1931 Ford Model A Victoria Leatherback Sedan:

Early November 1930 Build with Frame-Off Restoration & Documented History

This 1931 Ford Model A Victoria Leatherback Sedan is one of the most distinctive and collectible body styles of the Model A era. Roughly 36,000 Victorias were built, and this one carries an early November 1930 serial number. That makes it one of the coveted leatherback cars Ford built before dropping the padded roof treatment partway through 1931 to cut costs. The current owner bought the car in 1985 and completed a full frame-off restoration in 1989. They have kept it carefully maintained and garaged ever since, adding only about 12,000 enjoyable miles. Gleaming black acrylic lacquer, crisp apple green pinstriping, and a leatherback roof that looks virtually new give it a refined, period-correct presence. Restoration receipts and a photographic book that captures the entire project come with the car. If you’re looking for a prewar Ford with true character and real provenance, this Victoria is a rare opportunity to own an exquisite piece of American automotive heritage.

Engine & Transmission

Original-style 200 cubic-inch inline four-cylinder engine, factory rated at approximately 40 horsepower when new
Comprehensively rebuilt during the restoration, including connecting rods and pistons
New Babbitt bearings poured and fitted, a traditional, period-correct rebuilding technique
Upgraded with Stellite exhaust valve seats and stainless-steel valves for dependable running on today’s unleaded gasoline
Traditional 3-speed manual transmission with floor-mounted shifter and custom shift knob
Exhaust manifold heater that sends warm air into the cabin, controlled by a damper on the firewall
Exceptionally clean, well-presented engine compartment
Comfortable cruising at approximately 40–50 mph under suitable driving conditions

Exterior

Body and hood refinished in black acrylic lacquer that still presents very well today
Attractive, period-correct finish with only a few minor imperfections and areas of paint checking
Tasteful apple green pinstriping that ties in with the wheels and carries into the cabin
Distinctive early leatherback roof in excellent, virtually new condition, built with a grained leather-like covering over crossbows, chicken wire, and cotton batting
Signature Victoria styling, including the lowered, formal roofline and the slanted windshield with no exterior sun visor
Early 1931 features introduced on 1930-built Victorias, including one-piece splash aprons and a radiator shell with two painted panels
All exterior chrome and stainless-steel trim intact and in excellent condition
Tilt-out windshield with a proper plated vacuum windshield wiper
Dual side-view mirrors
Full-size rear-mounted spare tire on a matching spoke wheel
Rear brake light and reflector for added visibility

Interior

Exceptionally clean cabin with brown mohair upholstery in excellent condition
Carpeting and tan headliner, both in excellent condition
Period-style privacy shades that add an authentic vintage atmosphere
Interior sun visors, a Victoria design detail
Painted metal dashboard and window garnish moldings with custom faux mahogany wood trim for warm, traditional woodgrain style
Green accents and pinstriping on the fuel tank that echo the exterior theme
Westclox clock for a charming period touch
Exhaust manifold passenger-compartment heater
Emergency brake

Suspension & Chassis

Exceptionally clean, solid undercarriage that reflects the quality of the frame-off restoration
Factory-style spoke wheels finished in complementary apple green
Firestone Gum-Dipped whitewall tires in the original-style 4.75/5.00-19 size
Period-correct tire stems and caps, a detail that judges and purists appreciate
Starts, runs, drives, and handles just as a 1931 Ford Model A should
Authentic prewar driving experience with an upright seating position and hands-on manual shifting

Additional Info

Early November 1930 serial number, one of the first Victorias to introduce the 1931 Model A changes
Rare early leatherback configuration, discontinued by Ford during 1931 as a cost-saving measure
Approximately 36,000 Victorias built, an uncommon, upscale body style within the Model A lineup
Purchased by the current owner in 1985, with a comprehensive frame-off restoration completed in 1989
Approximately 12,000 miles since restoration
Always meticulously maintained and garaged
Everything reported to work as it should
Includes restoration receipts and a photographic book documenting the restoration project that began more than 40 years ago
Clean Massachusetts title in the owner’s name
Turnkey and ready to enjoy on tours, club events, and weekend drives

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