1929 Model 'A' Ford Roadster

It was probably early spring in 1929 when I felt a need to go down to the Ford Dealership to see Dad about something. I slipped down the back alley which led directly to where Dad worked. Upon entering the dealership, there on the show-room floor sat the most beautiful thing on four wheels that I had ever seen. It was a 1929 Model ‘A’ Ford roadster. It’s color was light tan. The top was down and the rumble-seat opened, much like the attached photo. I immediately fell in love with it.

A few months later, Dad bought one very similar to the one I fell in love with. It was the first car Mom learned to drive.... And lordy how she did drive.... wide open most of the time, whether on paved, gravel or dirt roads. She made frequent trips (10 to 20 miles) to see aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives I never knew existed before. It was sometimes scary to ride with her!

Dad, on the other hand... even though he was a race car driver in his youth, was a much more cautious driver than Mom. I loved to go on Sunday afternoon drives with him, as he often let me sit in his lap and steer... explaining the rules of the road as traveled.

The Model ‘A’ Ford roadster was finally replaced by a 1934 Pontiac sedan as the family car. Both cars played major roles in my life a few years later.