1980 Ford Shay Deluxe Roadster
It was a great idea. Recreate Model A's using fiberglass bodies. Use a modern frame and drop in a modern engine. Voila! An antique car that could be driven and maintained like a modern car and with a bit of fanfare, Harry Shay started production in 1978. Before too long, problems set in, and the small company was unable to keep up with orders. They also had financial issues and faced a number of big dollar lawsuits causing the company to file bankruptcy in 1982. Assets were sold to Camelot Motors, Inc. in 1983.
For consignment, a 1980 Ford Shay Deluxe roadster showing 5,862 miles, but the true miles are unknown. From 1979 through 1982 the Shay Motor Corporation built approximately 5,000 replicas of the 1929 Ford Model A Roadster and a number of 1955 Thunderbirds.
Exterior
Even discerning eyes would have a hard time telling this is a replica as it mimics the A's body lines to a tee, here dressed in gray above black in classic two tone configuration while the black canvas top and trunk out back further enhance the color palette. Even the wheels look authentic but instead of taking on color, our spokes remain polished inside a black 18-inch rim and hub. They're wrapped in wide white wall tires and for good measure, two spare tires are on board, mounted on each front fender. Up front, a symmetrical presentation of lights and horns flank a clean grille over the ribbon style bumpers. Imperfections are few and include a misaligned door, and chips at the cowl seam and scuffs on a fender.
Interior
Grain black vinyl dresses the inner doors showing some looseness but overall in good condition with a map pocket on each. The same material is used on the bench seat, column stitched, also in good shape with some minor compression on the lower. The steering wheel is period correct and by that, we mean 80's, and it's flanked by a virtual cornucopia of switches on the left and a center mounted speedometer and embedded gauges framed in a polished faceplate. Ahead of the passenger, a Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio is positioned under the dash over a flat floor covered in black carpet and home to the tall shifter and handbrake. You can take your mother inlaw with you as there is a rumble seat in back, covered in black vinyl and including seat belts.
Drivetrain
Lift the engine covers and you'll reveal a driver quality appearing 2.3 liter SOHC four cylinder, rated at 88 horsepower and fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor. It's mated to a 4-speed manual transmission that routes power to the Ford 6 inch rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality here with some typical surface rust and dry conditions. Suspension includes a Mustang II front end with leaf springs in the back as a single exhaust system flows through a stock style muffler on its way to a rear exit. Disc brakes up front and drums in the back provide the stopping power. The undersides of the doors are clean but testify to the fabricated aspect of the car.
Drive-Ability
No chemistry degree is needed to adjust choke, spark, and throttle. You simply turn the key and tap the gas and the four banger starts up eagerly and sets us on our way around the test loop. Providing a solid drive, the car tracks straight on the thinner tires, brakes well, and will remind some of you of the amusement ride at Knoebels in PA, meaning it's all the fun without the guardrails! Meanwhile, the wipers are not working on our car but all other functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
You have time to purchase this cool ride, join the Shay Owners Club International, and head out to their annual convention in Springfield, Missouri in the summer of 2026! Here's a way to eat your cake and have it too...a genuine looking Model A with more modern underpinnings. More rare and maybe even less care than a real Model A, these are in high demand and usually don't sit around long at Classic Auto Mall!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
