Ever since cars were invented there have been enthusiasts out there
ready to modify them. There were certainly some other modded Model
T's on the road but in the 1950's Norm Grabowski customized one for
the show 77 Sunset Strip. The car was driven by the rock n' roll
loving greaser character Gerald "Kookie" Kookson. The car was
originally nicknamed the "Lightning Bug" but through the show
became better known as the "Kookie Kar." With the popularity of the
show multiple copies started being built and the original builder
Norm dubbed them T-Buckets due to the bucket like body shell
adapted from the Model T. This very cool '23 has been built in a
very old school style. It is painted in a Bright Blue with heavy
metal flake which looks perfect on a car like this and this one
also wears very unique Black fenders. It has a custom grill on the
painted radiator shell which is framed on each side by chrome
headlights. In back it has the old school chrome lantern style
taillights but an LED 3rd brake light was added for extra
visibility. The classic T-Bucket double stacked windshield is in
place and is fitted with side mirrors and a manual windshield wiper
just in case. This one has the truck style bed in back for extra
storage and a short roll bar was also added to the back of the main
cab. It rides on Vintage 5 hole wheels with knock off center caps
and there are wider tires back.
In front of the polished firewall is the exposed small block Chevy
V8 that sounds great. We are selling this on behalf of an estate
and unfortunately information is limited but we suspect it is a 350
V8. This is then fitted with custom side pipes (with shields),
Chevrolet valve covers, an air gap intake, Edelbrock carburetor,
high rise scoop air cleaner, Cool Flex hose, and Performance DUI
distributor. The aluminum radiator keeps it running cool along with
the electric fan. Paired with the motor is a TH400 automatic
transmission and 10 bolt rear end with chrome cover. IMCA front
disc brakes have been added to it and there are drums in the
rear.
The interior of the car is done in Brown and features a bench seat.
The dash is painted to match the body and on the passenger side it
features a very cool historical graphic referencing the past owners
military service. It is also topped with Equus white faced gauges
which reflect an odometer reading of 3,508. On the floor is a
B&M shifter with skull knob and in front of the driver is the
classic 3 spoke TBucket steering wheel.
The car sounds great and is being offered up at a very reasonable
price. It comes with a clear Texas title for the car which is
registered as a 1923 Ford.
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