JMBricklayer Model A 50001 Review: A Lighted 1931 Coupe That Converts to a Roadster

JMBricklayer’s Vintage Car Model A Deluxe Coupe 50001 stands out for a feature-rich build that can be displayed as a coupe or converted into a roadster. Its green and dark green body, light green rims and built-in lighting give the 1,297-piece set a distinctive look, while opening panels and steerable front wheels add hands-on appeal.

A 1931 Model A in brick form

The set takes its cues from the 1931 Ford Model A, the final model year before Ford replaced the line with the Model B. Ford produced the Model A from 1927 to 1931, selling almost 5 million. This model’s styling is similar to a 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Coupe featured by the St. Louis Car Museum, though JMBricklayer gives its version a striking green color scheme.

The maker describes the set as a coupe, but the removable roof lets builders present it as a roadster, too. Other features include an opening engine compartment, doors and rear rumble seat or trunk; real rubber tires; headlights, sidelights, taillights and interior lighting. The steering wheel connects to a mechanism that turns the front wheels.

Box contents and lighting

The sturdy box contains an instruction manual, numbered parts bags for the three building stages and two bags for the lighting kit. One includes a battery pack; it takes three AA batteries, which aren’t included. The other holds the lights, wires, a multi-port connection board and a USB plug. The manual illustrates how to route and attach the lighting components.

Test the lights before fitting them into the model. The wires run through the car’s interior toward the rear, where the connection board is concealed in the trunk behind the seat. Checking the headlights, sidelights and taillights before closing up the body makes it easier to catch a loose connection while it’s still accessible.

Three stages to the finished car

Construction is divided into three stages, with numbered bags guiding each section. Stage one builds the frame and undercarriage. The review found eight bags for this phase, including a bag of wheel assemblies that are fitted later. The steering gears take shape here, setting up the link between the steering wheel and the front wheels. The builder praised the bricks’ fit and clutch after completing the base.

Stage two is the most involved, with 13 numbered bags covering the engine compartment, grille, lights, interior and trunk. The four-cylinder engine is recreated beneath the opening hood. The grille’s silver pieces have a bright finish, though the review notes they don’t quite resemble chrome.

Route the lighting wires beneath the floor and seat toward the rear, then check the connections again before placing the board in the trunk. The doors and rear compartment open, letting the finished model show off more than its exterior lines.

Stage three completes the bodywork with wheels, bumpers, fenders and roof. Its five bags include shiny silver bumper pieces, while the window panels are packaged separately to help prevent scratches. Remember that the wheel assemblies are in a stage-one bag.

The completed coupe has a pleasing profile, and the removable roof makes the alternate roadster display especially appealing. The hood opens from either side to reveal the engine, and the front wheels respond to the steering wheel. My read is that the color and lighting do much of the display work, while the opening parts and steering give the build extra interest once it’s off the shelf.

Availability

The review says Model A 50001 is available through the JMBricklayer product page and Amazon. It also lists a US Amazon link at amazon.com/dp/B0D7HNG3MB. The source included several time-limited and ongoing discount codes, with terms that vary by store and date; check the retailer listing for current availability and offer details.

JMBricklayer supplied the set for the review. The maker’s site lists other themes, while further set reviews are linked at bricktoyreviews.blogspot.com. For classic-car collectors, 50001’s strongest draw is its two display configurations: choose the formal coupe roofline or remove it for the open roadster look, then light the model for a different shelf presence.