1923 Ford T-Bucket

Ever since cars were invented there have been enthusiasts out there ready to modify them. There were certainly some other modded Model T’s on the road but in the 1950’s Norm Grabowski customized one for the show 77 Sunset Strip. The car was driven by the rock n’ roll loving greaser character Gerald “Kookie” Kookson. The car was originally nicknamed the “Lightning Bug” but through the show became better known as the “Kookie Kar.” With the popularity of the show multiple copies started being built and the original builder Norm dubbed them T-Buckets due to the bucket like body shell adapted from the Model T. These cars can be wildly different but typically follow the same traditional styling like a rear pickup box or turtle shell, powerful motors, and vertical windshield. This cool T-Bucket was completed between 2008-2010 and has belonged to the current owner for the past 11 years. The fiberglass body with rear bed is in great shape and painted in a nice bright Lamborghini Yellow with Pearl. It has a wood bed cover which hides away the 12 gallon fuel cell and battery. It has a double stacked glass windshield in a nice chrome frame and the top is adjustable. The traditional lamp style taillights look great and it has the large chrome headlights up front. The wheels are baby moons which have a great shine and in the rear it has wide super stock N50-15 tires.

In traditional T-Bucket style the car runs around with no hood so you better make sure the motor is something worthy of showing off. Well this one leaves nothing to disappoint. The rebuilt 350 V8 runs well with the block and Edelbrock tunnel ram nicely painted Yellow to match the body. It is then topped off with nice chrome valve covers, dual 4 barrel Edelbrock carburetors, and a polished scoop air cleaner. Even components like the fan and spark plug wires were done in Yellow to give it a nice cohesive look. The side pipes deliver a great rumble and will let everyone know you are on your way. It is kept cool using an aluminum radiator mounted in a painted custom shell. Backing up the motor is a Turbo 350 automatic transmission that sends power back to the 10 bolt rear end with custom chrome cover and chrome axle tubes. The car has front disc brakes with rear finned drums and some of the brake features were also painted yellow. It also has a traditional T-Bucket drop axle front end set up with leaf springs and adjustable coil overs in back.

The interior is done in Black with a nice pleated bench seat and rear bolster. A wood panel was made for the dash to act as a mounting point for the Stewart Warner gauges that are not currently hooked up. Another fun fact in T-Bucket history is in addition to building cars and acting Mr. Grabowski, the original creator, was also known as being a carver that would adorn his and his friends hot rods with a custom carved skull shifter knobs. Well this one doesn’t have a Grabowksi original but does have a skull knob topping off the tall floor mounted shifter which is a cool nod to the history. In front of the driver sits a chrome column with a vintage 4 spoke wood grain steering wheel.

This cool T-Bucket has a great look and runs out great as well. It has been primarily used as a fun weekend cruiser. It is being offered up at a very reasonable price so if you always wanted a hot rod but can’t afford to build one this is a great opportunity.

Park it in your garage for $17,250.00!

NOW REDUCED DOWN TO $16,250.00!