How much is a 1930 Ford Model A worth?

Most 1930 Ford Model A cars trade between $12,000 and $35,000 for solid drivers, with desirable open-body styles in excellent condition bringing roughly $40,000 to $80,000, and a few rare or concours-level examples stretching higher. Actual value depends primarily on body style, condition, originality, and recent comparable sales, which can vary notably by region and venue.

What drives the price of a 1930 Model A

Several well-understood factors shape the market value of a 1930 Model A. Understanding these elements will help you place a specific car in the right price range and explain why two seemingly similar cars can be priced far apart.

• Body style desirability: Open cars (roadsters, phaetons), cabriolets, and station wagons generally command more than closed sedans; commercial variants and uncommon body styles can be strong.
• Condition tier: The standard #1–#4 scale matters. Concours (#1) and Excellent (#2) cars bring multiples of Fair (#4) drivers; unrestored projects sit at the bottom.
• Originality and correctness: Matching major components, era-correct finishes, and factory-spec parts add value; over-restoration or incorrect details can subtract.
• Restoration quality and age: Documented, photo-tracked restorations by reputable shops command premiums; older restorations may soften unless meticulously preserved.
• Provenance and documentation: Known ownership history, awards, and judging sheets (e.g., MARC/MAFCA) support higher prices.
• Options and accessories: Dual side-mounts, trunk racks, rare period accessories and desirable color combinations can lift the number.
• Market venue and timing: No-reserve online auctions, regional demand, and seasonality (spring/summer) influence outcomes.
• Modifications: Hot rods/restomods appeal to a different buyer pool; values can be higher or lower depending on build quality and originality lost.

Taken together, these variables explain why Model A prices span from budget-friendly projects to six-figure trophy cars in exceptional cases.

Typical price ranges by condition (all 1930 body styles)

The following ranges reflect typical U.S. market outcomes seen across reputable guides and auction results as of 2024–2025. A more or less desirable body style will push a car up or down within these bands.

• Project/non-running or poor (#5/#4-): roughly $5,000–$12,000, depending on completeness and rust.
• Driver, presentable (#4 to #3): roughly $12,000–$25,000; sedans dominate here, with nicer coupes and pickups nearer the top.
• Excellent, well-restored (#2): roughly $25,000–$45,000 for most styles; open cars and uncommon variants trend higher.
• Show/concours (#1) or rare body styles: roughly $40,000–$90,000+, with the very rare or award-winning examples exceeding that in select cases.

Condition grading is critical: moving up one tier can add tens of percent to value, while hidden needs (paint, wood, mechanicals) can erode it quickly.

Body-style snapshots for 1930

Below are ballpark figures for well-restored, Excellent (#2) condition cars by common 1930 body styles; adjust downward for driver condition and upward for concours or exceptional provenance.

• Sedans (Tudor, Fordor, Town Sedan): about $18,000–$30,000 (#2), with Town Sedan generally a bit stronger than base Fordor.
• Coupes (Standard/Sport/Deluxe): about $22,000–$40,000 (#2), with Sport/Deluxe coupes at the higher end.
• Roadster: about $35,000–$55,000 (#2), with correct details and accessories pushing higher.
• Cabriolet: about $40,000–$65,000 (#2), reflecting convertible appeal and relative scarcity.
• Phaeton: about $30,000–$50,000 (#2); rarer and often more valuable than sedans, though condition-sensitive.
• Station Wagon (“Woody”): about $45,000–$75,000 (#2), heavily dependent on wood integrity and restoration quality.
• Pickup (closed cab): about $18,000–$30,000 (#2), with clean, stock examples in steady demand.
• Roadster Pickup: about $30,000–$50,000 (#2), combining open-car desirability with light-commercial rarity.

Ultra-rare or special-bodied cars can exceed these ranges, while average drivers or older restorations typically transact below them.

Recent market signals (2023–2025)

Recent public sales and advertised listings provide context for current values and liquidity for the Model A market.

• Online auctions frequently show driver-condition sedans in the $13,000–$20,000 band, with bidding strength tied to documentation and presentation.
• Well-finished roadsters and cabriolets have commonly achieved $40,000–$55,000, with exceptional cars surpassing that.
• Station wagons, when correctly restored, often list or sell between the mid-$50,000s and $70,000s, reflecting costly woodwork.
• Price guides continue to track steady demand, with modest appreciation for top-condition, correctly restored examples and stable-to-soft pricing for average drivers in slower months.

Results vary by venue: well-photographed, well-described cars with inspection transparency and active bidding communities tend to realize stronger prices.

How to pin down a specific car’s value

If you’re valuing your own 1930 Model A (or considering a purchase), a methodical approach will yield a more accurate figure.

1. Confirm the exact body style and key features (e.g., coupe vs. sport coupe, pickup vs. roadster pickup).
2. Assess condition using the accepted #1–#4 scale; document paint, chrome, interior, chassis, and mechanical health.
3. Verify originality: engine/frame numbers where applicable, period-correct parts, and authenticity of accessories.
4. Collect comps from recent auctions and classifieds of the same body style and condition; prioritize sales over asks.
5. Adjust for location, seasonality, and venue; add premiums for awards, fresh restorations, or exceptional documentation.
6. For high-value or unusual cars, commission a professional appraisal or marque-club judging for verification.

With solid comps and a realistic condition grade, you can place a car confidently within the market range and negotiate accordingly.

Restoration and ownership costs that affect value

Understanding the costs behind a Model A can explain why fresh or high-quality restorations command premiums and why projects trade at discounts.

• Engine and drivetrain rebuilds often run several thousand dollars; proper babbitt work and balancing matter.
• Paint and bodywork can range widely; high-quality finishes and panel alignment are expensive to achieve.
• Interior kits are available but correct materials and professional installation add cost.
• Wood-intensive bodies (station wagons) require specialized craftsmanship; material and labor are significant.
• Parts availability is generally good, but authenticity-grade components and small-correctness items add up.
• Thoughtful safety upgrades (tires, brakes, lighting) improve drivability without heavily penalizing value when done discretely.

Buyers routinely pay more for cars that don’t need immediate mechanical, cosmetic, or woodwork investment, reflecting the true costs of doing it right.

Summary

A 1930 Ford Model A is typically worth $12,000–$35,000 for a sound driver, with excellent open cars and uncommon body styles often bringing $40,000–$80,000 and exceptional examples higher. Body style, condition, originality, and documentation are the main levers. To value a specific car, identify the exact variant, grade its condition honestly, and anchor your estimate to recent, comparable sales.

How much did a 1930 car cost?

The average price for a new car in 1930 was between $400-$600 😳 Now almost 100 years later, the average price for a new car is between $40,000 – $50,000 🤯 Using the same math, what you could buy for $1 in 1930, now costs $100 💵

How much is a 1931 Ford Model A worth?

A 1931 Ford Model A’s value varies greatly by condition, from around $17,664 (average condition) to over $159,500 (rare, well-maintained examples at auction) and as low as $5,832 (poor condition). Other examples of market sales range from $11,495 (low retail) to $82,995 (high retail). Key factors influencing value include condition, specific body style, any unique features or modifications, and the vehicle’s history. 
Factors Determining Value

• Condition: Cars in excellent, original, or well-restored condition command higher prices, while those needing extensive work or with damage will be priced lower. 
• Body Style: Rarity and desirability of the specific body style (e.g., coupe, sedan, roadster, truck) significantly impact value. 
• Originality vs. Modifications: Highly original cars are often more valuable to collectors, but well-executed modern upgrades or period-correct modifications can also add value. 
• History: A well-documented history, including a lack of accident history or title issues, increases a Model A’s worth. 
• Market Trends: The overall market for classic cars, including Model A Fords, can influence prices. 

Where to Find 1931 Ford Model A Valuations

• Hagerty Valuation Tools: Provides market data and guides for classic cars, with specific values based on condition. 
• Classic Car Auction Results: Websites like Bring a Trailer and Classic.com show recent auction sales to gauge market value. 
• Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Classics on Autotrader and eBay list vehicles for sale, providing a sense of current asking prices. 

How much is a Model A worth today?

A lot of models, like the Fordor Sedan, have a resale price around $17,000; in the Fordor Sedan’s specific case, the price is $17,463. Other body styles include the Deluxe Coupe (sold at $19,938), the Phaeton (sold at $30,909), and the Sport Coupe RS (sold at $21,900).

What was special about the 1930 Model A?

The Model A’s two-year-old styling was refreshed for 1930 with new sweeping fenders, a new radiator, smaller wheels, and a longer hood. Ford sold nearly 1,160,000 Model As in 1930, but only 16,470 were open phaetons like this car. Most buyers preferred closed sedans or coupes, with permanent roofs and roll-up windows.