1923 Ford T-Bucket Roadster

Description

T-buckets are all about wretched excess, and this traditional 1923 roadster pulls no punches. With stout small block power, a competent suspension, and a cool black-on-black color combination, it's over-the-top in every measurable way. This is the 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 nice black paint job that lives up to the standards set by similar machines from the '70s and you'd have to be legally blind to miss it, even at night thanks to the bright wheels and exposed shiny engine. There's not a lot of surface area, but the fiberglass body that exists on the minimalist T is nicely prepped and finished and now showing some nice patina that's just right. The overall look suggests that just because it was originally designed to be inexpensive doesn't mean you have to build it on the cheap. Every square inch of visible bodywork has been painted, upholstered, or polished, including the gas tank housing back, which is topped by solid wood planks. The tall Model T windshield remains, including a set of tiny mirrors, and the profile is traditional T-bucket in every sense of the word.

The interior fits the template for the traditional T-Bucket, with a pleated black vinyl bench seat that wraps around the entire passenger compartment. The upright steering column is all part of the experience, and it uses a four spoke, wood-rimmed wheel that's easy to grab. A full array of vintage-looking gauges from Stewart Warner have been fitted into the dash, offering just the right sophistication for a car straight out of the past. And you can forget Mexican blankets serving as low-buck upholstery, because this one is very nicely finished in black vinyl and a full set of carpets that make it feel a bit more civilized. There is no top, no windows, and no heat, but with that thumping small block V8, I don't think you'll miss it.

For a T-bucket, this one has a Goodwrench 350 crate engine that's part flash and part power, all built to be reliable. With an Quickfuel 4-barrel carburetor, Edlebrock Performer intake manifold, and an MSD ignition system, it breaks no new ground but in a car that weighs nothing, there's more than enough power on tap. It also runs great! 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. Long tube headers feed the side pipe exhaust, and if you're scared of loud, rumbling noises, this isn't the hotrod for you. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission with a trans cooler feeds power to a narrowed Ford 9-inch rear end, and rear coilovers and front disc brakes are probably a good idea in a car like this. Finishing off the sinister look, chrome wire wheels are wrapped in 4.6-16 bias plys up front while deep-dish bullet holes wrapped in 31x10.515 radials out back finish the perfect big-n-little combination.

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. Call today!