Classical Fragments Addendum 2023

Addendum to Edition 3 2023

Classical

Fragments A Visual Escape

by R W Yundt

Copyright Conventions

Printed electronically

This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented, without permission from the author.

5 4 3

Digit on the right indicates the number of this printing. This is an addendum to Edition 3.

Images, graphics, layout design, and letterforms by RW Yundt

Title pages: Marble floor plan of the Belvédère

LIMITED EDITION

introduction

historic places

classical

would readily apply the term to all well-ordered works which satisfy the mind.…

In short, by all those qualities which enhance the impression by creating a final simplicity.

Eugène

Delacroix (1798–1863) French artist & lithographer

INTRODUCTION

While neither the Ford Model A nor the MGTD are classic cars in the true sense of the word because of their high production volume, Dad considered them both to be. He purchased a 1929 Model A Ford Tudor Sedan in 1953; in 1960 he purchased a 1953 MGTD.

His objective was restoration, but budget and the threat of an Air Force transfer interfered, so he only restored the Ford’s engine piston rings, and left his sons to work on the MG.

They were his pride and joy and made for lots of memories for his sons.

Publishing note: This is an addendum to the previous edition of Classical Fragments. Changes to the rules of the online publisher preclude a full new online edition.

— RW Yundt 2023, South Carolina

Detailed front view 1929 Model A Ford Tudor Sedan (author’s rendering of a computer graphics 3D model)

Vintage Cars

1929 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan

Ford offered nine different style passenger car bodies of which the Tudor Sedan was one. Black was the traditional style as pictured here.

Mechanical upgrades for the Model A Ford included a new 3-speed transmission, hydraulic shock absorbers, and four-wheel mechanical brakes.

In an effort to meet demand, Ford steadily boosted production, peaking at around 9,200 cars per day by June of 1930.

If there’s one iconic part of the Model A, it’s the signature “Ah-Ooh-Ga”sound of the horn.

Shown here under the left headlamp..

Production efficiencies brought the price of a new Tudor to around $500; The earlier Model Ts were $850.

1929 Ford Model A Tudor Coupe

The more stylish rendering here is of the author’s design. Chrome wire wheels were never a part of the Model A original production. I’m not sure that Dad would have liked my attempt for this more stately model design.

Of the Model T, Henry Ford reportedly said: “You can have any color you want as long as it’s black.” However, when he introduced the Model A in 1928, colors were definitely in.

Original Model A wheel colors included black, red, orange, green, and others. The Tudor 2-tones were black or green, gray or beige. For the entire Model A model lineup, there were 50+ production colors for the body, moldings, and hardware.

The successful development of the new V8 Ford for 1932 would ultimately put an end to the short but successful run for “Henry’s Lady,” the Model A Ford.

MGTD - 1953

Dad bought the MGTD in 1960 when we settled on La Tijera in Los Angeles. He succumbed to relentless requests to partially restore the exterior. The author and Brother Tom went to work at the LA Air Force Station auto hobby shop.

The chrome was restored all-round and the dashboard got cosmetic fixes. But the biggest improvement was transforming the body paint from gray to candy apple red. It looked like a new car.

In the early 1950s, 80% of British production was exported to the US. There, demand was driven by a growing economy and sports cars becoming socially acceptable.