Description
The Ford Model A Tudor Sedan was one of the most popular and best-selling body styles of the Model A range, produced between 1927 and 1931. Introduced as part of Ford’s second great mass-market success after the Model T, the Tudor was designed to provide an affordable, practical, and stylish closed car for families and individuals. Its name, “Tudor,” came from its configuration as a two-door sedan.
The Tudor Sedan featured a fully enclosed steel body with two doors and seating for up to five passengers. It offered more protection and comfort than open models such as the Phaeton or Roadster, while being less expensive than the four-door Fordor Sedan. Its tall roofline and wide doors made it relatively easy to get in and out of, while the upright seating position gave passengers generous headroom. Inside, the car came with cloth upholstery, simple trim, and features like door pockets and adjustable windows, making it a comfortable and practical choice for everyday motoring.
Mechanically, the Tudor Sedan shared the same chassis and drivetrain as all Model A cars. Power came from Ford’s 201 cubic inch (3.3-liter) inline four-cylinder engine producing 40 horsepower, nearly double the output of the Model T. Coupled to a three-speed manual transmission, it could cruise comfortably at 50–55 mph, a remarkable improvement over the Model T. The car also featured mechanical brakes on all four wheels, a conventional driver layout with clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals, and a sturdier frame, all of which made it safer and easier to drive than its predecessor.
The affordability of the Tudor Sedan was one of its greatest selling points. Priced at around $500 when new, it gave buyers an economical yet stylish option in a time when closed cars were becoming more desirable than open models. Its combination of practicality, affordability, and modern design helped it become a strong seller across both urban and rural America.
By the time Model A production ended in 1931, the Tudor Sedan had cemented its place as a cornerstone of the lineup, second only to the Fordor Sedan in family appeal. Today, the Model A Tudor Sedan is a favorite among collectors and restorers, valued for its historical importance, usability, and charm. It represents the moment when Ford transitioned from the bare-bones simplicity of the Model T to a more modern automobile that met the growing expectations of everyday drivers.