Lasting legacy is packed into both these vintage machines.
Impressive Perks
Be it points or rewards, consumers today expect all sorts of purchase perks. Taking it to the next level is this twofer deal that just keeps going. Currently listed with Hemmings, the impressive package includes a 1931 Ford Model AA Flatbed with a custom-built crew cab and a tilt deck, topped with a 1929 Model A Ford Speedster.
Photos courtesy of Hemmings.
Golden Delight
Adding to the big hauler's uniqueness is how to stock the one-off crew cab looks—a factory feel emphasized by its hopped-up Model A engine. With a similar nod to authenticity, the 1929 'gow-job' Speedster looks like it just drove out of the early days of hot rodding. Its custom-formed body is a nostalgic delight that hearkens back to the 'golden era' of coach-building.
Grafted Order
Contrary to appearances, the Model AA was never built with a four door cab. In fact, Ford's first factory-built crew cab was only introduced in 1965. It was also a special order item and offered only on the F-250. To create the 1931 'Fordor' truck, two AA cabs were seamlessly grafted together along with other interior parts, finished with an era-correct interior.
Functional Version
The Model AA was released in 1927 to replace the obsolete Model TT. In the face of sagging Depression-era sales, Ford offered the Model AA in a multitude of functional formats on either a 131 ½" or 157'' wheelbase. Popular iterations included a cab-only version, meant to be fitted with an aftermarket body, and the Express Pickup, with its very long box.
Stock Span
Built in the spirit of a cab-only truck, this Model AA features a tilt deck with a rollback feature similar to a late-model wrecker. Three feet were added to the already long wheelbase for an overall span of 193''. The stock rear axle was fitted with 5.17 to 1 highway gears, coupled to a later New Process five-speed transmission with overdrive.
Hi-Speed System
Comprised of a Model A block with a billet girdle, a billet five main crankshaft, and billet rods, the truck's engine was built for vintage hauling. The top end is from Miller Hi-Speed Heads, masterfully designed and manufactured by owner Steve Serr. The motor is fed by a two-barrel Rochester carburetor and sparked by a General Motors HEI Ignition system.
Vintage Legacy
The custom-body Speedster has an equally stout, stroked, Flathead motor, fed by two carburetors. Both engines were built by Ron Kelley of RK Designs. Well-known in hot rod circles, Kelley has built numerous motors over his thirty-five-year career. Sadly, he passed away on September 3, 2021, from Coronavirus complications. His legacy lives on in countless vintage machines.
Negotiable Comforts
The Model AA hauler retains its stock front axle, with an updated 1956 Ford steering box. The original brake configuration was retained but now coupled to a Mustang brake booster. The electrical system was converted to 12 volts, and creature comforts include aftermarket air conditioning. The asking price for the vintage toy hauler sits at $195,000, although Hemmings does indicate that this is negotiable.
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