This T-bucket hot rod is said to have been built circa 1969 using a fiberglass body mounted to a custom-fabricated steel frame. The car was acquired by the seller in 2022 after several decades in storage, and a subsequent refurbishment involved rebuilding the 355ci Chevrolet V8, refinishing the body in satin black, and reupholstering the interior in gray vinyl. The engine is backed by a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and an Oldsmobile rear end with a Mickey Thompson magnesium carrier, and it features an Isky camshaft, an Offenhauser aluminum intake manifold, triple Stromberg 97 carburetors, a Joe Hunt magneto, and Bassett headers. Highlights of the build includes a brass fuel tank, magnesium 15” front wheels, rear drum brakes, and Stewart-Warner instrumentation. This custom hot rod is now offered at no reserve with a clean California title in the seller’s name listing the car as a 1929 Ford.
The fiberglass bodywork was removed from the frame during the aforementioned refurbishment before it was repainted in satin black with multicolor flourishes. The brass fuel tank is complemented by the coordinated grille surround and mirrors, and other details include a dog-bone radiator cap, a Speedway Motors folding windshield, and lantern-style cowl lights and taillights. Pitting on the brightwork can be viewed in the gallery below.
The 355ci Chevrolet V8 was rebuilt prior to installation and features a four-bolt-main block, double-hump cylinder heads with 1.94” intake valves, an Offenhauser aluminum intake manifold, triple Stromberg 97 carburetors, and Bassett headers. The Isky RPM-300 camshaft and Joe Hunt magneto were refurbished, and a 100-amp alternator powers the 12-volt electrical system. The car also has an electric fuel pump.
Twelve-spoke magnesium 15” spindle-mount front wheels are wrapped in 145-series Firestone F-560s, while the American Racing 15” out back are mounted with 275/60 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T rubber. The car rides on a custom-fabricated steel frame, a “suicide” front setup with a 4”-drop front axle and a transverse leaf spring, a live rear axle supported by coil springs, and polished radius rods. Braking is handled by hydraulic rear drums, and the master cylinder was replaced under current ownership.
The interior is trimmed in gray vinyl with black piping, and the wood steering wheel rim was refinished. A fanny pack is mounted to the firewall below a klaxon-style horn, and a cupholder console has been added. Controls are located on the front of the seat base, and a blade-style fuse panel is concealed under the cushion along with the battery. The seller notes that the turn signal switch needs to be repaired.
A wood dashboard houses Stewart-Warner instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 11k miles, approximately 1,500 of which have been added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and a third member with a Mickey Thompson magnesium carrier and an Oldsmobile 3.08:1 differential. The driveshaft was replaced under current ownership.
The car is titled as a 1929 Ford using the VIN 2335421, which is stamped on the frame as well as an overlaid brass plate.
Photos taken at various stages of the refurbishment are presented in the gallery.