1923 Ford T-Bucket

Description

T-Buckets are all about wretched excess, and this sinister 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pulls no punches. With stout Ford 302 V8 small block power mated to a Ford C4 automatic transmission highlighting the drivetrain, a highly-competent custom suspension underneath, and a super-cool blacked-out wrap punctuated by old-school flames covering the body, it's over-the-top in every measurable way. This is the T-Bucket to own if you're seeking the spotlight and you actually want to enjoy the drive along the way.

Visibility is the T-Bucket's claim to fame, and with that in mind this vintage 'bucket was treated to a total body wrap that's got an incredibly sinister look. High-end vinyl wraps are all the rage these days, simply because their possibilities know no bounds, and on a fiberglass T-bucket hotrod, they probably make the most sense. T-Buckets are all about individuality, and nothing allows you to let your freak flag fly higher than a personalized wrap. This one embodies the tough-guy attitude that always accompanies a T-Bucket – a retro Rock-a-Billy theme that lands somewhere in between a vintage Harley and an old-school Deuce coupe. The backdrop of the wrap features a diamond pattern that resembles old-school upholstery, complete with ornate faux buttons and stitching, and a scorching set of flames were laid down over the top and wick from the firewall all the way back to the rear 'bed' area. The sinister looks definitely lives up to the standards set by similar machines from the '70s and you'd have to be legally blind to miss it, and we love that the 'murdered-out' theme continues with the blacked-out frame, suspension, exposed engine, and side-pipes. Heck, even the wheels match the dark tone, further proof that this T-Bucket was purpose built, not just thrown together with spare parts laying around the shop like so many 'buckets and rat rods before it. Instead, the overall look suggests that just because T-Buckets were originally designed to be inexpensive doesn't mean you have to build one on the cheap. There's not a lot of surface area, but the fiberglass body is in great shape, and with only 1075 miles on the build it's going to stay that way for a long time. Every square inch of visible bodywork has been neatly wrapped, including the gas tank housing out back that features some extra graphics and comes topped with a thick vinyl pad that matches the interior. All the usual T-Bucket staples are there – the tall Model T windshield and bracing, a black radiator shell and simple grille cover, King Bee style headlights mounted atop the exposed front suspension, and of course, those wicked side-pipes at the flanks. And check out those killer lantern-style taillights and wheelie bars out back, super-cool, right? Yeah, this T-Bucket is flat-out awesome.

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 three-spoke, thick-rimmed wheel that's easy to grab and was thankfully mounted atop an aftermarket tilt column that allows for taller drivers. A full array of AutoMeter gauges were fitted into the simple wooden dash, offering just the right sophistication for a car straight out of the past while also keeping a keen eye on the 302's vitals. 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.

Finally, a Ford T-Bucket that's actually powered by a Ford drivetrain! Most builds take the lazy route and stuff a SBC up front, but the builders of this beauty wanted to do it right and sourced a 302 V8 and C4 transmission. It's not some throw-away powertrain either. The 302 was performance built with ProComp aluminum heads, an aluminum intake, and a Holley QuickFuel 4-barrel carburetor, making this very lightweight T-Bucket incredibly FAST. The engine was dressed to show-off (in a T-Bucket, you really have no choice BUT to show it off), with black Cobra valve covers, billet spark plug covers, and that blacked-out 'bird-catcher' air cleaner up top, and it's nicely detailed and very clean. 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 C4 3-speed automatic transmission feeds power to a narrowed Ford 9-inch rear end, while the Wilwood front disc brakes, upgraded front shocks, and a 4-link and panhard bar set-up in the back help keep this hotrod glued to the road. Finishing off the sinister look, blacked-out Vision wheels with polished bullet-hole inserts are wrapped in staggered 175/55/15 front and 325/50/15 rear radials that look amazing in their classic big-and-little configuration.

There's nothing more radical than the T-Bucket, and this sinister beast shows a lot of care and thought in the build, and is a fast, fun, and great-looking little hotrod as a result. Call today!

***Please note: This vehicle is titled as a 2013 ASVE.