Ford model A phaeton

[_Leg_]

I've been planning to add a classic to my 'collection'. I want a 4 seat (2+2) convertible ideally.

My potential list includes a 911, probably a super sport, a Tr3a and even an Austin 7. However, I have come across what looks like an immaculate Ford Model A Phaeton here http://www.classics.co.nz/vehicle.php?vehicleid=34...

It's quite a distance away from where I live (York - it is in Gloucester not New Zealand as it might appear) so I thought I would ask a few questions before making the journey.

Firstly can anyone tell me anything about owning these cars in general please?

Whilst I dont need or want anything quick can these cars cope with modern road speeds (obviously not motorway stuff but am I going to have cars queuing up behind me constantly?). For example, is it reasonable to expect to go for cruises with the family out on the North Yorkshire country roads?

I imagine they are reasonably simple mechanically so assume they are fairly easily maintained?

Having never owned a classic before am I getting in over my head?

Thanks

Richard

Edited by _Leg_ on Monday 2nd April 09:16

[spoodler]

Well personally I do think you would rather be jumping in at the deep end - but depending on your character you might find that a challenge and fun. After all if you wanted an NCAP rating and sat' nav' you wouldn't be considering such things. I've got mates in the hot rod scene who drive these all over the place in all weathers including to mainland Europe. They are simple and once sorted reliable. Loads of spares can be had for them, if not over here then by express delivery from the states so they are surprisingly easy to keep on the road. The 3.3l is quite a grunty engine (if a bit juicy) and they can keep up a reasonable pace, hampered more by their dynamics than by lack of power. They are also quite big and roomy by the standards of the day - most old cars, especially British, are smaller than they initially look. However if you are new to old stuff you will have to get used to the lack of assistance on steering and brakes, and the lack of synchro' on the gearbox etc. You sit high up as in a four by four which accentuates the fact that they tend to wander and this can seem a little unnerving. You may well not have a heater or any door locks, and might never want to leave it unattended.
Having said that if you feel it's what you want then it will certainly be a change from a modern, but if you expect it to do what a 911 will...

[cjb1]

granted it's something different and pretty but as the previous poster suggests, if a 911 is also on your mind this Ford is a away off the mark. I have an '88 3.2 Coupé 911, cbarios are cheaper to buy, wonderfully simple to work on, parts readily available and not too expensive, German reliability and reasonably economical for the size of engine, do your own thing but re-think first?

[Motown Junk]

Potentially more expensive, but nearer and it's a V8!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Koeln-year-1934-Cab...

[_Leg_]

Thanks for the replies. I own an e92 m3, r56 John cooper works mini, bike engined MK Indy and a Tiguan. Just to put some context on it.

Test drove an '88 911 targa today and I didn't like it one bit. Just felt like an old modern car and that's not what I'm looking for. In fact, much of what Spoodler has said is exactly what I'm looking for. I don't want pace, nor gadgets or any of that stuff, I've got oodles of that in the other cars (even the Indy is sequential and has shift lights and what have you all over it).

I want some honest to goodness motoring, with some character that needs some tlc from time to time and puts a smile on my face just to look at it never mind drive it. It's missing from my 'collection' which is frankly too serious for its own good. I also feel the urge to 'save' something (not restore but grab a good one and look after it for a few decades).

Thanks for the replies, they actually tie in with my experience today. 911 is off the list. Tr3, Austin 7 or something like this phaeton are still on it. Slowly getting there, got the money now it's new financial year, just got to go look at more cars. Can't beat driving them to instantly know eh.

Edited by _Leg_ on Wednesday 4th April 20:39

[Major Fallout]

The bigger 3.3L will keep 50mph in standard form, without too much problem.