STROKER 383 V8, ALUMINUM HEADS, HIGH-RISE INTAKE, TWO 4BBLS, FRONT DISCS, LOUD!

1923 Ford T-Bucket Description

The T-bucket is perhaps the most recognized hot rod of all time. Norm Grabowski didn't know he was spawning a cultural icon when he built the first one sometime in the '50s, but this modern interpretation of the classic minimalist rod proves that the T-bucket has some serious staying power. There's definitely something going on, because we can't seem to keep these in stock!
Somehow, this T-bucket manages to embody all the traditional cues that make them so popular, but has an updated look that brings the vintage T into the 21st century. Perhaps it's the cut-down and raked windshield, or maybe the fat radials, or the white-faced gauges, or even the sophisticated two-stage urethane paint that's simple and to the point. Whatever it is, this is one fantastic-looking T. It maintains the classic proportions, with the open engine bay, compact Model T roadster pickup body, and a stubby vestigial pickup bed out back. It's fiberglass, of course (nobody's building steel T-buckets these days), so fit and finish is quite good, particularly since there are no pesky doors to worry about. And while some T-buckets get a homemade look from primer and unfinished details, this one is highly polished and complete, with a beautiful finish on the paint that could easily be taken up a notch with a good cut and buff. But worry about that later, because this thing is a ton of fun to drive.
Forget those colorful Mexican blankets that so many T-buckets use, this one gets a handsome pleated interior using durable black vinyl that seems very period-appropriate. Expertly stitched into a traditional pleated bench that wraps around the entire passenger compartment, it's an impressive bit of work that needs to be right, given that it's out there for everyone to see. It's also surprisingly spacious for a T-bucket, with decent legroom and plenty of comfort for longer road trips, and the angled steering column is a big improvement over the original nearly vertical setup that made T-bucket drivers feel like they were at the helm of a Greyhound bus. A beautifully finished wooden gauge panel holds brand new white-faced VDO gauges, and a track-style wheel has matching blue spokes purely for style points. Yes, it's back to basics, but the execution and detailing are absolutely right. Even the little bed out back has a matching pleated cover.
Nobody went minimalist with the mechanicals, which are impressive throughout. Power is from a 383 cubic inch Chevy V8 with aluminum heads that inhales through dual Holley 4-barrel carbs on a tunnel ram for a bigger-than-life statement of power. The engine is dressed with a bit of chrome and aluminum dress-up, including valve covers, air cleaner, and accessories, along with ceramic-coated side pipes that are a key element of the T-bucket look. The frame has also been painted silver for a little contrast and the front suspension uses ultra-long wishbones and a dropped axle with vented disc brakes, so it looks and feels traditional. Out back, there's a GM 10-bolt rear end suspended by trailing arms and coil springs, all painted basic black to go with the rest of the chassis. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission snaps off quick shifts and delivers power rearward via a custom driveshaft that's barely a foot long. Giant Weld Pro-Star wheels offer a modern take on the traditional exaggerated big-n-little configuration, wearing staggered 26x6.00R15 front and 31x8.00R15 rear Mickey Thompsons.
This T-bucket is a neat combination of a traditional look with a few modern styling cues and powered by an over-achieving small block V8, which is just as it should be. Call today!