Vehicle Description
T-Buckets were the first cars to be modified and started the custom
car scene almost a hundred years ago. So how do you build something
unique and different anymore? Well, check this one out, and you
will see how different and personal they still can be, and why they
are still popular as parts of automotive history as well as very
personal expressions at the same time.
The shape is timeless, simple, minimalist. It's easy to see where
the "bucket" term comes from, especially when viewing it from the
side. Removing the hood and fenders and pushing the front axle all
the way forward gives the car that long, lean and low, look. From
these traditional styling cues, the build gets more personal. This
one looks like it was meant to head out to a back road somewhere
for some heads-up racing. The car is painted in a very unique Dark
Mahogany Metallic with a matt finish on the body, gloss on the
frame rails and engine, and gloss black on some of the mechanicals.
The steel wheels are simple and functional. Headers have removable
caps for getting through town quietly so you slide out to the race
without being too obvious. And that vintage front tag is just a
nice touch.
Form follow function, and a roof and doors are just excess weight.
So, step over, climb in, or jump into the bucket. Once in, settle
into the comfortable cloth and vinyl seat and soak up the beautiful
interior that is a perfect complement to the body color. You will
notice the Mahogany boards used for the flooring and the dash. They
are a perfect tribute to the roots of the movement and they look
great too. Now down to business. Auto meter gauges are there to
keep track of critical engine functions and a tach is mounted on
the steering column so you don't over-rev the engine. There is a
big 'ol diamond plate gas pedal and big round brake pedal to ensure
that you don't miss them in the heat of battle. A "Built, not
bought" plaque on the floorboard reinforces the roots orientation
of this ride.
The choice of a trusty 350CI Chevy that's been dressed up like an
Oldsmobile motor adds to this unique build. It is different and
looks awesome painted in the glossy form of the Dark Mahogany body
color. The air filter housing looks like it was fabricated from and
old hubcap by someone who is part mechanic, part metal sculpture
artist. The shorty headers are there to provide maximum power, but
are able to be diverted for (reasonably) quiet in town cruising and
uncorked for a back-road run. (or uncorked in town if you want to
attract attention). An electric fan on the radiator keeps things
running cool, and speed stickers on the frame rails leave no doubt
about the cars intentions as well as giving a nod to sponsors at
the same time. Power flows back through a 3-speed automatic
transmission to the rear wheels suspended on a leaf spring rear
suspension which is a bit different than the usual coil overs.
Simple, sweet looking, functional.
Check out this T-Bucket and see if it expresses your sensibilities
with its choices in the design and build. If it does, take it on
home and make it yours.