Andy Reid’s Restored 1928 Ford Model A: A Story of Family, Legacy, and Tradition

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is once again preparing for a Super Bowl appearance, but amid the intense preparations, he recently took time to reflect on something personal—his father’s restored 1928 Ford Model A. More than just a classic car, it is a cherished family heirloom symbolizing resilience, tradition, and sentimental value.

Walter Reid, a World War II Navy veteran, originally purchased the vehicle for just $25 in the years following the war. It served as daily transportation for nearly five decades and became an iconic part of the Reid family. As a child, Andy and his siblings enjoyed the extra horns his father installed to amuse them.

During his teenage years, Andy continued to drive the car. His former coach at Glendale Community College, John Cicuto, recalls the towering 6’3″ Reid squeezing into the antique vehicle on his way to football practice—an amusing and memorable sight for all who saw it.

When Walter passed away in 1992, Andy inherited the aging automobile. By this time, he was coaching for the Green Bay Packers and decided to restore the car as a tribute to his father’s memory. It wasn’t just a mechanical project—it was a heartfelt effort to preserve a piece of family history.

Reid enlisted experts in Green Bay to meticulously refurbish the Model A, using his 1996 Super Bowl bonus from the Packers’ championship season to finance the restoration. The process took a year, involving a full disassembly and rebuild, with careful attention to every detail. Former NFL coach Marty Mornhinweg, a longtime colleague, marveled at how what had once been dismissed as “junk” was transformed into a beautifully restored classic. Today, similar 1928 Ford Model A vehicles are valued between $16,800 and nearly $100,000, with restorations costing upwards of $40,000.

For Reid, this car is far more meaningful than its financial worth. It represents family, history, and the importance of preserving legacies. “It’s about passing things down, not just objects, but the stories and traditions that go with them,” Reid said in a past interview. He shares a similar perspective on his Super Bowl rings, which have multiplied over the years—from one in 2018 to five, with the potential for a sixth as the Chiefs prepare for their upcoming Super Bowl matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, 2025.

His son, Spencer Reid, now an assistant coach for the Chiefs, has observed his father’s dedication to both football and family. Like his passion for the game, the refurbished Ford Model A is destined to be passed down through the generations.

Andy Reid’s story of restoring his father’s Model A is a testament to the significance of heritage and personal legacies. In a world where possessions often come and go, the most meaningful ones remain those rooted in memories and family history. As Reid leads his team onto the field once again, his father’s beloved car stands as a tribute to the past and a reminder of what truly matters.