Edsel Ford's custom Model A to be auctioned

Ford never produced a Model A in the 'sport phaeton' body style more commonly seen on bigger cars, but that didn't stop Edsel Ford from commissioning a one-off in the body style in 1929.

As then President of the Ford Motor Company, but under the domineering influence of his father Henry, the custom Model A sport phaeton was one of Edsel Ford's efforts to bring a bit of style and luxury to Ford cars. LeBaron, better known nowadays for their Chrysler associations, were commissioned by Edsel to design and build the one-of-a-kind body for the then new Model A chassis.

The result - a one-off luxurious custom and elegantly-sculptured dual-cowl sport phaeton - is regarded as one of the most attractive, pre-war Fords ever made. The car's specifications included exclusive French Stephen Grebel headlamps, a centre-mounted Klaxon horn, exposed chrome detailing, and patent leather splash aprons.

Built for Edsel's personal use and taste, the Model A sport phaeton was sold to well-known antique car collector Vernon Jarvis in the 1950s, who stored it in an Illinois barn where it remained for more than 50 years. The car was discovered surprisingly in the dilapidated barn in 2007 and has since been restored to the highest concours standards.

At Gooding's January 18 & 19 Scottsdale Auctions, the LeBaron-bodied, bespoke Model A will make its first public appearance since restoration and will be offered with an extensive file of original documentation, photography, period magazine articles and Edsel's Michigan registration. Its estimate is $325,000 - $400,000.

The Edsel Ford Model A will join a wide variety of collectables, including a 1957 Maserati 150 GT Spider prototype, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, and 2003 Ferrari Enzo in Gooding & Company's robust catalogue that will be offered over two auction days during the annual Arizona automotive auction week.

At last year's Scottsdale Auctions, Gooding & Company sold 116 out of 118 cars realizing $39.8 million in gross sales with 98% sold and 13 world records.

"We always look forward to January because Scottsdale automotive auction week is a dynamic and significant marketplace for our business as well as the collector car industry as a whole," says David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding & Company.

Further details at www.goodingco.com

Images: Mike Maez, copyright Gooding & Company