Chassis No. 41178257

Engine No. A4121416

Body No. 3462

As the Great Depression raged, the Ford Motor Company found itself facing a previously unknown market – what would later be known as the mid-priced field, occupied by those who could no longer afford a Lincoln but wanted something a bit more face-saving than the common Model A. Accordingly, in the spring of 1931, Ford introduced the most expensive model yet to bear the Blue Oval. Dubbed the Model A400, its name was a reference to the Four Hundred, a social register that listed the 400 most prominent members of New York high society. Only one style was available, a two-door, five-passenger sedan with a fabric roof that folded all the way to the back of the body, using chromed irons, and an opening windshield. The interior boasted very comfortable seats with genuine leather upholstery, full carpeting, and rich woodgrained trim, and indeed had a very Lincoln-like appearance.

The Model A400 was built only from 22 May 1931, until the end of the 1931 model year, and just 5,085 were made.

The example offered here was acquired by Mr. Taylor in 2007 from the large and noted Ypsilanti, Michigan, collection of Bud Mick. Finished in black with Apple Green wire wheels and striping, it boasts correct Ford top material, in fine condition, and leather upholstery, as well as etched wind wings, an exhaust manifold heater, Deluxe trim with dual sidemounts, radiator stone guard and Quail mascot, marbled glass gearshift knob, running board step plates, a luggage rack with canvas-covered trunk, and blackwall tires. Safety glass side windows are present. The engine compartment is nicely detailed, and the original Murray body tag is still in place. At the time of cataloging, the car had recorded 68,046 miles.

No Ford collection is complete without an A400, one of the rarest and most impressive products of the Henry Ford era.