23,900
350ci Chevrolet small-block V8
Automatic
A1659215
Red / Gray Interior
Available for viewing by appointment only Staring September 1.
This 1929 Ford Model A two-door sedan is a classic street rod that has been in the same family for over 40 years. The late Bill Ward, operating as Old Car Restoration in Mondovi, WI, performed a frame-off build in the early 1980s, giving the car its current form with a chopped roofline, modern running gear, and custom interior.
Finished in bright red with a black fabric roof insert, the car is powered by a Chevrolet 350ci V8 paired with a Turbo 350 automatic transmission and Ford 8″ rear axle.
Features include a professionally designed and installed Kwik Wire harness, front disc brakes, custom cloth/vinyl upholstery, tilt steering column, classic gauges, and a Kenwood stereo.
An appraisal from Russ’s Classic Car Appraisal Service (2014) valued the car at $25,000, and it remains roadworthy today after recent mechanical refresh work.
📜 Ownership & History History
Long-term family ownership since the early 1980s.
Built by Bill Ward, Old Car Restoration, Mondovi, WI, a member of NSRA who completed several builds known for decades of reliable use.
Frame-off build circa 1983–84; refinished, chopped 3″, and modified into a reliable driver.
Prior history traced to the 1950s, possibly only two owners prior to Ward family.
Specifications
Engine: 350ci Chevrolet small-block V8, Carter carburetor.
Transmission: Turbo 350 automatic.
Electrical: Kwik Wire Harness; Igntion: Accel; Distributor: Mallory Unilite
Rear Axle: Ford 8″, approx. 3.73 gearing — more suited to short gearing than highway cruising.
Chassis: TCI with dropped axle, front disc brakes, leaf-spring suspension rear.
Wheels & Tires: Tru-Spoke wire wheels with Runway Enduro 75 All Season 89 S, P185/75R14 (fronts), Armstrong Coronet P235/75R15 (rears).
Sound: Stereo system by Kenwood KDC-BT362U, does not power on, see “Quirks” listed below.
Braking/Steering: Manual steering and brakes, consistent with period hot rod builds.
🛠 Recent Work
Condition
Paint & Body: Bright red finish with fiberglass fenders and steel body; areas of touch-up visible (as shown in photos). No rust or corrosion in frame, floors, or undercarriage.
Interior: Custom gray cloth and vinyl seats with matching carpet and tilt column. Folding front seats with pockets, working rear seatbelts. Classic gauges operational with exception of temp gauge (fans cycle correctly at temperature) and gas (see list below).
Mechanical: Starts, runs, drives, and stops. Approximately $2k in recent work completed (fuel pump, carburetor, gas and vacuum lines, fuel filter, battery). One of two fuel tanks active, providing ~8–9 gallons of usable capacity. Water temp checked at ~160°F after 10 minutes of driving at 67°F ambient.
Mileage: Approx. 24,000 miles since build, less than 1,000 miles per year.
Payment Terms and Title Transfer
Cash at final transfer in secure location, or cashier’s check / instant wire transfer verified before title hand-off. Title transfer will be done at Deputy Registrar (MN DVS).
Why This Street Rod?
This 1929 Ford Model A isn’t just another street rod — it’s the product of a professional-quality build by Bill Ward of Old Car Restoration, a respected NSRA member whose cars have proven themselves reliable for decades. With over 40 years of family ownership, the car has been carefully maintained, refreshed mechanically, and kept roadworthy. Its steel body, timeless chop, and wire wheels capture the look that hot rodders have admired for generations, while the Chevrolet 350 and Turbo 350 drivetrain provide easy drivability.
For buyers who want an authentic, well-built rod with character, provenance, and long-term reliability, this Model A delivers all of that — and represents a chance to own a piece of family and hot rod history.
🔍 Known Quirks
Driver’s rear window crank interferes with seat position (handle stored when not in use). Driver’s front window crank is broken, but window is operable. Simple replacement – allowance (discount) offered if part is not sourced and replaced prior to sale.
Headlight housing on driver’s side shows cosmetic wear; headlight on passenger side has minor hardware issues (allowances available).
Hood retainer screw block on driver’s side stripped, new owner can decide to replace wooden block or to restore.
Parking brake cable is present but not connected (there is no parking brake in cabin). It’s zip tied under the car.
Four carriage bolts missing from luggage rack.
Front seats fold forward, use care when moving seats as they interfere with one another if not kept aligned.
Kenwood stereo does not power up; I have not had a chance to source a new battery for the remote, which may (or may not) resolve the issue.
Driving Impressions
Confident at 60 mph, tracking straight with no overheating or unusual rattles.
Steering is very manageable.
Top speed tested at 60 mph; higher speeds, I recommend you review tires, suspension, steering with a closer inspection.
Fuel economy estimated at 12 mpg given the 350ci V8, carb setup, and gearing. Tank range is probably approximately 100 miles (unverified).
612.213.8120 (Earl)
Showings are in Jordan, MN
at Ridges At Sand Creek
21775 Ridges Dr, Jordan, MN 55352
By Appointment Only
