Words: Gary Rosier
Larry D. Jones and his wife Judy of New Smyrna Beach, Fla. own this jewel of a Model “AR” Ford. It’s a Model A alright, but to the casual observer, it’s hard to tell them apart. For example, the handbrake is located in the “AR” on the driver’s side by the door instead of the middle of the floor. Also, a different clutch, generator, steering wheel, rims and even subtle differences in the body are also present!
The “ARs” were the first concept cars to come off the assembly line. Its serial number (A4095) says it was built in December of 1927 (the very first new 1928’s came off the line in late October 1927 as demonstrators and were sent to various dealers). This particular car seems to be the very first one shipped to Maine in that capacity. (The official introduction took place on Dec. 2, 1927).
While the original Model T could be had in only one color, black, the new Model As could be ordered in gray, green or black and many different styles: roadster, rumble seat roadster, coupe, Tudor and the Fordor.
This one is painted a Moss Green with black vinyl roof. Completely torn down in Larry’s two car garage, it’s an all-steel original numbers matching car!
Purchased from his friend John Potter about 8 years ago, you would have been hard pressed to find ANYTHING wrong with the car. The photos show its first rebuild by John, but soon after purchasing, it didn’t take Larry long to start tweaking the engine and making sure all the parts were original 1928 parts.
Next, he wanted to update the safety of the car so it could be driven to and from car shows. A new braking system was installed and attention to the fine tuning of the car itself was next. This lead to a full blown (body off) restoration by himself.
Larry’s attention to detail and perfection is evident from his many years as a facet cut designer and educator. Intricate work involving diamond and carbide bit cutters to shape and perfect expensive jewelry, and his years as a teacher, coach and administrator in the public school system allowed him to visualize and facilitate growth and change.
Larry’s history in cars dates back to his childhood, when his dad owned a service and bulk oil delivery station. At the ripe old age of 14, his dad allowed Larry and twin brother Lonny to purchase a ’57 Ford, and said, “Fix it up and you can drive it.” That was the start of a long and still current fixation with building cars, motorcycles and even drag racing cars.
As a young man, Larry and his brothers built, drove and showed a 1940 A/G Willy’s Gasser, The Saint. The Saint was painted by a young George Barris and his brother. The car was a part of the UDRA drag racing circuit in the mid-west during the 60’s and 70’s.
“Jewel” is powered by its numbers matching 200.5 cu inch flat-head 4 cylinder. A three-speed transmission transmits the 40 horsepower to the stock 1928 rear. Houdaille double acting shocks smooth out the bumps as she rolls on 21 inch 1928 correct wire wheels with Firestone tires, just like back in the day.
Larry would like to credit Pete Zorge (New Smyrna Beach) for the use of his shop and flawless paint and body work. Pete used an English wheel to meticulously make the rear fenders, and there is no bondo in any part of its restoration – just some good old fashioned skill with metal fabrication and leading! The beautifully done faux tan leather interior, carpet and headliner was handled by Ed Schreck of Deland, Fla.
This 1928 Model AR Tudor lets Larry and Judy (it’s HER car, he says, and she drives it!) travel back in time some 90 plus years. It still has its original title with original matching parts numbers.
The attention to detail is very evident, and Judy knew because of Larry’s detail minded “perfectionism” and love of cars it would turn out to be nothing less than a crown “Jewel” – which is and will be cherished and shared with their grand-kids for many more years to come!
