IF you ever wanted to know more about a classic car you sometimes see on road between Mollymook and Milton/Ulladulla and the man behind the wheel then read on.
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This car is one of the first Model As produced during 1928 by Ford in Australia - bought by the current owner's grandfather in 1929 when it was six-months-old.
He gave it to his grandson Lynden Siegert , who now lives locally, when he was 16-years-old in 1964.
The Ford Model A, also colloquially called the A-Model Ford, was the second successful vehicle model for the Ford Motor Company, replacing the venerable Model T, which had been produced for 18-years.
The A was first manufactured - in fact, the first model to be produced at Ford's new Rouge River Plant which at the time the largest integrated factory in the world covering an area of 3642sq/km, in Dearborn Detroit, on October 20 1927.
However, it was not on sale until December 2. The all-new Model A was designated a 1928-year-model and was available in four standard colours.
It was powered by Ford's four-cylinder 201cu/in (3.3litre) engine developing 40hp (30kW), with an advertised top speed of 65mph (105km/h).
Retardation was via four-wheel mechanically operated drum brakes.
By February 4, 1929, one million Model As had been sold around the world, and by July 24, sales had reached two million.
It came in a proliferation of body styles from the basic Tudor at US$500 - to the prestige Town Car with a dual cowl, at US$1200. In March 1930, Model A sales hit three-million, with nine body styles available.
The production ran from 1927 to August 1931 - total sales for the period tallied 4,320,446 units.
Model A Fords were also assembled in Australia at Ford's then-new factory, at Geelong in Victoria from mid-1928. Between 1928 and '32 there was 32,387 Model As made here - the best market penetration was 20 per cent in its first year.
The Australian unveiling to the public was simultaneous in all capitals on May 15, 1928. In Melbourne, the new car was delivered to the Town Hall in secret at 2am.
However, word had leaked out, and thousands gathered to get a glimpse.
Reportedly 100,000 people saw the all-new Model A during the following four days
In Sydney, the debut was held at Wentworth Parking Station, for a private viewing the night prior to the official release.
Some 2700 people turned up, causing a traffic jam in Jameson Street.
In Tasmania, the local Ford manager almost caused a riot when he dropped lighted matches into the Model A's fuel tank. He was demonstrating the virtues of the car's non-inflammable fuel tank.
On August 3, 1928, motoring journalist J. O. Sherwood of the Sydney Daily Guardian, road tested a Tudor bodied Model A and filed a report.
"To sum up, the new Ford is exceptionally quick in its acceleration through the gears, is usually comfortable - has extraordinary hill climbing abilities, capable of maintaining a high average speed, has good brakes and is economical. Over 106mile test it averaged 35.3mph, returning 25mpg," he wrote.
How it came to be on the coast
Journalist Jim Gibson spoke with Lynden, a long-term Milton Ulladulla Vintage and Classic Car Club member, about his car.
It was December 2, 2018, when the club first set eyes on Lynden's car - ironically, the same day in December 91-years previously, that Ford's Model A was officially on-sale.
Lynden's family lived in country South Australia, and his grandfather had a saddlery and boot making business in the town of Spalding, near his parents' property north of the Claire Valley.
The car was only driven to church on Sundays (sound familiar) and he would make the occasional trip to Adelaide's CBD.
Its odometer has only rolled over 89,893 genuine miles.
In 1964, Lynden and his family, along with the treasured Model A, moved to greener pastures - purchasing a farm at Wagga Wagga in country NSW.
Lynden drove his generously gifted 'new' car in and around the Wagga district and also used it to compete in local "motorkhanas".
Lynden's mother, after an offer too good to refuse, was received for the farm and accepted - Lynden's mother was keen for a sea-change.
So, in 1968 they moved to the NSW South Coast around the Ulladulla area.
Of course, the inseparable Model A and Lynden relocated to the coast as well.
"The old 'Henry' has never been completely dismantled for restoration, only repainted and reupholstered once," Lynden said.
" On the mechanical side, the engine had rings and bearings fitted in 1969 and was fully rebuilt during 1991.
"The gearbox and diff have also been reconditioned once during its 89,000-mile journey."
Lynden says he would never part with his travelling companion of 54-years.
"She'll stay in the family, as I intend to pass her on to my son once I'm too old to enjoy the ride," he said.