1930 Ford Model A Cabriolet
Restoration Project
The Collection at LeMay – America’s Car Museum is performing a frame-off restoration of our 1930 Ford Model A Cabriolet. The car has never been on display in the museum and was in need of repair. Because the car is a not a “survivor”, meaning it is not an all-original unrestored example, we determined it would not display well to tell the story of the Ford Model A and represent the Model A Cabriolet in all its beauty. Although the car was complete and very solid, our assessment revealed that over the years it has had one or more semi-restorations and was well used, with areas that have been altered or are not correct for the model or year. However, all the important and hard to find Cabriolet components are present making it a great candidate for a full restoration.
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About this Car
Ford Motor Company’s, (1909-present, Detroit Michigan) Model A Cabriolet was offered as part of the Model A line for 1929, 1930, and 1931 model years. The Briggs Manufacturing Co., (1909-1954; Detroit, Michigan) was commissioned to build the Cabriolet bodies for Ford. The Cabriolet model was styled to have a fold-back convertible top and doors with roll-up side windows, a design that was new in its time. The Cabriolet afforded the driver and passenger the comfort of a sedan in inclement weather and the fun of an open roadster on sunny days.
Of the estimated 1,261,053 Model A’s produced in 1930, only 25,068 were Cabriolets.
This Ford Model A Cabriolet (Model 68B Manufactured October 1930 Chassis # A3793536) was gifted to the Museum’s collection in 2013 by Melanie Peters Thorne and Gerald Peters III in memory of their father Gerald Peters Jr. Mr. Peters, Jr. was a member of the Ford Model A Club of America in Colorado where the car has lived since 1959 (and possibly longer). Mr. Peters, Jr. acquired the car from Harold E. Heintz and Mary F. Heintz of Denver, Colorado.
A Little Help From Our Friends: Gallopin’ Gertie’s Ford Model A Club
We are very pleased to have the Gallopin’ Gerties Ford Model A Club who are affiliates of the Ford Model A Club of America’s (MAFCA) and the Model A Restorers Club (MARC) helping to support the car’s restoration. A special team of 15 volunteers from the Gertie’s has been formed to work with the Collection lending their collective experience and expertise to the project. Collections restoration budget along with additional fundraising efforts will support the work. Throughout the restoration process, Collections will offer the project for Museum demonstrations, public tech sessions, mentoring and education. The car will be restored following correct standards and it will beautifully represent the ACM Collection, our friends the Galloping Gerties, and the Model A and Ford’s long history as an automaker in America.
How can I get involved?
Get in involved by making a donation and becoming a member of our Ford Model A Project Restoration Society! You may also review our list of parts and services needed, or make a cash donation by following the link below. Click here to see project donors. Have a part or service to donate? Contact Renee Crist, Curator of Collections [email protected]
LeMay – America’s Car Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization qualified to accept tax deductible gifts.
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Parts & Services Needed, or Your Funding Support to Purchase Parts and Services
(Check back, this list will be updated regularly)
Top: Cabriolet Convertible Kit-new $$ |
Top: Boot-new to match top $$ |