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1930 Ford Model AA Smoken’ Joe – One of a Kind!

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Smoken' Joes 1930 Model AA Tow TruckThere are cool classic trucks and then there are Smoken’ Joe cool classic trucks. This one is truly special as a custom made tow truck.

The 1930 Ford Model AA truck was built by Joe and Jan Paproski, Aurora, Colorado and it has been their pride and joy for over 12 years while putting 30,000 miles on it.

Smoken' Joes 1930 Model AA Tow TruckWhy go with a tow truck for a classic truck?

“I have two buddies who own towing businesses and I wanted to show them up,” Joe says with a chuckle.

After a laugh, he adds they really wanted to do something unique which would grab people’s attention. Smokin’ Joe certainly grabs people’s attention.

It all starts with the uniqueness of the truck. First, it is a rare Model AA. This is the truck version of a Model A built only from 1927-1932 and becoming hard to find.

Smoken' Joes 1930 Model AA Tow TruckNext, the cabin is a foot longer than normal. There is a practical reason for this additional length.

“Because its tight and we are big!” Jan explains causing another uproar of laughter.

Joe and Jan clearly have had a lot of fun working on and now owning this truck.

Other modifications include flush-mounted, suicide doors, custom diamond plated boom box, dual rear wheels, a new hood, side panels and running boards all hand-built by Joe and designed by Jan.

“It was a passion,” Joe said. “First time I had ever done anything like that and I couldn’t wait to get home to work on it.

Smoken' Joes 1930 Model AA Tow TruckShe basically designed it and I do it. If she didn’t like it, I’d do it all over.”

The work took just 14 months and it turned out exceptional in person and on the road.

Smoken' Joes 1930 Model AA Tow TruckJoe says it is a very comfortable and easy to drive car with plenty of power from the L82 350 Corvette Motor with a B&M 144 Blower and 400 Transmission. There are 4-wheel disc brakes, air horns and an airplane smoke kit so it can live up to the Smokin’ Joe name. 

The truck has a variety of fun touches like the BR549 from the Hee-Haw show. The reference is to an episode with Junior Samples and he sold used cars.

Joe explains with a smile, “he said if you ever wanted  a used car, call me at BR549.”

Smoken' Joes 1930 Model AA Tow TruckThe hardest part was wrapping the rear bumper in with the boom box. His wife designed it and he would mock it up.

“I did it three times. She showed me how to do it! That’s the truth.”

She also came up with the dual wheels and suicide doors ideas.

With all the custom and fun touches, what is their favorite part of the truck?

“The favorite part is driving it really,” Jan explains. “Just going down the road and having people just about running you over trying to get a picture of it. We will stop they say. We love to have people admire it and take pictures of it, but stay in your lane!”

Has they ever used it as a wrecker?

“Nobody can afford me!” Joe says with a chuckle.

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Tim Esterdahl

Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has been a lover of trucks and SUVs for years. He has covered the industry since 2011 and has pieces in many national magazines and newspapers. In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.

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