1931 Ford Model AA Flatbed Truck
Ford Model AA is a truck from Ford. As the Model T and TT became obsolete and needed to be replaced, Henry Ford began initial designs on the Model A and Model AA in 1926. Basic chassis layout was done rapidly and mechanical development was moved forward quickly. Body design and style was developed and then outsourced to various body manufacturers, including Briggs and Murray. The designs of the Model A shared parts and materials with the Model AA Ford, notably the body, engine and interior. The AA usually received plainer interiors than their car counterparts. The Model AA followed similar design changes to the Model A during the AA’s four years in production, often delayed anywhere from three to nine months. The mechanical changes and upgrades were done during production of the vehicles. Body changes that occurred between 1929 and 1930 were also integrated into AA production, but leftover parts were used longer in the heavy commercial trucks.
While not as famous as the F-Series, the Model AA remained in use for decades, despite Ford putting an end to American production after only five years. Come 2022 and many of these trucks have disappeared after being abandoned in junkyards, but a few lucky ones carry on as preserved and restored vehicles thanks to America’s national Model AA clubs.
This 1931 Ford Model AA was subsequently refurbished with work including stripping and refinishing the body and chassis, rebuilding the engine, brakes, and suspension, and installing a 12-volt electrical system. The truck is finished in black, red, and gray over black vinyl upholstery and is powered by a 201ci inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes a wood cab, a steel bed with a hinged tailgate, a wood-lined bed floor, black fenders and running boards, headlights, and 20″ wheels.
The cab features a bench seat trimmed in black vinyl upholstery. Amenities include a white steel dashboard, an exposed wood floor, and a floor-mounted shifter. The four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a center-mounted barrel-style speedometer and an ammeter.
The Ford Model AA was one of the Pioneers of the commercial trucking world, serving as a heavier-duty version of one of the most iconic vehicles of all time, the Model A.
Today, enthusiasm for the Model AA continues. Preservation and restoration of these vehicles remains popular. In the United States, there are two national clubs. One club supports the Model A/Model AA hobby and one club is dedicated specifically to the Model AA. The Model A Restorers Club and the Model A Ford Club of America, along with the Ford Model AA Truck Club work to support members with technical advice and support along with displaying members vehicles as they are being restored.
