ranging from 15 to 25 MPG, with some sources suggesting up to 30 MPG in ideal conditions. Factors like driving style, engine tuning, carburetor adjustments, and road conditions significantly influence the actual mileage, so it can be as low as 12-13 MPG or even less if there are problems, according to this Facebook post, this Quora post, this Facebook post, and this Facebook post. 
You can watch this video to learn how to calculate your car's MPG: 59scerrutiautoYouTube · Mar 12, 2023
Factors that affect MPG

• Engine tuning: Proper ignition timing and a properly adjusted carburetor are crucial for maximizing fuel efficiency. 
• Driving style: Speed, acceleration, and stop-and-go traffic all impact mileage. Driving at lower, consistent speeds (around 45 mph) can help improve MPG. 
• Vehicle condition: A poorly running engine or something like a failing ignition coil can negatively affect mileage. 
• Road conditions: Hills and wind are significant enemies of fuel economy. 
• Carburetor: Some users report that different carburetors may have a different impact on gas mileage. 
• Ethanol content: Some users suggest that using a higher octane fuel (like 91) may lead to better mileage than 87 octane, which can have more ethanol.