Vehicle Description
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!