1931 Ford Model A Cabriolet, Hotrod, Magizine, Cover Car, on 2040-cars

“ THE CANDY CABRIOLET”, Featured in Rod and Custom Magazine in the  December 1961 issue.

1931 Ford Model A Cabriolet  

Bought by father and son in 1957,.leonard (Len) albert was only 15 years old when he got some help from his dad and together they did a complete frame off rebuild and had the car ready to show, in 1959. The car was shown from 1959, thru the 1960's. This car was featured in the 1961 Rod and Customs magazine and also featured in the Popular Hot Rodding magazine in 1962. The Cabriolet was also used to tow a 1965 Hillborn injected corvette to the starting lines at Lyons drag strip back in the late 60's. After only putting 2500 miles on the car, Len had a issue with the engine and decided to put a cover over his baby  and move on to the next project which he had plenty of. Len has restored dozens of classic car's since then. Approximately 40 years later, Len now in his late 70's and dealing with health issues, he decided to finally part with his first car that he ever owned or built.

In February, 2014  my dealership Classic Car Addiction was lucky enough to be the next care taker of this Cabriolet Hot Rod, what an truly amazing find.

Car spent its remaining life in Dry southern California. Capturing many peoples attention and winning a number of trophies for it’s build. The car unintenaly remained untouched in a “time capsule” ever since in Lens garage,  In arguably the best climate controlled environment southern california for the past 40 + years.

There is no doubting the facts that this car would not be in it wonderful preserved Period Correct condition, had it not been stored and untouched for so many year’s avoiding any natural or other unexpected harm. Which as we all know is unbelievable in itself.  This is an exceptional piece and we at classic car addiction are honored to be a part of this piece of hotrod history.

“The Build”

In  late 1957’ car was stripped down to the frame as seen in the early photos.

"Juice brakes" from a 1940 Ford  were added in place of the original mechanical brakes  for a more efficient braking system.  The steering box was also swapped out and the front axle was dropped 2 1/2"

The  low HP model A engine was removed and replaced in there build, with a model B engine, that was bored .060 over.

Some speed equipment of the period were added, such as a Weiand finned aluminum high compression head and an aftermarket aluminum downdraft Zepher intake manifold, topped off with a Stromberg downdraft "97" carburetor and helmet style chromed air cleaner.  Custom choke linkage was made up and installed to accommodate the new downdraft carburetor. A custom bent split header was made and fitted to the engine for a true dual exhaust system,  with glass pack mufflers that are still on the car today. One big thing that doesn't show in the pictures is the loving care and pains taken in making many little fittings- plus the many parts no longer available over the counter.

The "B" engine was mated to the original model A transmission

Alot of attention was given to the details on this car even before the body was prepped for paint.

Candy paint was a new thing in the 50’s when this car was built. father and son teamed up to do their own prep and "candy apple" paint job, 20 coats of candy apple red lacquer was applied  at there house in So Cal. (see photos) which remains in incredible original condition. White paint was applied under each of the fenders, on the oil pan, on the radiator and other accent pieces preserving them beautifully still today.  Including the steering wheel which has a smooth finish and custom made horn button.

Many parts were chrome plated including the custom made shift knob, dash panel, garnish moldings, latches, entire steering column, running boards, wheels, bumpers, windshield frame and more.

The interior and top were done at the same time frame. Interior is white naugahyde tuck and roll, don by Gils Top shop in the late 50s and remains all original and in amazing period correct condition. Even the running boards have custom carpet step pads and the owners wife hand made fuzzy dice and clutch and brake pedal covers which are also still with the car!

A radio was cleverly installed in the passenger side of the rear package tray and even the rumble seat compartment area has neatly upholstered panels and is completely finished to match.

This car was on the cover of Rod & Custom magazine  in the month of December 1961 issue and also also appeared in the following magazine popular hot rodding.

This is an opportunity to own a 1950's show car that has remained, not only intact, but in outstanding condition, never having been redone, restored, etc. Original hand made reader board made by the Albert's for displaying at their local car shows that this 31 appeared. Also period correct winner trophy;s that are still intake and in wonderful aged condition that the Candy Cab won..  This is a piece that anyone with a specialty classic car collection, would be proud to display among other of it pedigree, a must have.

When the 31 came to us here at CCA, we decided to only make repairs where necessary to put the car back on the road and respect the condition of the original build. The engine was rebuilt by a reputable  engine builder locally here in Washington state near our facility.  This allowed us to have a hand’s on rebuild of the model B engine. insuring that we tried to use all the original Parts to keep it’s original state, We decided to go with new .060 over pistons.(which was what we took out), new Water pump, carburetor and fuel pump,  were rebuilt.  We had the brake’s hydraulic system replaced and bleed, with new master cylinder and front and rear wheel cylinder  Car is now driveable and safe. as seen in my video;s. Otherwise the car remains exactly as it was in 1959! which is the way that leonard would have prefered it.(original owner/builder). This convertible will have any car enthusiast fall into the wonderful store of Father and Son’s 50’s Hot Rod build of this 1931 Candy Cabriolet.and seeing the unique touch they did in a time period that was just up and coming to customizing/hot rodding from everyday drivers..  I would like to mention again that this is a true period correct late 50’s hotrod restoration and has items of period correct memorabilia with it.  This is a one off piece that even the most respective collector wouldn't throw a shoulder to, but marvel over its beauty. No one else will have this Father and Son  hand created and built  hot rod in a period of time when building a hotrod, especially a custom hotrod was not as common as in our current day..  just chroming multiple piece in the 50;s was a big deal and expensive

The Best part of buying this convertible has to be for me, being the first person to start up and drive this remarkable piece, since the original owner/builder covered it and left it untouched for 40+ years.  When driving around it makes you almost  go back in time as if you were in the  50's cruising, loving it.

We are available for further discussion on this one of a kind piece.  I have taken lot’s of additional photos and videos to help you in making a clear buying discussion.  Please do not hesitate to call if further interested. Please do not assume anything, just ask.

Thank you for your time

Brian Wilson, owner

Classic car addiction

425 931 6448

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