1923 T-Bucket Hot Rod
In the world of hot rods, the 1923 Ford T-bucket is a classic. Originally produced by Ford as the Model T, this car was an affordable and reliable vehicle that was mass-produced from 1908 to 1927. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that the Model T became popular as a base for hot rod builders. The T-bucket, in particular, is a stripped-down version of the Model T that was designed for speed and style.
The 1923 Ford T-bucket was named after the bucket-shaped body of the car, which was shortened and modified to give it a more aggressive look. The car typically had a large engine and a low profile, which made it ideal for drag racing and other high-speed events. In fact, the T-bucket was one of the first cars to popularize drag racing, which became a national phenomenon in the 1960s.
One of the most famous T-buckets was built by Norm Grabowski, a Hollywood actor and hot rod enthusiast. Grabowski’s car, which he named the “Kookie Kar,” was featured in the TV show “77 Sunset Strip” and became an instant icon of the hot rod scene. The Kookie Kar had a distinctive look, with a skull on the front grille and a hot rod flame design on the side. The car was also famous for its sound, which came from a set of custom headers that Grabowski had built himself.
Another famous T-bucket was built by Ed Roth, a California-based hot rod builder and artist. Roth’s car, which he named the “Outlaw,” was designed to look like a hot rod from the 1930s. The Outlaw had a blown engine, which meant that it had a supercharger that forced air into the engine to increase its power. The car was also famous for its custom paint job, which featured a cartoon of a skeleton driving a hot rod.
Despite its popularity, the T-bucket was not without its flaws. Because the car was so light and had a short wheelbase, it could be difficult to handle at high speeds. The car was also not very comfortable to drive, as it lacked many of the amenities that were common in other cars of the time.
Despite these drawbacks, the T-bucket remains a beloved classic of the hot rod scene. Many enthusiasts continue to build and customize T-buckets today, keeping alive the spirit of the early hot rod pioneers. Whether you’re a fan of the Kookie Kar, the Outlaw, or any other T-bucket hot rod, there’s no denying that these cars have left an indelible mark on automotive history.
Come See It!
Come check this one out at the Final Showdown March 4th, at Lago del Pino in Tyler TX
