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Perusing its catalogue, you’d almost assume that Motor City Classics’ range of ’31 Ford Model As form its very bedrock, as there are so many of them and the company (as of this writing) has been so quiet. There are models of roadsters and Tudors (each in a variety of fetching colors), plus an intriguing variety of work and service vehicles, including some done up as charmingly weathered workhorses! But you’d be hard-pressed to think of a worthier subject for replication or repetition, nor better turned-out than these. Some of the striking original colors have now been retired, and although I have four of these little gems, I hope I come across the “Bronson Yellow,” which truly captures a period flair.
The Model A followed the T as Ford’s next great success, despite its launch in 1929, at the eve of the Great Depression. By ’31, despite dramatic slumps in auto sales that were reflected in all areas of the economy at the time, in context the A remained an enormously popular car, despite Ford’s slip that year to second place behind Chevrolet in total car production. Ford even celebrated its two-millionth vehicle with the Model A making a whirlwind U.S. tour, culminating in the car’s enshrinement in a newly opened Ford museum.
MCC’s replica encapsulates everything that distinguishes them as perhaps the premiere manufacturer of classic car models in 1:18 scale: solid build…body, fender and chassis are SOLID METAL…dead-on shape and scale and virtually perfect execution of all meaningful display detail. About the only thing to take issue with is that perhaps the image sits a little high, something that I can easily ignore given its outstanding overall presence. The wing windows, with delicate filigree etching, are poseable, the seats in the cockpit and opening rumble seat are soft and realistically textured, the boot (though hard plastic) has a convincing grain and the overall fit and finish of the little jewel is perfection itself. The 201 c.i. straight-4 engine is very simple (no wiring), but then so was the original, and all the important bits are there. After all, Ford didn’t respond (to Chevy's 6-cylinder) with its more potent V8 until the following year, and that in a different model; 1931 was the A’s final year. I’d venture to say that if you want just one “working man’s” ‘30s vintage replica in your collection, it should be one of these. They’re that good.
(10/01/2007)
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