Vehicle Description
1927 Ford Model T Altered
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
In 1959, the most popular detective show on television in the world
featured a jive-talking parking lot attendant who made up his own
vocabulary and drove a flamed Model T hot rod. Gerald Lloyd
"Kookie" Kookson III (played by actor Edd Byrnes) was more popular
than the two "big name" stars of "77 Sunset Strip," particularly
with young people. A character this eccentric had to have
appropriate wheels, and Warner Bros. chose a scrumptious Model T
hot rod built by a true-life hot rodder (and sometimes actor) named
Norm Grabowski. Although it was also seen in dozens of other movies
and TV shows (plus a full-page photo in the April 29, 1957, issue
of LIFE magazine), that particular rod would become known as the
Kookie T, but, more importantly, it also signaled a sea of change
for hot rods in general.
For consignment a Ford Model T from its last year in production of
1927, to now a competition straight liner. A "souped" up version
with a big engine, and a setup for the drags. An all new fiberglass
cockpit for the racer encaged racing seat, a Hurst quarter stick
shifter, and large Hoosier drag slicks for the back. Consigner
states he uses it for a few vintage races a year (possibly 4-6
passes) and it has run a 9.97 @ 128 MPH Get accustomed to the rear
of this car as when you decide to take it on, that is all you'll
see kids!
Exterior
With only its "tub", and front cowling with radiator cover
remaining, but replicated in fiberglass, it is now taken on the
persona of a full-blown racer (although it's not "blown" in the
performance sense.) Large curved red painted fenders cover the
Hoosier racing slicks that weigh in at a mere 32/14.5W/15 and wrap
15-inch Weld Prostar wheels nicely shined for your enjoyment. A
full roll cage is present, and some cowling covers the front dual
engine scoops. On either side is a 1940's era looking bomber nose
cone graphic so naming this racer "Cherry Bomb". Way up front is a
stainless drum fuel tank, which provides just enough fuel for each
run. Snarling from either side are shiny headers and short pipe
exhausts.
Interior
Fully functional and fully up to date, even the seat belts have
another year on them. They are attached to a carbon fiber/aluminum
Kirkey racing bucket seat which is encased within a full roll bar
cage. A Hurst quarter stick shifter goes through the two speeds.
The dash holds gauges that show pertinent information real time
during the run, and a tachometer with shift light is mounted on
top. A rally steering wheel and numerous toggles are all present
and accounted for.
Drivetrain
Up front the money shot, with a consigner stated 406 ci V8 with
Dart cast iron heads which have been carefully ported and polished.
Inside a Scat forged steel crank shaft and 6-inch rods. All this
can produce an 11.5 :1 compression ratio! A single 4-barrel Holley
carburetor is atop and dual rounded bullet like air scoops suck in
the O2 to mix with the racing fossils. A Powerglide 2-speed
automatic transmission is on back and is capable of handling 800
HP, along with a Ford 9-inch axle with a lightweight spool center
section with 4.86 gears.
Undercarriage
The fiberglass ford roadster body is mounted to a custom steel tube
chassis. Spring coil over shocks are on all 4's. The rear sports 4
bar suspension, all Hein joints, and Wilwood disc brakes all
around. All this has less than 25 passes on it. Noted it will need
updated rear slicks to pass to pass (get it?)
Drive-Ability
Our co-worker come race car driver (a NASCAR car, several drag
trucks, a wheel stander, a dragster, and a dirt track vintage car,
and now this) hopped in and fired her up. Its loud and proud and
goes like the wind he reported, with great brakes, and secure belts
and cockpit. So vintage racing here we come.
Ready to roll once those new slicks are attached, this turnkey T
bucket is sheer fun and was driven as such on the 1/4 mile. A good
looker, with the namesake "Cherry Bomb" you are ready to pop it
(the clutch) and take off. CU later!
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.