It is not often that we feature cars here on Off Road Action. In fact, I do not recall the last time we featured a car for sale. However, this 1929 Ford Model A deserves special recognition. The older restoration includes a Arps Snow Bird conversion that gives the vehicle tracks on the rear and skis on the front. This rare option was used mostly for mail delivery in the 30’s. This unique car is a little out of my budget and would be on display to often for my liking, but imagine the looks you would get!
As per the owners words on the Hemmings ad:
Ford Model Ts and Model As were ubiquitous reliable strong and inexpensive. Any number of companies conceived specific applications for Fords to adapt them to specialized applications but the Snow Bird is certainly one of the strangest. The concept was originated by Virgil White of West Ossipee New Hampshire. Later taken on by B.P. Arps and Adolf Langenfelds Farm Specialty Manufacturing in Wisconsin a Model A-based Snow Bird built by Arps was part of Admiral Byrds 1931 Antarctic expedition. This 1929 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan with its Arps Snow Bird conversion was originally used by the New York Guard and later by a rural mail carrier. Finished in Manila Brown accented in Black Yellow wire wheels with Taupe cloth upholstery it drives through caterpillar style treads encompassing the rear tire and two leaf sprung auxiliary bogies on each side. The front wheels have long skis mounted just an inch or so off the ground inside the front wheels. In addition to the Snow Bird package this Model A also has an exhaust manifold heater missing only its sheet metal shrouding. An older restoration it has been mechanically refurbished and freshly detailed cosmetically. It is an understatement to say that it will be the center of attention wherever it appears. Driving on the tracks is not recommended: the metal cleats with chew up asphalt or turf. On the other hand coming out of the barn on a cold crisp snowy winters day and setting off down a snowmobile trail it will do nothing less than stop traffic dead with amazement. $59,500
