The 'Orange Krate Speedster'; built by renowned hot rod specialist
Traffic Jams Speed Shop of Wisconsin; imported to the UK in 2024; 3.3 engine and
3-speed box; bags of grunt; loads of fun!
Introduced to
great fanfare in 1927, the Ford Model A was the successor to the revolutionary
Model T which had been in production for 18 years. It featured an all-new
3.3-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 40hp, doubling the Model T's output
and allowing a top speed of around 65mph.
The
first Ford to adopt a conventional set of driver controls (including standard
clutch and brake pedals, a gearshift for its three-speed manual transmission and
four-wheel mechanical brakes), it was available in an impressive array of over
30 body styles.
By the time production ended in
1931 when Ford’s new V8 range came out, nearly 5 million Model As had been sold
worldwide.
Dating from January 1929, this
cool-looking Speedster Special was built by renowned hot rod builders Traffic
Jams Speedshop of Wisconsin. We are told that it is fitted with a standard
3,300cc Model A engine and 3-speed plus reverse gearbox.
The bonnet panels and the chassis are original Ford Model A and the
seating/cockpit is custom-made in the Speedster style. The licence plate at the
back suggests a past life in Alabama and it was imported to the UK with all
duties paid in February last year by Tobias Ballard of The Model A Revival
Company in Bexleyheath.
Affectionately known as
the ‘Orange Krate’, our vendor acquired the Special from Mr Ballard in March
last year and has fitted various new parts including a new radiator, new water
pump and a reconditioned starter motor.
He tells
us that the Orange Krate has proved super reliable and very nippy, with all
parts readily available at modest cost from friendly Model A specialist Dave
King of O’Neill Vintage Ford in Coalville, Leicestershire.
Starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on
site, the Orange Krate looks like a lot of fun and will certainly get you
noticed!
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 –
james.dennison@brightwells.com