And they said it wasn't a practical winter car...

Yup, been driving As almost continuously since 1969. Occasionally an F. Had a 71 Monaco for a bit. I know, not an A, or an F. But that long WB sardine can went anywhere. At least til it got hung up. My current winter beater is an F, and a pegleg. I am a firm believer in snow tires and studs. And preach it to my kids.