1930 Ford Model A Town Sedan

Pete Geanopulos owns this beauty, which sits in front of his business, Fishkill Auto Body, on Route 52 just east of Beacon.

In February 2020, Geanopulos was looking for a sign for the front of his shop, which uses a Ford Model T as its logo. When a friend told him about a Model A at an estate sale in Mahopac for $10,000, Geanopulos realized it would attract more attention than a sign.

“Everything on the car is original, except the tires, which are from a 1932 Ford,” he said. “They’re larger, but I like the more gangster look.”

The Specs

Model: 1930 Ford Model A (nine models)

Manufactured: Dearborn, Michigan

Number sold (1927-30): 3 million

Engine: Inline four cylinder, 201 cubic inches

Horse Power: 40

Transmission: 3-speed manual on the floor

Gas mileage: 25-30 mpg

Top speed: 65 mph

Original price: $645 (varied by model)

Source: Henry Ford Museum (thehenryford.org)

The car has been repainted in the same green as the original. (It was available in two colors in 1930, green or black.) The interior is rather plush, with wood trim, glass flower vases and mohair seats. Like 80 percent of cars on the road then, it lacks a radio.

“It’s fun to drive; it has a feel similar to many modern SUVs because you sit up high,” Geanopulos said.

The sedan is roadworthy but needs a new head gasket. “I’m like the shoemaker who can’t fix his own shoes!” the mechanic said.

Behind The Story

Type: Opinion

Opinion: Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.

Michael Turton has been a reporter with The Current since its founding, after working in the same capacity at the Putnam County News & Recorder. Turton spent 20 years as community relations supervisor for the Essex Region Conservation Authority in Ontario before his move in 1998 to Philipstown, where he handled similar duties at Glynwood Farm and The Hastings Center. The Cold Spring resident holds degrees in environmental studies from the University of Waterloo, in education from the University of Windsor and in communication arts from St. Clair College.