Vehicle Description
The radically customized 1927 Ford Model T roadster is known as "T
Plus 2," as well as a few other names. Don Lokey and his wife,
Millie, decided to build a hot rod that could do double-duty as a
show car. Starting with a 1927 Ford Model T Roadster pickup truck
body, Lokey fabricated a custom frame to mount the body. The
modified 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283ci V8 engine was rebuilt and
partnered with a Lincoln transmission and the early Ford "banjo"
rear end. Lokey had the entire chassis chrome-plated, and then
painted the truck and installed custom Naugahyde upholstery. He
then entered the vehicle in the Oakland Roadster Show that same
year and came home with the All-American Sweepstakes for T
Roadsters award. Don then decided to use the truck to launch a
campaign to come back and win the top honors at Oakland: America's
Most Beautiful Roadster Award. After a few conversations with
George Barris, Don delivered his roadster pickup to Barris Kustoms
in Lynwood, CA. Since the car was already in complete show-quality
condition, Barris was able concentrate on restyling the body,
reimagining the interior and updating the wheel and tire choices,
as well as designing a whole new overall look. He designed and
crafted a radically different grille surround and headlight
treatment wrapped around a brass 1915 Model T radiator shell,
complementing air scoop and restyled body with molded rear fenders.
Handmade taillights inspired by the truck's nose treatment and an
interior freshened with White Pearl of Essence wrapped up the
project. The roadster made the April 1965 cover of Rod and Custom
magazine. Lokey retired the T from the show circuit and stored it
for 30-plus years before Blackie Gejeian bought the car and vowed
to keep it in its 1966 show-winning livery. The car would go on to
see the Lincoln 3-speed and banjo rear swapped for an automatic
transmission and chrome Ford 9-inch rear end, but it has otherwise
been kept true to its Barris version. From the Cars of Dreams
Collection. **SOLD ON BONDED TITLE** **TITLED AS A 1935 FORD
RECON**
