1923 Ford T-Bucket Roadster

Description

T-buckets are all about wretched excess, and this wild one-off creation pulls no punches. With stout, supercharged small block power, a custom frame and competent suspension, and a surprisingly comfortable interior that opens up to the world thanks to an electric top, it's over-the-top in every measurable way, making this the multiple award-winning T-bucket to own if you're seeking the spotlight.

Visibility is the T-bucket's claim to fame, and with that in mind this vintage 'bucket got a no-expense spared, glowing paint job that lives up to national show standards and you'd have to be legally blind to miss it, even at night. There's not a lot of surface area, but the bodywork that remains on the minimalist T is expertly prepped and finished, highlighted by the custom mural work and pinstriping found throughout. The killer look vehemently argues that just because T-Buckets were originally designed to be inexpensive doesn't mean you have to build on the cheap. Every square inch of visible bodywork has been painted, upholstered, or polished, including the mini bed out back, which houses the gas tank and battery and wears its own custom-made tweed cover. The tall Model T windshield remains, but the star of the show may be the Billet Aluminum hand-etched graphics from KoKoMo Art that decorate the entire car from the valve covers to the taillights. Oh, and that supercool top? It's actually a Carson Top that is in fact beautifully formed aluminum wrapped in durable purple fabric. Man, this bad boy is trick everywhere you look!

The interior further customizes the template for the traditional T-Bucket as well, with a purple ultraleather and gray tweed bench seat that provides snug accommodations for two. The upright steering wheel is all part of the experience, and it uses a traditional Model T 4-spoke center with a modern ultraleather rim that's a bit fatter than stock. A full array of digital gauges have been fitted into a custom finished dash, again offering just the right customization for a car straight out of a mad geniuses fever dream. And you can forget Mexican blankets serving as low-buck upholstery, because this one is very nicely finished in ultraleather and tweed everywhere, along with a full set of carpets that make it feel a bit more civilized. There is no radio, no windows, and no heat, but with that thumping small block V8, we don't think you'll miss it.

Yes, that's a 383 Stroker V8 topped by dual quads and a polished blower; talk about overkill! The supercharger is a BDS 6-71 small bore and it's topped by a pair of 625 CFM Demons under a scoop, so it looks like you'd expect it to. And since it's right out there in the wind for everyone to see, all the components were either polished or plated so they sparkle in the sunlight. It's a 4-bolt main block with a Ed Iskenderian Racing cam, Cast Chevy 194 heads, and an Eagle roller kit, so it was definitely built for combat. The engine also has a nitrous option if that floats your boat (we'll pray for you), a Joe Hunt Magneto-style ignition system to ensure it cranks easy, and the block breathes fire out of an internally baffled Sanderson exhaust. All-in-all, it develops 500+HP without breaking a sweat. A TH400 4-speed automatic transmission with a 2400 stall feeds power to a narrowed Detroit TrueTrac 8 1/2-inch rear end with 3.73 gears inside. The fully custom boxed frame works with an old-school style coilover and 4-link suspension underneath, where the entire presentation is ready for mirrors. It's that deliciously ostentatious and clean. And speaking of clean, those are one-off, directional Boyd Coddington chrome wheels wrapped in a traditional big-n-little set of tires, including Hoosier profile rear tires for the perfect old school look.

There's nothing more radical than the T-bucket, and this one shows a lot of care and thought in the build, and is a fast, fun little car as a result. With a build cost north of $150,000, there simply isn't enough room on our website to go over all of the particulars. Give us a call and we'll give you the full scoop on the "T for II", it's very impressive. Call today!