Fiberglass Body/Easy To Service Ford Drivetrain/Modern Suspension/Easy To Drive

1980 Shay Model A Replica

Take a look at Harry Shay's effort to provide the nostalgic looks of the Model A Ford roadster with the ease of a late-model car. Now, however, even commonplace cars of the Shay's 1978-'82 era, (and its successor, by Camelot Motors), are open to consideration as something more than just transportation. As such, one can consider the Shay as a contemporary to the Pinto on which it was based, rather than in the context of its 1920s inspiration. Take into account its approximately 5,000-unit production run and it's even something of a rarity.

For consignment, a deal between Harry Shay and the Ford Motor company to produce a replica of the Model A without the unreliability of the mechanicals, rough rides, or problems with the old steel bodies, and a fully function replica of the classic Model A. These were even offered through Ford dealers and based on the Pinto platform.

Exterior
Full on fiberglass exactly replicating the original model A with its cowled hood, short doors, rumble seat, convertible top, and dual bar chrome bumpers, and swooping black fenders and running boards it is looking much like the 1920s all over again. Pale Yellow, bordering on cream, paint dances with various chromed and polished trimmings on the body like side view mirror, door handles, headlights and of course the main front grille…complete with flying mallard radiator cap. All of this works with the 18-inch steel spoked wheels in contrasting black. Black fenders curve up and down in front and in back and are held together by a running board. Black wire spoke wheels frame all 4 corners of this car and are wrapped in era correct thing tread wide whitewall rubber. On the back is a matching black wire wheel with a wide white tire. A very nice textured black canvas top with plastic side rear windows and a clear plastic rear window top this reproduction. Side curtains are also included with the purchase for inclement weather motoring. The rumble seat is in very nice condition and perfect distance away from the driver for the mother-in-law.

Interior
A simple single bench in more black vinyl stretches from door to door. Upfront the black padded dash houses the “mask” like instrument cluster, but with just a twist of modern design from its predecessor original. A trio of add-on gauges hang below the center of the dash and down low on the passenger side is an AM/FM radio. A modern steering wheel and column is seen on the driver's side, and black carpet is flooding the floor. The shifter and parking brake are centrally mounted on the floor all within the driver's reach.

Drivetrain
Slightly more complex than the original Model A under the cowls, now mounted is an overhead cam 4-cylinder engine 2.3-liter inline engine with 88hp from the Ford Pinto. It is topped by a single 2-barrel carburetor. A very recognizable setup for any mechanic, now much easier to have worked on if a problem should arise. This car is also equipped with a FOG 4-speed manual transmission, and a 7.5-inch rear axle.

Undercarriage
Pinto independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, and front disc and rear drum setup are all present. The frame is solid and mostly rust free save for some surface rust. Mostly fiberglass abounds underneath, as well as the fairly clean underside of the engine and transmission. Slight surface rust upfront but nothing remarkable is noted.

Drive-Ability
The combination of '70s engine, chassis and braking technology with a 1920s ride height and 1930s tires makes the Shay a uniquely handling automobile. The experience is very similar to a Model A until you turn the corner or step on the brakes, at which point the more-modern technology makes its presence known in a positive way. On uneven surfaces, however, my ride told me that the shimmy and wander of the skinny tires bring back the old days. It ran just peachy, and was a hoot to drive, wandering left and right or not.

One would expect the usual Model A sound, cantankerous starting, lack of modern drive-ability, however this car offers up a pleasant surprise. It is easy to drive, and also attracts attention as any Model A would. When something goes wrong, just take it to your local Ford dealer…Shay what??!