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Bev and Blaine McGillicuddy
Richland, WA
Bev and I purchased this A400 on eBay in January 2008 from a gentleman in Palm Springs, CA. The Murray body number was missing. The odometer read 480 miles and the quail internals were so badly corroded it would not latch. I know very little about the vehicle but what I do know is as follows:
The previous owner purchased the car in 1998 at a Classic Car Auction in Palm Springs. The car when we purchased it was registered in Oregon with an address listed in Brooking, Oregon. The owner lived in Palm Springs but registered the car in Oregon where he owned property.
The known history of the vehicle starts in January of 1978 when it was purchased by Zack Brinkerhoff of Denver, CO from ACD Classic Auto Sales located in Auburn, IN. The list price was $490. For the next twenty years Mr. Brinkerhoff held the car in his private collection located in Denver. During that time I think the car was only driven on special occasions, if at all. Mr. Brinkerhoff sold the car to a man in Palm Springs through a Classic Car Auction The car was stored in a garage for ten years and was only driven twice in parades during that period. A letter sent in an attempt to gain further information on the vehicle was unproductive.
The car at some time, probably before 1978, was restored and I think the engine rebuilt. The engine number indicates that the engine was manufactured in 1929. I have yet to check to see if the frame is of the same vintage. The engine showed signs of deterioration and ran very rough; the radiator was clogged causing the engine to overheat. After replacing the side-bowl carburetor, distributor and cleaning the radiator, the car still did not perform very well - so I replaced the engine.
Bev and I are drivers so we enjoy a good performing car. Presently I have installed a diamond A engine rebuilt by Stan Vermiel of Penn Valley, CA, fully inserted, with a pressure oil system and a high compression head. I have installed a B carburetor and electronic distributor. We will be running on 16-inch Kelsey-Hays wheels. We own three other Model As, a 29-Roadster Pickup, a 31-Deluxe Roadster and we are restoring a 29-Tudor Sedan.
Written By: bill
Date Posted: 1/4/2010
Number of Views: 168
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