Description
The Ford Model A Phaeton was one of the most elegant and sporty body styles offered in the second-generation Ford Model A range, produced from 1927 to 1931. A phaeton is a type of open touring car, typically with no side windows and only a folding fabric top for weather protection. It was a body style that appealed to drivers who enjoyed open-air motoring and wanted a touch of flair, even in a car that remained affordable and practical.
The Model A Phaeton was available in both two-door and four-door configurations. The four-door version was the more common, seating up to five passengers in two rows, while the rarer two-door version was lighter and sportier, appealing to younger buyers. Like all phaetons, its open design made it airy and enjoyable in fair weather, but less practical in winter or wet conditions compared to the closed Tudor or Fordor sedans. Canvas side curtains could be attached to offer some protection, but most owners used them as sunny-weather cars.
Stylistically, the Model A Phaeton was low, clean, and elegant, with flowing fenders, a simple upright grille, and Ford’s improved proportions compared to the Model T. Its long doors and open cabin gave it a distinctive profile, and it was available in a variety of color combinations, reflecting Ford’s move away from the “any color so long as it’s black” policy of the earlier T.
Mechanically, the Phaeton was identical to other Model A body styles. It used the robust 201 cubic inch (3.3-liter) inline four-cylinder engine, producing 40 horsepower, and paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Capable of speeds up to 55 mph, it was a huge step forward from the Model T in terms of both performance and drivability. The car also benefited from mechanical brakes on all four wheels, a sturdier frame, and conventional controls, which made it easier for drivers accustomed to other cars.
Although the Phaeton was admired for its sporty appearance, it was less popular than the sedans in America, where the practicality of closed cars was more appealing for year-round use. However, it found greater success in export markets such as Australia, South Africa, and tropical regions, where open-bodied cars suited the warmer climates and rougher roads.
Today, the Ford Model A Phaeton is one of the most desirable body styles among collectors, admired for its classic open-air touring charm and its role as a symbol of early motoring elegance. Surviving examples are especially prized when restored with period-correct details, and they remain popular in parades, vintage rallies, and car shows. With its combination of affordability, style, and historical significance, the Phaeton stands as one of the most memorable variations of the Model A.