Andy Reid’s 1928 Ford Model A: A Priceless Family Heirloom
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, but despite his fame and fortune, he remains a man of tradition. Earning a $20 million annual salary, Reid could drive any luxury car he desires, yet he still owns and occasionally drives a 1928 Ford Model A—a vehicle with deep sentimental value. Originally purchased by his father, Walter Reid, for just $25 after World War II, the car has been a cherished piece of family history for decades.
A Vehicle Rich in Family History
Walter Reid, a Navy veteran who served in World War II, bought the used Ford Model A as an affordable means of transportation. Despite its modest origins—it originally sold for about $460 in the 1920s—the car quickly became much more than just a way to get around. For Andy Reid, the Model A was a tangible link to his father.
As a teenager, Reid drove the antique car to football practice, amusing teammates and coaches who saw the towering 6’3″ future coach squeezing into the small interior. His former coach, John Cicuto, recalled the sight as both comical and memorable. Walter Reid’s enthusiasm for the Model A was evident—he even added extra horns to make driving more fun, turning it into a unique piece of family heritage.
Restoring a Piece of the Past
When Walter Reid passed away in 1992, the car sat unused for years. But in the late 1990s, while working as an assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers, Andy Reid decided to restore the Model A. Using part of his Super Bowl bonus from the Packers’ victory in 1996, he had the vehicle shipped from Los Angeles to Green Bay. There, classic car enthusiasts and retired mechanics worked together to revive it.
According to Marty Mornhinweg, a fellow NFL coach, the car was in terrible condition—rusted and nearly beyond repair. But Reid saw past the decay, recognizing the deeper value the vehicle held. The restoration process took a year, involving extensive repairs to the engine, wooden panels, and other components.
A Priceless Possession
Though Reid has never revealed the total cost of the restoration, similar projects often exceed $40,000. Classic car experts estimate that a restored Ford Model A can be worth anywhere from $16,800 to nearly $100,000. However, for Reid, the worth of his father’s Model A is immeasurable. The car is a symbol of family, legacy, and the importance of preserving history.
Reid’s dedication to keeping heirlooms doesn’t stop with the Model A. He places great value on passing down meaningful family items, from coaching memorabilia to treasured furniture. His philosophy is clear: preserving family history is just as important as achieving professional success. As Reid puts it, “That’s what it’s all about: being a dad, loving your kids, and then having a chance to present a history to them.”
A Legacy Beyond Football
Andy Reid has cemented his legacy in football. As head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, he has led the team to multiple Super Bowl victories. This year, he aims for a third consecutive championship, facing the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 2025. If successful, it would be his sixth Super Bowl title, a testament to his storied career.
Yet, despite his accolades, Reid’s greatest pride lies in his family. With four children and 12 grandchildren, he hopes to keep the Model A in the family for generations. To him, the old Ford is more than a collector’s item—it is a lasting symbol of his father’s influence and the values he wants to pass down.
For Andy Reid, true success isn’t just measured in championships or wealth but in the memories and traditions we cherish. His 1928 Ford Model A is a reminder that some of life’s greatest treasures have nothing to do with money or fame. The car represents love, family, and an enduring legacy—one that will continue long after his coaching career comes to an end.
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