Description
The Ford Model A Business Coupé was one of the more distinctive body styles offered in the Model A lineup between 1928 and 1931. It was designed with practicality in mind, aimed at traveling salesmen and professionals who needed a compact yet comfortable car that provided enclosed seating while offering extra storage space instead of a rear seat. This made it a car with a very specific purpose, combining style with utility for business use.
The Business Coupé was a two-door, two-passenger car with a fixed roof and no rumble seat. Instead of additional rear seating, it featured a large package tray or luggage shelf behind the front seat, providing ample room for carrying product samples, briefcases, or other business-related items. This made it especially popular with salesmen who spent much of their time on the road and needed a practical vehicle for their work. Its clean, simple lines gave it a more formal appearance compared to the sportier Roadster or Sport Coupé.
Mechanically, the Business Coupé was identical to all other Model A variants. It used the 201 cubic inch (3.3-liter) four-cylinder engine producing 40 horsepower, paired with a three-speed manual transmission. With a top speed of around 55 mph, it was capable of handling the highways of the late 1920s with ease. The sturdy ladder frame, transverse leaf spring suspension, and mechanical brakes on all four wheels made it reliable and durable, while still affordable to own and operate.
Inside, the Business Coupé emphasized practicality. The interior was simple but comfortable, trimmed in mohair or cloth, with the absence of a rear seat allowing extra room behind the driver and passenger. The enclosed cabin also provided protection from the weather, making it a year-round vehicle that was particularly appealing in northern climates.
In terms of pricing, the Business Coupé was one of the more affordable closed models in the lineup. It cost slightly more than the open Roadster but less than the more family-oriented Tudor or Fordor sedans. Its niche role meant it sold in smaller numbers than the Tudors and Fordors, but it nevertheless served its intended market effectively.
Today, the Ford Model A Business Coupé is appreciated by collectors for its unique character and its place in the evolution of purpose-built automobiles. Its practical design, coupled with the charm of the Model A’s styling, makes it an attractive choice for enthusiasts who enjoy cars with a clear historical identity. As a vehicle tailored to the working professional of the late 1920s, it reflects how Ford was able to offer a wide range of body styles to suit different buyers’ needs while keeping the mechanical foundation simple and reliable.