1980 Shay Model A Roadster

The 1980 Shay Model A Roadster is more than a simple retro-styled roadster; it represents one of the more unusual chapters in Ford-related automotive history. Harry J. Shay founded Shay Motors in the late 1970s with the goal of recreating the 1929 Ford Model A Roadster for modern buyers, and the finished cars were sold through participating Ford dealerships rather than as conventional kit cars. That connection gave Shay’s Model A reproductions a unique place in the collector-car world, blending the appearance and charm of a prewar Ford with far more contemporary mechanicals. Showing approximately 8,327 miles, this example is finished in Cream over Black and features the signature details that make these cars so recognizable, including a rumble seat, dual side-mounted spare wheels, wire wheels, a Quail-style radiator mascot, and a rear-mounted luggage rack.

Exterior and Interior

The exterior of this 1980 Shay Model A Roadster is finished in Cream with contrasting Black fenders and running boards, closely echoing the two-tone presentation associated with period Model A roadsters. Its vintage-inspired character is reinforced by black wire wheels with chrome hubcaps, dual side-mounted spare wheels, chrome front and rear bumpers, a chrome radiator shell, chrome headlight housings, and dual cowl lights. Up front, the Quail-style radiator mascot provides another distinctly prewar touch, while the split windshield with adjustable wind wings, side skirts, and rear-mounted luggage rack complete the classic touring-car appearance. A black convertible soft top provides weather protection without taking away from the open-air roadster profile. The interior of this 1980 Shay Model A Roadster is finished in Black and follows the same intentionally traditional theme as the exterior. Its straightforward cockpit preserves the charm of the original Model A formula, while the split windshield, adjustable wind wings, and dual windshield wipers contribute to its period-inspired presentation. One of the most memorable features is the rear rumble seat, a defining element of early roadsters that gives this Shay much of its nostalgic personality. An aftermarket AM/FM stereo adds a touch of later convenience while keeping the cabin visually simple and focused on the experience of open-air motoring.

Engine

Powering this 1980 Shay Model A Roadster is a 2.3L naturally aspirated Ford inline-four equipped with a Motorcraft 5200 2-barrel carburetor. Rather than attempting to reproduce the mechanical limitations of a 1929 automobile, Shay paired its vintage styling with later Ford hardware, making the car more approachable for regular driving. A 4-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels, giving the driver a more engaging experience while retaining the straightforward mechanical character appropriate for a lightweight roadster. That combination is central to what makes the Shay interesting: it looks back to Ford’s early history while relying on much more modern Ford engineering underneath.