What was the difference between the 1930 and 1931 Model A?

The Ford Model A was a popular automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1927 to 1931. While the 1930 and 1931 Model A shared many similarities, there were some key differences between the two model years.

Exterior Changes

The most noticeable difference between the 1930 and 1931 Model A was the change in the front grille design. The 1930 Model A had a more rounded, oval-shaped grille, while the 1931 model featured a more angular, rectangular grille. Additionally, the 1931 Model A had a slightly longer hood and a revised headlight design.

Interior Upgrades

Inside the vehicle, the 1931 Model A saw several improvements over the 1930 model. The dashboard was redesigned, with a more modern and streamlined appearance. The steering wheel was also updated, becoming slightly larger and featuring a more ergonomic design. Additionally, the 1931 Model A offered improved seating comfort and better sound insulation.

Mechanical Changes

Under the hood, the 1931 Model A received a few minor mechanical upgrades. The engine was slightly more powerful, with a higher compression ratio and improved carburetor. The braking system was also enhanced, with larger brake drums and improved brake shoes. These changes resulted in a smoother and more responsive driving experience.

Conclusion

While the 1930 and 1931 Ford Model A shared many similarities, the 1931 model featured several notable improvements in its exterior design, interior features, and mechanical components. These changes helped to keep the Model A competitive in the rapidly evolving automotive market of the early 1930s.

What was special about the 1930 Model A?

The Model A's two-year-old styling was refreshed for 1930 with new sweeping fenders, a new radiator, smaller wheels, and a longer hood. Ford sold nearly 1,160,000 Model As in 1930, but only 16,470 were open phaetons like this car.

What is the difference between 1930 and 1931 Model A Ford?

The main differences between a 1930 and 1931 Model A are the design of the radiator shell, the running board splash aprons, and the firewall. 1930 models had a fully polished radiator shell, while 1931 models had a painted shell with polished reliefs. The running board splash aprons changed from a two-piece design in 1930 to a one-piece design in 1931. Additionally, 1931 introduced an indented firewall and an external fuel shutoff located under the hood.
 
This video demonstrates the differences between the 1930 and 1931 Model A Ford: 58sModelAforAdayYouTube · Feb 12, 2024
Radiator shell

• 1930: Fully polished radiator shell.
• 1931: Painted radiator shell with polished reliefs, and a stainless steel Ford logo. 

Running board splash aprons

• 1930: Two-piece design, where a small front section bolted to the main piece.
• 1931: One-piece design that bolted to the running boards. 

Firewall and fuel shutoff

• 1930: Standard firewall.
• 1931: Introduced an indented firewall and an external fuel shutoff located under the hood, which became standard in April 1931. 

Other potential differences

• Instrument panel: The 1931 instrument panel has a more oval theme with horizontal ribs, unlike the 1928–1930 model which has a more diamond-shaped panel. 
• Headlights: 1931 models used Twolite branded lights with a more cup-shaped design, while earlier models from 1928-1929 had acorn-shaped lights. 
• High compression cylinder head: A high-compression cylinder head was offered for police cars in 1931. 

What is the rarest Ford Model A?

Seen at the 1974 Queen Mary meet and again in San Diego in 1990. This rare coupe bore the hallmarks of a factory prototype maroon body black fenders. And under the hood a healthy C engine.

What are the different models of the Ford Model A?

The Ford Model A was produced in a wide variety of passenger car, commercial, and truck body styles from 1927 to 1931, including sedans (Tudor and Fordor), coupes (Business, Sport, and Standard/Deluxe), roadsters and phaetons, and convertibles. It was also available as a station wagon, taxicab, and numerous commercial models like trucks and panel deliveries.
 
Passenger car models

• Sedans:
  • Tudor: A two-door sedan, available in standard and deluxe versions. 
  • Fordor: A four-door sedan, also available in standard and deluxe versions. 
• Coupes:
  • Business Coupe: Designed for a single person or businessman. 
  • Sport Coupe: A two-door coupe with a permanent roof, different from the convertible coupe. 
  • Standard and Deluxe Coupe: Available in both standard and deluxe versions, with the deluxe often including a rumble seat. 
• Convertibles:
  • Convertible Cabriolet: An open-air car with a folding roof. 
  • Convertible Sedan: A sedan that could also be converted into an open-air vehicle. 
• Open cars:
  • Phaeton: A four-seat, open-air car, available in standard and deluxe versions. 
  • Roadster: A sporty, two-seat open-air car. 
• Other passenger styles:
  • Victoria: An enclosed two-door sedan with a rear quarter window. 
  • Town Car: A luxury model with a chauffeur-driven compartment. 

Commercial and truck models

• Station Wagon: Available for carrying passengers or goods. 
• Taxicab: A version specifically outfitted for taxi service. 
• Trucks: A range of trucks, including panel delivery vans, pickups, and stake bed trucks. 
• Commercial vehicles: This includes specialized vehicles for various commercial purposes.