Vehicle Description
1982 Ford T Bucket
Not many car people will fail to recognize the T Bucket's famous
shape: open engine, open cockpit, upright windshield, and a stubby
deck out back - all of which have been part of the formula since
day one. The original Model T's of course, were produced from 1915
to 1927 and served as the platform for old school, early day hot
rodding. Typically, they have a raked appearance that looks like
excessive speed has pushed back every component on the frame along
with staggered tires, lots of chrome, and an open bucket that is a
feast for the eyes.
For consignment, a 1982 Ford T Bucket with a title verified 6,021
actual miles. T Bucket hot rods can trace their roots to a popular
detective show in 1959, 77 Sunset Strip, in which the popular
character named Kookie Kookson drove a rod built by Norm Grabowski
which the massive viewing public loved, even though an earlier T
Bucket was featured in Life magazine in April 1957, the drag racing
hot rod issue as it is now known.
Exterior
Yellow is the primary color but contrasting red and chrome features
also enhance appearance. The bucket, frame, and fenders shine
brightly in yellow, while polished suspension components up front
and a chrome radiator shell gleam impressively. Chrome headlight
buckets and Keystone Raider mag style wheels, 14-inch in front and
15-inch in back, continue the theme of textbook hot rod coolness
while polished headers and side pipe cap off the epic profile of
period greatness. The rear trunk is covered in a vinyl padded bench
while the tail lights onboard are unique, perhaps borrowed from a
vintage car, and backed by a mesh design. While we're back here, we
note the visible rear axle and coil overs, painted a darker shade
of yellow, but out there for the world to take note! A flat
windscreen rises perfectly vertically wearing wind guards like
elephant ears along with red cowl lights flanking the body
underneath. A few areas of rough or touched up paint make up all
the imperfections we find.
Interior
A simple stitch tufted black vinyl bench fills the front and wraps
around to cover the doorless sides while a wood rimmed 4 spoke
steering wheel on a polished column fronts the yellow painted dash
surrounding the wood backed instrument cluster that stretches the
span of the dash and holds VDO gauges in an orderly line. A
familiar Ford T-shifter sits on the floor covered in low pile black
carpet in decent shape. The trunk space is taken up mostly by the
gas tank.
Drivetrain
The 351ci Windsor V8 is adorned with red painted ribbed features on
the valve cover and air intake scoop, while red ignition wires and
distributor add to the color pop. It has a 4-barrel carb on it and
is tied to a C4 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the
Ford 9" axle in back. As noted, headers and side pipes make up the
exhaust system.
Undercarriage
It's mostly driver quality underneath with yellow paint on the
frame and chrome plated pans under the drivetrain, and they appear
dry and free of oil. The driveshaft is amazingly short and it's
been painted yellow to match the rear axle. As noted, coil overs
are out back with ladder bars, and in front, a polished transverse
leaf spring makes up the showy suspension components.
Drive-Ability
Remember that show, Naked and Afraid? Well, driving a T Bucket is a
bit like that, at first. But after a few minutes, you get used to
the fact that you're as much on top of the car as you are in it,
and the unencumbered exhaust might catch you off guard after
driving modern, or at least mufflered cars all day. There's power
underfoot making this light car feel very fast and the swirling
wind around you, tempered by the wings, also increases the seat of
the pants speed factor. All functional items in and on this T work
as intended except we noted that you must hold the brake when the
car is in park as it has a tendency to slip into reverse. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's a well sorted, fair weathered ride that will come to you
with a new soft top never used and front fenders with brackets. A
book of receipts will also be included. This is a fantastic weekend
toy which may cause cheek fatigue because you won't be able to stop
smiling. Watch the road but get ready for the dozens of thumbs ups
in your future, and men, women, and children rubbernecking to get a
look at this vintage appearing hot rod!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
