8.05.2014

A Ride in History

At $1.00 per hour to walk soybeans, my dad saved his hard earned dollars for three years to buy a 1930 Ford Model A. In 1967, at the ripe old age of 13, my dad made his first adult purchase.

My grandmother had always dreamed of owning a Model A. And one day my dad heard on the radio of an antique car auction being held in a nearby town. Together my dad and Grandma went to the auction and purchased the third Model A for sale. Grandma paid $400 and my dad, with his bean walking money, paid $400.

After the purchase had been made, a man late coming to the auction rushed up to my dad and wanted to purchase the car... For $5,000. 

It wasn't enough to sway my dad, or my grandma. The car was theirs. 
For three years after the purchase, the Model A was the vehicle my dad used to get himself to and from school. Even in the bitter Northern Iowa winters it was the only car that would start. 

***

Time, as is it does with all things, was not necessarily kind to the car. However, after three years of transformation, the car was restored to its original parts and condition. 

Along with being a priceless possession, it has also proven to be a highlight for a certain little boy.
See how the windshield is propped open? That is the air-conditioning system!
There are no seat belts, so installation of a car seat is impossible. Short, slow car rides down the hill and around our country block are pretty monumental for Marcus. 
The details are so amazing: camel hair seats, window shades with tassels, metal door handles. It's all so intricate and almost art-like. 
Topping out at 45 miles per hour (though Marcus and Grandpa *might* have hit 20 mph), it won't knock your socks off, but to ride in such a piece of history is quite a thrill.
While I'm not sure of the monetary value of the Model A, I am positive the memories made riding around with Grandpa are beyond priceless.

15 comments:

  1. That is amazing! I think it is great when these old cars stay in the family where the history is known. My father is restoring his 66 GTO, and I can't wait to see what it turns into!

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  2. So cool! The seats look so comfy. They certainly don't make 'em like they used to!

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  3. This is awesome! I love the cherry red color.
    My grandpa owns a 1938 Ford that he has had restored. It was his father's car and it means a lot to him. Every year he drives it in the town parade to advertise for my sister's business. It was a highlight to ride in it when we were kids and my kids love riding in it now - particularly the rumble seat. :)

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  4. That is the coolest story behind an anitque car ever! Such great memories for your dad as a boy and now as a grandpa! I love it! Marcus looks so big in that little car! :)

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  5. That is a seriously awesome car with a great story and great memories to pass down to Marcus. Very cool!

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  6. Oh my word I LOVE this. We are also the proud owner of a 1930 (or is it 29) Model A... only ours is more of a rat rod style car ;). As a car loving girl this post made my day. Gorgeous car, gorgeous color. Love the suicide doors that are on the old sedans. I am sure taking Marcus for a ride in that car made Grandpas day!

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  7. That is beautiful! The whole thing, the story and the car! That is really...cool! No better word. And, those were the days. No seatbelts, ha. I bet Marcus just eats it up. I love the arm rest in the back!

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  8. What a neat story! And that they weren't swayed by that $5k!! The restoration is pretty amazing, does your dad take it to car shows?

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  9. What a sweet story! It's awesome that Marcus is able to enjoy a piece of your Dad's childhood. And I must say that car is a looker! I love that color.

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  10. How cool is that?! Such an awesome story!

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  11. Such a sweet story! Thanks for sharing it. I love, love that Marcus gets to enjoy this with your dad!

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  12. I love this so much! How FUN for Marcus! I bet he was dying having so much fun! I love his little wave in that one picture. Your photos of the car definitely do it justice... the car (and your photography skills!) are beautiful!

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  13. Wow that is amazing! I'm not a big car person, but this is such an amazing part of history! That red is like candy :) So awesome to have that car in your family and for Marcus to ride in it :)

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  14. wow! so amazing. does your dad show the car in car shows or anything?

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  15. What an amazing treasure!!! I am a sucker for things that have so many memories and history!!! That car is just beautiful!!! :)

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