Andy Reid’s $25 Classic Car: A Story of Family, Football, and Legacy
Andy Reid, one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, has built a legacy that extends far beyond the football field. The Kansas City Chiefs head coach is known for his strategic brilliance and leadership, but one of his most cherished possessions tells a more personal story. Reid still owns and drives a 1928 Model A Ford, a car his father, Walter Reid, bought for just $25 after World War II. More than just a vintage vehicle, this car represents family, heritage, and lasting dedication to the things that matter most.
A Car That Stood the Test of Time
Walter Reid, a World War II Navy veteran, purchased the Model A Ford in the post-war era and drove it for nearly 50 years. As a teenager, Andy Reid also used the car, often driving it to football practice. His former college coach, John Cicuto, recalls the humorous sight of the young, towering Reid squeezing into the small car as he arrived for practice.
Following his father’s passing in 1992, Reid inherited the car. However, years of use had left it in rough condition. In 1996, while Reid was working as an assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers, he decided to restore the vehicle. Using his Super Bowl bonus money, he funded a full restoration by classic car specialists in Green Bay. The car underwent an extensive rebuild, receiving a new engine and original structural wood panels.
Initially, some of Reid’s colleagues dismissed the old car as junk. Former NFL coach Marty Mornhinweg, who worked with Reid at the time, was among the skeptics. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Mornhinweg later said after seeing the restored Model A. “It went from an old wreck to a beautifully restored classic.”
A Legendary Career and a Priceless Heirloom
At 66 years old, Andy Reid is already one of the winningest coaches in NFL history. He currently earns around $20 million per year, according to Sportico, and has built an impressive resume that includes five Super Bowl rings—one with the Packers and four with the Chiefs. As he prepares to lead the Chiefs in another Super Bowl matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, 2025, Reid remains just as dedicated to his team as he is to his family.
Despite his massive success, Reid continues to hold onto the things that are most meaningful to him. His 1928 Model A Ford, originally worth $460 in its time (equivalent to about $8,400 today), is now considered a valuable collector’s item. Restored versions of the Model A can sell for up to $99,000, but for Reid, the true value of the car cannot be measured in money.
“This car is more than just a collector’s item,” Reid has said. “It’s a piece of my family’s history, something that connects me to my father, and something I want to pass down to my kids and grandkids.”
Preserving a Legacy
While Andy Reid has created a football dynasty with the Kansas City Chiefs, he also takes great pride in honoring his family’s history. Beyond the Model A Ford, Reid plans to pass down other cherished family items, including furniture and his Super Bowl rings, ensuring that those heirlooms remain within the family for generations to come.
His son, Spencer Reid, who currently works as an assistant coach for the Chiefs, is likely to inherit the treasured vehicle. Through this, Andy Reid ensures that his father’s legacy continues to live on, not just through the memories they shared, but through tangible reminders of their family’s history.
For Reid, success is not just about wins, championships, or accolades. It is about honoring his roots and preserving the things that connect him to his past. Whether it is a perfectly restored vintage car or an enduring coaching legacy, Andy Reid continues to emphasize that some treasures—especially those tied to family and history—are truly priceless.
