Feel when the time is right to change gears

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23rd of June 2018, Bonhams auctioned the complete collection of the Den Hartogh Ford Museum in Hillegom, the Netherlands. This collection was the world's largest Ford collection. A few days after the auction, I drove this 1931 Ford Model A Racecar, one of the most enjoyable cars I drove this year.

Quickly after the Model A was introduced in 1928, the Model A became a basis for a competition car. Many companies offered racy body kits to lighten the Model A, give it a better performance and a greater look. One could purchase a mildly uprated cylinder head or a double over-head cam conversion for your Model A. These simple kits could easily transform a Model A into a serious looking racer.

This Model A racer is built in the spirit of these original conversions and was once owned by the chairman of the Ford A Club of the Netherlands, Arie Roest. Later it was sold to the Ford Museum in Hillegom. A sleek and lightweight body replaced the heavy standard coachwork and significantly raises the cars performance potential. This sharp looking example was built for racing and rally events. It proved to be a winner and at the 12 Hour race at Emmeloord, it won its class – not bad for a relatively stock example.

The stylish two-seater body, cycle fenders and split V-windshield give the Model A a great racer look, and it is finished off nicely with a side pipe exhaust.

Although the body still has doors, you are not getting in, but on this car, it is like you are sitting on the back of a carriage. Starting the car is simple. Put the long gear lever in neutral, turn the key, give a bit of gas and the motor is running. The gearbox has a reverse and three forward gears, not synchronized. Nevertheless, the handling of the car was fine. For changing gears you just have to listen and feel when the time is right to change gears. Not helped by any assistance, the steering is not very heavy, you can take any corner with ease. Without fear I drove it easily through the city centre, causing lots of smiles. The biggest smile, however, was mine.

Words by Marius Hille Ris Lambers. Photographs courtesy Bonhams.

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