The 1931 Ford Model A Victoria – A Classy Coupe with Some Backbone

When most folks talk about Ford’s Model A lineup, they’re usually thinking about the roadsters, sedans, or maybe the coupe. But if you know your classics, there’s one body style that stands out from the pack—the Model A Victoria. Built for just a short run between 1930 and 1931, this beauty mixed style with grit, and it’s become one of the more sought-after rides among collectors today.

What Makes the Victoria Special?

First off, the Victoria wasn’t your average Model A coupe. This was a two-door, five-window setup with a roofline that sloped down in the back—giving it a more refined, almost European look. Back in the day, it turned heads, and today, it still does.

It was called the “close-coupled” two-door sedan, but don’t let that fancy term fool you. This thing had style without getting too fussy about it. The slanted rear roofline gave it a sleek silhouette, and it had some features you wouldn’t find on your typical Model A—like visor-less windshields, wide doors for easy entry, and fold-down front seats to make climbing into the back a breeze.

Under the Hood

Like the rest of the Model A family, the Victoria ran a 201 CID 4-cylinder engine, pumping out 40 horses. Not the fastest ride in town, but plenty of guts to cruise the backroads or roll into a weekend show. Backed by a 3-speed manual transmission (non-synchronized, so double-clutching was the name of the game), it kept things simple and mechanical—just how we like it.

It rolled on 4.75-19 tires, had mechanical brakes, and a solid suspension setup with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs front and back. Sure, it wasn’t a cushy ride, but it had that vintage road feel we all love.

Body Built by Murray, Styled for the Future

Ford didn’t build this body in-house—the Murray Manufacturing Company did the honors. And they didn’t phone it in. The Victoria had a bit more class than its siblings, with interior options like brown Bedford cord or striped tan broadcloth. You could even get it with either steel rear quarters or a full padded fabric top.

Plus, the “bustle” back end gave it extra room behind the rear seat for luggage—and added some serious curves to that rear profile. And check out the slanted spare tire mounted at the rear—practical and good-looking. This car meant business, but it also showed up dressed to impress.

Not Just Rare—Respected

Of the 17 body styles offered in 1930, the Victoria was brand-new that year. And while production was a bit limited early on, by 1931, Ford had cranked out nearly 37,000 Victorias before shutting it down in August. That short run made it a hot item for collectors today—especially if you find one still rocking its original parts.

Even cooler? The body style was so well-loved, Ford kept a variation of it going through 1934.

Why It Belongs in Your Garage

If you’re on the hunt for something a little different—something with the mechanical simplicity of a Model A but with a bit more style—the 1931 Ford Model A Victoria checks every box. It's got class, it's got curves, and it's got that unmistakable pre-war Ford DNA that made America fall in love with cars in the first place.

Whether you're rebuilding one from the frame up or just admiring the craftsmanship, the Victoria is a real standout—and we’d love to be part of your next project.

Want help sourcing parts for your Victoria build? Or just want to swap stories about your classic ride? Hit us up—we’re always down to talk shop.