1930 Ford Model A Standard Coupe

The Ford Model A was the Ford Motor Company's second market success, replacing the popular and very successful Model T which had been produced for 18 years. It was first produced on October 20, 1927, but not introduced until December 2. Ford Model A's were produced until March 1932 and was the first mass-produced automobile to use safety glass for the windshield. Total Ford Model A production was more than 4 million vehicles.

The Specs...

• 205 cubic-inch inline 4-cylinder engine
• 40 horsepower
• Top speed of 65-70 mph
• 3-speed manual transmission
• Double-action hydraulic shock absorbers
• 4-wheel mechanical brakes
• 103.5-inch wheelbase
• A total of 226,000 Standard Coupes were built in 1930.

Ford built the 1930 Model A Coupe in a standard and a Deluxe model. The 1930 Ford Coupe was one of the most popular models of the time. In fact, Ford outsold Chevrolet in both 1929 and 1930. One reason was that the Model A's price started at a low $400 for the standard model making it a lot of car for the money.

1932 Ford Model B Five-Window Coupe

The Model B was designed with as few technical changes as possible to keep the price low. Other than the engine and the design on the headlamp support bar (grille) and hub caps, it was indistinguishable from the Model 18 which was equipped with a V-8 engine.

The Model B offered more than the Model A which was itself extremely popular. All 1932 Model Bs came with black fenders, wire wheels, and a rear-mounted spare wheel. Options included single or twin side mounts, luggage rack, clock, interior and exterior mirrors, and choice of leather or broadcloth interior material.

The Specs...

• 201 cubic-inch (3.3 liter) L-head inline 4-cylinder engine
• 65 horsepower
• 106-inch wheelbase

The Model B was discontinued after the 1934 model year due to buyer's dislike of four-cylinder models and because of the success of the V-8. However, today the Model B is a highly collectible vehicle and people will pay a great deal of money to restore one to its original state.

This 1932 Ford Model B Five-Window Coupe was graciously donated to the Museum by local attorney Bill Kaufman.

1932 Ford 4-Door Phaeton

Rather than just updating the Model A, Ford launched a completely new vehicle for 1932. It was the first low-priced, mass-marketed car to have a V-8 engine, an important milestone in the American automotive industry. The new car had a longer wheelbase, and an outward-curved, double-dropped chassis.

Today, the 1932 Ford is a highly collectible car. However, they were once inexpensive cars popular with hot rod enthusiasts who would tear them apart and use them as the foundation for a hot rod build. This is partly why it is so hard to find an unaltered 1932 Ford today. This vehicle is a good example of that of a 1932 Ford that was rebuilt as a hot rod.

I love the fact that the trunk was really a trunk.

1929 Chevy 2-Door Sedan Custom

Yet another example of the customization of a vintage car, this 1921 Chevy has been heavily modified and modernized.

In addition to a modern V-8 engine and automatic transmission, this car has a full custom interior and contemporary automotive technology.

1934 Plymouth 2-Door Custom Street Rod

There were 320,171 Plymouths built in 1934. The original cost of this model was approximately $600, depending on options and where it was delivered. An extensive advertising campaign was undertaken for the 1934 Plymouth models and the cars appeared in several movies as well. One such movie was filmed at the Chicago Century of Progress Exposition and featured stunt drivers Barney Oldfield, Billy Arnold, and Harry Hartz. The movie, entitled Death Cheaters' Holiday, recounted the performances of the trio of drivers who systematically rolled over new Plymouth's all-steel bodies.

The 1934 Plymouth 2-Door Coupe is a popular model with custom hot rod builders. This is an excellent example of a custom hot rod.

This vehicle was donated to the Martin Auto Museum by Bobby Martin.