Model 'A' Ford's 80th Anniversary
5 million were built from 1928 - 1931
2008 marks the 80th Anniversary of Henry's Lady.
The Model 'A' Ford was introduced around the country in January 1928 when it replaced its beloved and wildly successful Model 'T'. Henry Ford was taking a $100 million gamble that his new automobile would take the country by storm. History would prove it to be a wise move, as Ford Motor Company went on to build 5 million Model 'A's during the cars four-year run, and in the process change the automobile industry forever. 
It's introductory publicity and advertising campaign remains a benchmark against which all new-cars and other product launches are measured. In 1986 the Model 'A' was ranked by the Detroit News as "one of the 10 most important and influential cars of all time."
There were 10,000 Ford Dealers in the United States when the Model 'A' was introduced to the world. The number of people who flocked to public showrooms, convention halls, assembly plants and dealers to see the new car has never been equaled. It also holds the record for first year sales. Also, the 'A', along with the 'T', remains the only vehicle to have outsold the General Motors lines combined. There was a Ford assembly plant in Columbus, Ohio from 1914 to 1936 producing Ford cars for Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. The building was later purchased by the Kroger Company for its bakery operations which resides there today.
Many news stories describe the car's ruggedness, durability, and long distance travel. In 1937, a Model 'A' plunged through the ice of Idaho's Lake Coeur d'Alene. Forty-seven years later, two hours after the car was raised and equipped with a new battery, its engine, horn and headlights performed perfectly. In 1972, a national news story reported that a 1931 South Carolina Model 'A' was in its 32nd year as a postal delivery vehicle. In 1986, a 1931 pickup, bought new, still served a Wisconsin farm family. A bemused 85-year-old Illinoisan wondered if he or his Model 'A' would outlive the other. In 1988 a Michigan couple drove their Model 'A' around Australia's 13,000-mile shoreline. Thus, the Model 'A' continues to make history and delight 'A' lovers, old-car enthusiasts and the general public alike.
2008 also marks the 50th Anniversary of the "Scioto Model 'A' Ford Club of Central Ohio" a regional member of the "Model 'A' Restorers Club" (MARC) an International organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Model 'A' Ford. We will be hosting a "Show within a Show" at this year's "Arthritis Car Show" Saturday July 12th. All Model 'A' Ford owners are invited to show there cars at this Premiere Car Show in its 26th season. It is our expectation to have (50+) Model 'A's Fords of all popular models for your viewing and reminiscing of those wonderful years when it was the king of the road. Come and talk with the owners who will be on-site to answer your every question.
John Moore - President SMFC