a reminder of the greatness of American cars

*This is a translation done by a machine.

Is Model A Ford common in Japan? It may be famous as a hot rod base car.

The Ford Model A was introduced in 1927 as the successor to the Model T, and approximately 5 million units were produced by 31. Did you know that this Model A Ford was made in Japan? At the time, there was a Ford production plant in Koyasu, Yokohama, and it is said that about 200,000 right-hand-drive Model A cars were built there (And of course, before that, we had a Model T.). By the way, besides in America, they were also made in Europe, Russia and Australia.

The body structure of Model A was very simple, so there were a lot of body variations. From the cheapest Roadster to sedans, fertons, station wagons, trucks and panel vans, there were so many styles. In the United States, there is a museum dedicated to Model A, where you can see unbelievable types of Model A, from regular types to commercial types, school buses, and even tank trucks. It was a practical and rational design, and that's why there were so many variations.


Jun Nishikawa’s Highlights!

Here comes the model A's open cab (Roadster) and pickup, which are very rare in Japan.

The current owner found and ordered an individual that had already been restored in the United States. They received it in the U.S., participated in the "Great Race" and after completing the 4000 kilometer rally for 10 days, brought it back to Japan. Even after I brought it back to Japan, it was carefully maintained at a famous classic car shop, and now I have obtained a Japanese license number in almost perfect condition.

To tell the truth, I fought in the Great Race with this individual. During the rally, I thought it was a small car that I felt unreliable in America, but now when I see it in Japan, I am surprised at how big it is. The cars we see in Japan before the war are mostly European sports cars we see at rallies, so they are smaller. I see. This is certainly a full-size American car at that time.

What surprised me was the high performance. Not really, but I don't think it's a car from 90 years ago. The ride is more comfortable than I expected, and it is a very easy ride at the speed of 90 kilometers per hour. Cornering speed isn't bad, either. In fact, as far as I could feel from the passenger seat, the car was sturdy compared to the Bugatti T 40 that I drove in Miremilia just before that. We should not make light of American cars because such cars were already born before the war.

The combination of green, black and yellow wheels seems to be a famous coloring for Model A. It actually looks great on you. This jam is often seen in American classic car events.

The fact that it is a 2-seater convertible despite being a pickup truck is very American. Does it mean that this style was the most convenient for farmers at that time? Overalls denim looks great!

In the Great Race, everyone welcomed me wherever I went. If they knew there were two Japanese on board, they would applaud even more. Even in Japan, if you continue to participate in the classic car event, you will not be inferior to the famous European sports car in terms of attention.

They participate in the event by putting classic farm equipment of Havehr (hay bale) on the carrier and wearing denim or wool overalls. I would like a person who is so stylish to ride it.

Vehicle Specifications

Model Year1928
Year of PurchaseJan 2018
Engine Capacity3,286cc
Mileage
Transmission3MT
Steering WheelLeft
ColorGreen
Chassis No.
Engine No.
InspectionJanuary 2021
AreaTokyo, Japan