An inoperable 1928 Ford Model A that was stolen from the storage area of an Orangevale Body shop was recovered late Saturday night in a rural area of Sacramento County and returned to its owner.

Brian Fimbres, who owns the vehicle and had plans to restore it, was hoping authorities would soon find the rare vehicle that he stored in the fenced yard of California Transmissions of Orangevale until he could make room for it at his home.  Over the Memorial Day weekend, thieved broke into the fenced area of the shop and stole the vehicle. It was discovered missing by shop owner Joe Cava when he returned to work over the holiday weekend. 

Late Saturday, Fimbres wishes came true when a Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy discovered the vehicle abandoned along a roadway in the area of Wilton.  The deputy recognized the rare vehicle, even though the suspected thieves had painted much of it silver. 

According to deputies, it appears the towing equipment that was being used to transport is had failed on the suspected thieves, so its suspected they either abandoned it or were planning to return for it later. 

The vehicle was missing its battery and some other parts, but was otherwise complete. It’s estimated the cost of the theft was about $1,500. 

Authorities are continuing to investigate the case. Several other items were stolen from the shop over the same weekend, including tools and coolers and equipment estimated between $6,000 to $10,000.  Surveillance video from the shop shows two suspects with flashlights in the area there the vehicle was stored.