Shay Motors Corporation

Shay Motors Corporation was an automobile company founded by Harry J. Shay in February 1978 as the Model A & Model T Motor Car Reproduction Corporation.^[1] Harry Shay arranged with Ford Motor Company to build a limited run, modern-day reproduction of the Ford Model A Roadster, with a rumble seat, that was to be sold through the network of Ford Automobile Dealers and built in Battle Creek, Michigan.^[2] It was hoped that displaying the vehicles in Ford dealer showrooms would increase potential customer visits and sales.^[3]

While having the outward appearance of the classic automobile, the reproduction was built with a fiberglass body and used a modern frame and powertrain. The Model A used the same 2.3L 4 cylinder engine as a Ford Pinto with the option of a Ford C4 automatic transmission or a four-speed manual transmission.^[4] Five different body styles were offered including a left hand spare tire mount behind the front fender, a dual spare mount behind each front fender, a spare tire mount on the rear of the vehicle, a pickup truck version, and a Model A C cab/panel truck.^[2] Harry Shay was quoted at the time that the vehicle was “an illusion of a Model A” and only the appearance would be authentic.^[5] A number of design patents were applied for and awarded involving components for the vehicles that Shay Motors built.^[6] The vehicles were offered with a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty.^[5] Keeping the production numbers under 10,000 units would exempt Shay Motors from having to incorporate modern Federal regulations into the reproductions.^[5] The production of a 1955 Thunderbird was also started in 1980 with different models planned as the company grew.^[1][7]

Shay Motors was unable to keep up with the orders received and experienced problems with some of the early Model A's produced. The production method used was to have a team of four people completely assemble each vehicle instead of using a traditional assembly line.^[2] In 1982 Shay Motors was struggling with cash flow problems as well as high interest payments on loans along with a number of lawsuits. The company ceased production in mid-March 1982 and, despite trying to reorganize through bankruptcy, the company's assets were sold to Camelot Motors, Inc., in April 1983.^[1] Final production numbers for the Shay Motor Corporation Model A were 5,000 units along with 200 units of the Thunderbird reproductions during its time in business.^[1] Harry Shay continued to work in the auto industry until 1990; he died in 1995 at age 70.^[8]