1980 Shay Authentic Factory Reproduction of 1929 Ford Model A Roadster

1980 Ford Model A

In 1978, Ford Motor Company shared all of their designs and blueprints with Harry Shay and licensed him to remanufacture the venerable 1929 Ford Model A Roadster as a celebration of the famous car's 50th anniversary. The cars were built in Battle Creek, MI, and sold through Ford dealerships. A total of 5,000 Shay reproductions were produced in three versions: Base, Deluxe and Super Deluxe. The coachwork was fiberglass with steel hood. These cars drew large crowds at the Ford dealerships lucky enough to obtain one for display. While authentic to the point it takes an expert to distinguish a Shay Model A from the original, the drivetrain was totally modern for the day, using the bullet-proof Ford 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine installed in the Mustang, Pinto, Bobcat, Capri and Fairmont; either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission; front disc brakes; rack and pinion steering and other modern features that enabled this Model A Roadster to be driven as an everyday car. All of them featured that nifty rumble seat!
This particular Shay Model A Deluxe Roadster is rare on three levels: It's bright black with red pinstripes and chrome spoked wheels, it has the very desirable automatic transmission, and rarest of all, this Shay has been driven! Most Shays were stuffed away in garages and only brought out for parades or special occasions. This means that when you buy one of these ultra-low-mileage versions and plan to enjoy it, you have to be prepared for considerable expense getting it roadworthy. This 1980 Shay has 65K miles, is driven regularly and, discomfort notwithstanding, could be driven anywhere today. It is the Deluxe model, meaning it has the single side-mount spare but many other options were added, including the trunk, quail hood ornament, Ford radiator emblem (opposed to Shay), radiator shield, running-board step plates, door pockets and headlight visors. The car is in excellent mechanical shape, is a hoot to drive and gets more attention than a new Bentley. The black interior and rumble seat are leather or an excellent simulation, and are in very good condition.
Working poorly or not at all: windshield wipers, heater, map light, lighter. There is some rust on the chrome wheels, especially on the spare. The tires may be good for only a few thousand more miles and the top looks good but is nearing the end of its life. This car is a fine 10-footer but closer examination reveals gaps in the pin stripes, paint touchups and cracking in some of the black finish, particularly on the right side. The AM/FM stereo cassette functions but the reception is dreadful so I never use it. Travel trunk is in good shape on the outside but the interior is showing signs of age.
New or recent: muffler and tailpipe, authentic ahooga horn, radiator, shocks or strut assembly all around, carb assembly, distributor, alternator, voltage regulator, battery, valve-cover gasket, wiring, neutral safety switch. Lighted oil-pressure and temperature gauges were added at significant expense. Seal Skin car cover. "New Shay Owner's Guide" available free electronically to anyone on request. Smog certificate will be provided for a California buyer. $500 nonrefundable deposit within 24 hours of auction close. Deposit may be made by PayPal but balance by cash or check.
The Shay is for sale locally so it is possible that the eBay auction will end early if the car is sold.
Shipping arrangements and cost are the responsibility of the buyer; however, I will be happy to assist with coordinating on this end.
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• Make: Ford
• Model: Model A
• Type: Convertible
• Year: 1980
• Mileage: 65552
• VIN: 1HWA32AA8E005052
• Color: Black
• Engine size: 2.3-liter I4
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Automatic
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Black
• Drive side: Left-hand drive
• Options: Cassette Player, Convertible, Leather Seats
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!