Vehicle Description
1912 Ford Model T C Cab
It's hard to imagine being the one guy who invented a whole new
style of car that became a craze for two decades, but Norm
Grabowski was that guy. He invented the T-bucket, creating an
all-new look and a stance that drove trends into the fiberglass
T-bucket kits of the '70s. His creation used a heavily altered Ford
Model A frame, chopped in the back and stretched in the front, with
a body that's the front half of a '22 Ford Model T touring car (a
four-door) along with a radically shortened pickup bed. While the
car was being built, it was spotted by a Hollywood guy who put it
on TV (eventually leading to Norm being on screen himself), and the
car was also seen in a famous spread about hot rods that was in
Life magazine. It was also on the cover of car mags, and fame was
secured. Norm himself was an unforgettable, extroverted character
who was also an amazing artist with wood. They don't make guys like
the self-named "El Polako" anymore.
For consignment an eccentric of eye candy, a lot of loud, a
wonderland of wild, a whole lot of hot rod in its most basic form,
the T bucket, This one with enclosed C cab and box on the back,
stretched front frame and open engine is textbook Norm Grabowski,
even sporting a bit of "nose art" airbrushing on the rear box,
Vargas style.
Exterior
From its front radiator surround to the firewall cutoff, C cab
design which is all authentic 1912 steel, and boxed in rear cargo
area, all steel is near perfect on this truck rodder. Gaps are very
well minded, and metal is straight as arrows. All bathed in
wonderful miles deep black paint, highlighted with some red
pin-striping and a Vargas style nose art inspired by a WW2 bomber,
is all custom. Upfront shiny mirror like chromed headlights
courtesy a '33 Ford, hang on either side of the wide black radiator
shell. Some pinstriped flourishes are on the firewall side panels,
and of course the nose art on the box. Bringing up the rear is an
oval glass insert door, with more custom airbrushing and more
pinstriped flourishes in red and cream. Winged eyeball taillights,
and lower oval window with Goofy looking back poking fun at the
idea of you being behind this car. Upfront we see Rocket Racing
wheels wrapped by 155R15's and on back fender-less 15-inch Weld
wheels wrapped by 345/35ZR15 Pirelli fatties bring up the rear and
create the smoke.
Interior
Slipping inside is easy due to the steering wheel being removable,
so I took it off and got inside and breathed the tongue in cheek
tastefulness all in. Loads of tuck and rolled panels are wrapped in
black vinyl for the door panels, rear box liner and pillar panels.
Smooth black vinyl in bench setup holds the driver and passenger in
place, and this curved bench also doubles in back as the divider
for the cargo area, and rear speaker mounting board. A wood dash
"board" (literally) houses a series of round gauges the ignition
and headlight knob. This dashboard is fronted by a rally steering
wheel with tilt column. Black carpet covers the floors upfront and
in back, and a black smooth headliner is above with a mounted in
and hanging tachometer.
Drivetrain
A 1970 460ci V8 topped with 3 two-barrel Holley 550cfm carburetors
and a custom tunnel ram intake, is all chromed and shining, all
hanging right out there for the world to see and hear. Consigner
states the interior of the engine can best be described as "built
mild". On the back is a C-6 3-speed automatic transmission and a
3.23 gear rear axle. Chromed headers with a 3-inch side exit pipe
creates plenty of noise attention.
Undercarriage
Rust free, solid lengthened frame upfront with a transverse leaf
spring 3 link setup here. On back a 4-bar suspension, with drum
brakes at all 4 corners. Looking all good and a quality structural
build underneath.
Drive-Ability
Definitely an E ticket ride, slipping in and firing her up, it is
lots of sound coming from that blinged out mill. Down and dirty
with plenty of acceleration, good handling, and a typical T bucket
ride where you can feel the road, and then some! Everything was in
working order during my drive.
With beautifully sculpted body panels, an extended frame, custom
box on the back for weather protected storage, and some 1940's
style airbrush art, this car is the quintessential hot rod in step
with Norm Grabowski's original concept, with a few extras just for
fun. And it is definitely that to drive and show! Go for it you
"Wild Thing"...
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.