Monday, July 27th 2009, 8:23 AM
Henry Kobasky owns a Model T Ford, circa 1923, that he says gets 40 miles to the gallon.
It's still 2009, but Bay Ridge residents would be forgiven for questioning that after watching Henry Kobasky motor by in his 1923 Model T.
Smoking a pipe and listening to a portable radio, the retired school principal may be the only Model T owner in the city running daily errands in the vintage vehicle.
"Henry Ford was a genius. He made a car that can last forever, and I hope I can last long enough to prove it," said Kobasky, 78, who bought the antique 40 years ago for $900.
It lacks modern must-haves like air conditioning, power steering and even seat belts - and its horsepower is only slightly better than some top-of-the-line riding mowers.
But Kobasky touts its fuel efficiency and simplicity, insisting he'd take his classic car over a fancy hybrid any day.
"Everyone is scratching their heads, looking for an environmentally friendly means of transportation when the answer has been sitting right under our noses for over a century," he said.
Kobasky says he gets about 40 miles per gallon in his beloved car, compared with 50 city miles per gallon for the hybrid Toyota Prius.
And since his vehicle is so simple, there's not much there to break down or need repairs. Since reconditioning the beaut 25 years ago, Kobasky said he's had no other expenses.
"They need to get this car back into production as soon as possible," he said. "If everyone drove the Model T, we would instantly decrease this country's oil demand by 50%."
Kobasky not only drives the Model T to the grocery store and bank - he also hops on the Belt Parkway or day-trips to Atlantic City and Lakewood, N.J., attracting onlookers wherever he goes.
"The meter maids are too busy taking pictures of my car to write me a ticket," the Korean War vet boasts.
The Model T would seem alien to today's drivers. Its gears are shifted with three foot pedals - one each for forward, reverse and brake - and plastic windows have to be applied in the rain. There's no power steering, but at only 1,500 pounds, the car is so light it doesn't need it.
Despite Kobasky's raves, Ford isn't rushing to start up the assembly line.
"Although we have no plans to bring back the Model T, the craftsmanship, quality and pride that brought this product to millions is alive and well at Ford today," said spokesman Robert Parker.
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com
Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle to your front door, ANYWHERE!
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