When character actor and car enthusiast Norm Grabowski modified a Model T in the early '50s by giving it an aggressive stance and a fully exposed front end, his results would capture the attention of car enthusiasts and the general public alike, prompting LIFE magazine to feature it on its cover and the iconic television series "77 Sunset Strip" to show the car so prominently that it became a veritable cast member. Legions of street rodders have sought to capture that magnetic look for themselves, a look that's exemplified by this 1927 Ford Model T Bucket Roadster.
Modded roadsters put a high premium on a strong visual impact, and this one has that aspect covered nicely. There's a lot of great detail work at play with the paint job, featuring prominent flames with an almost 3-D effect as they transition from white to yellow against their red background. It's a job well done and work that remains in good condition, with no serious blemishes to pull focus from the craftsmanship that's on display. With an open engine compartment, chrome features figure prominently in providing a finished look - another plus for this '27, as it shows off a slew of great looking appointments, including its stainless front grille, headlight casings and front axle. The tall, ramrod straight windshield provides a nice antique callback, that's an effective contrast to the modified touches surrounding it. Around back, you'll find a keg-shaped gas tank surrounded by ornamental ice that's a conversation starter in its own right.
A nicely detailed interior sits inside. Showing the freshness that can only come from being well-sheltered from the elements, it's a well-crafted combination of red and tan vinyl over its bench seat and matching door panels that sit above an expanse of fresh, black carpeting. Just in front of the woodgrain Grant steering wheel sits a natural wood dash area carrying an assortment of Steward Warner gauges to monitor your engine functions while on the road. Lowering yourself onto that plush bench seat, taking a grip of the steering wheel and reaching for the Lokar shifter just in front of you, you can't help but smile, ready to hit the asphalt as you feel yourself thoroughly immersed in this roadster's street rod vibe. The originally configured pedals sitting below are another nice touch, providing a counterpoint to the pushbutton that starts this street machine up to get the action rolling.
Sitting on display in the open air engine compartment is a Chevy 350V8 that's sporting an aftermarket intake manifold and pair of 4 barrel carbs that reside just under an air cleaner painted with flames to match those of the car's exterior with impressive accuracy. The engine is bolted to a sturdy 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission and it packs plenty of punch, emitting a great rumbling tone out of its headers that lead gracefully down to a pair of prominent stainless steel side pipes. The featured power brakes at all four corners makes this vintage Ford a willing participant in stop and go conditions commonly encountered around town - a definite plus that's often missing on street rods. Look below, and you'll see a straight and tidy undercarriage that's free of road grime and shows no evidence of running aground in unintended territory. This well turned out open air roadster sits on a set of 15" custom wheels outfitted with Sigma Supreme tires up front and massive 33x21.50 Mickey Thompson Sportsmans in back.
If you're looking to put some open air, street rodding magic in your garage, you should check out this 1927 Ford Model T Bucket Roadster. Call today!