Richard Shirinian's 1929 Ford Model A Roadster

According to Gene "Clean Gene" Sadoian, his buddy Richard Shirinian was their leader throughout the 7th grade thru high school graduation in 1952. "He was Blackie's cousin, handsome, with long thick hair like Blackie. He was the first one in junior high school with a car, a 38 Ford 4 dr sedan. I nicknamed it "Dirty Eight" since we did not look at the 38's as hot rod material." In 1950 Shirinian bought a 1929 Ford Model A Roadster from his cousin Paul Soligian. Shirinian’s dad helped him with the build, as well as his best friend, Richard Peters. Taken circa 1951-52, this is the earliest photo Gene has been able to locate of Shirinian’s roadster. Notice the dropped axles and juice brakes. Shirinian’s 1938 Ford can be seen in the back of the photo along with Peters Mercury. Photo from The Clean Gene Sadoian Photo Collection.

Clean Gene at age 15 holding up the steering gear for Shirinian's roadster at United Automotive. Shirinian's dad owned United Automotive Works, which was a truck repair shop at 304 N Street in Fresno. "It was across the street from Tidewater Oil's main gas and oil delivery plant. His dad had a contract with them to keep their trucks running and maintenance services. That became my part-time job, wearing Richards coveralls, working from age 15-21 while attending school. Richard was in the Army, Motor Pool in 53-54, so I felt I obligated to cover for him." Photo from The Clean Gene Sadoian Photo Collection.

Richard Shirinian's dad, John, holding the windshield on the roaster outside United Automotive. "Richards father Johnny, allowed me to keep the shop open after hours to service the trucks; then, after finishing, work on my '34 sedan. Some nights I would work on my 34 until 6 AM. School was secondary to having access to a hoist, gas, tools, and nuts and bolts. I am forever grateful to them," Clean Gene told Kustomrama. Photo from The Clean Gene Sadoian Photo Collection.

A photo of Richard Shirinian's 1929 Ford Model A Roadster taken in 1953. From left to right in the photo are Hermen Shirinian, Robert Kalyfan, John Shirinian, Eddie Kalyfan, and John Tikijian. According to Gene, a kid named Babe Obradovich had the fastest car in school until Shirinian completed his roadster. Shirinian built an engine to beat the braggart Babe. "I remember Richard telling me he polished the crank throws to reduce friction, ported and relieved heads, 4 pot manifold, electric fuel pump. His father built two battery storage mounts, two 6V batteries for 12 Volts, to turn over the high-compression motor. His frame was reinforced so as not to twist. Richard raced Babe and beat him for the bragging rights." Photo from The Clean Gene Sadoian Photo Collection.

A front end shot of the roadster taken in 1953. Richard Peters helped Shirinian finish his roadster, and in his collection, he has a movie of Shirinian winning a trophy at the Hammerfield drag races in 1952. "My father and Richards's father were greeting him after his win." After the build was completed, Peters, Blackie, Sweet Lehman, and Gene took the roadster to several car shows. Photo from The Clean Gene Sadoian Photo Collection.

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1929 Ford Model A Roadster owned by Richard Shirinian of Fresno, California. Shirinian, known for his leadership and charisma during his school years, bought the car in 1950 from his cousin Paul Soligian. With the help of his father and his best friend, Richard Peters, Shirinian began the process of building and modifying the car.

The earliest known photo of Shirinian's roadster, taken around 1951-52, shows the car with dropped axles and juice brakes. The build was completed in 1953. At the time, a kid named Babe Obradovich had the fastest car in school until Shirinian completed his roadster. To beat Babe, Shirinian built an engine with polished crank throws to reduce friction, ported and relieved heads, a 4-pot manifold, and an electric fuel pump. His father also built two battery storage mounts for two 6V batteries for 12V power.

Shirinian's roadster quickly gained a reputation for its speed and craftsmanship in the Fresno-area.