Description
The Ford Model A Convertible was one of the most attractive and versatile body styles in the Model A lineup, produced between 1928 and 1931. Unlike the fixed-roof Coupé or Sedan, the Convertible combined the practicality of an enclosed car with the freedom of open-air motoring, making it a favorite for buyers who wanted both style and flexibility. While Ford did not always use the word “convertible” in its catalogues, the term is commonly applied to models such as the Convertible Cabriolet and the Convertible Sedan, both of which were distinctive in their design.
The Convertible Cabriolet was essentially a two-door coupé fitted with a folding fabric roof and roll-up windows. It seated two passengers inside with the option of a rumble seat at the rear for one or two more, and it was especially popular among younger buyers. With the top raised, it offered nearly the same protection as a closed car, while with the top folded down, it captured the sporty character of a roadster. The Cabriolet featured refined trim and detailing, with upholstery and hardware that gave it a more upscale feel than simpler open cars.
The Convertible Sedan, introduced later, was a larger four-door model that also featured a folding top and roll-up windows. It provided the practicality of a full sedan with seating for five, while still allowing open-air motoring when desired. This made it one of the more versatile body styles of the era, though it was produced in relatively small numbers compared to the standard Tudor and Fordor sedans, which makes it rare today.
Mechanically, both convertible variants were identical to other Model A cars. They were powered by the 201 cubic inch (3.3-liter) four-cylinder engine, producing 40 horsepower, and paired with a three-speed manual transmission. With a top speed of around 55 mph, they were capable performers for the late 1920s. The robust frame, mechanical brakes on all four wheels, and conventional controls made them reliable, safe, and user-friendly vehicles that built on the strengths of the Model T while offering more modern features.
Because of their stylish design and limited production, the Convertibles were more expensive than the basic Tudors, Coupés, or Roadsters. However, their appeal was strong among buyers who wanted a fashionable car that offered both comfort and flair, and they became popular in urban markets where style mattered as much as practicality.
Today, the Ford Model A Convertible is highly prized by collectors. Both the Cabriolet and Convertible Sedan stand out for their combination of rarity, charm, and versatility. Their ability to serve as either an enclosed car or an open one makes them timeless examples of how Ford broadened its range during the Model A years, offering buyers cars that were not only affordable and practical but also stylish and desirable.