The definition of a “hot rod” is broad and deep.  Anything from a modified late-model car to a vintage belly tanker can be an example.  However, when you mention the term, most people think of what is commonly known as a T-Bucket.  If you are looking for an eighties vintage interpretation of the classic T-Bucket, then you are in luck.  Take a gander at this 1923 Ford T-Bucket for sale on eBay in Picayune, Mississippi.  This former show car has been brought back to life and is ready to deliver that wind-in-the-hair experience to anyone who can pony up the $11,500 Buy It Now Price.  Are you that speed demon?

The T-Bucket is a great throwback to the beginnings of hot rod history.  Before there was the Ridler Award, Boyd Coddington, billet, and the other trappings of high-end hot rod artistry, there were folks who couldn’t afford new, fast cars so they made do with what they had.  Old Model T, Model A, and Flathead era Fords were their canvas, and parts ranging from junkyard take-offs to the first examples of speed parts, which were sold in the back of car magazines, were what they created their masterpieces with.  Some were rough, many were dangerous, and all of them were fun.  Folks of every age, race, sex, and income bracket enjoyed the hobby and they all ended up becoming one big family of sorts.

Getting started could be as simple as writing a check for a finished vehicle or as complicated as dragging an old car home from wherever and putting your tools to work on it.  Many people started with the humble Model T Ford.  On a mild build, the frame, body, and distinctive radiator shape were kept and everything else was replaced.  Over time, aftermarket manufacturers produced everything you would need to install common engines, transmissions, rear ends, and suspension in these ubiquitous vehicles.  Depending on the owner and their skills and budget, the result could be quite distinctive.

Looking closely at the 1923 Model T seen in the eBay advertisement, there is not much left of an original Model T aside from the general shape.  The upholstery pattern, steering wheel, and windshield frame all scream Model T.  However, by all appearances, the body is fiberglass.  The seller states that there are a few cracks and checking (I don’t know that term), but it still looks beautiful.  Given that the paint was done in the early eighties and was likely a lacquer job, you have to admit it is retro-cool and still holds up well.  The graphics are a bit loud.  However, it was an eighties build after all.

According to the seller, this loud in many ways T-Bucket is powered by a 350 cubic inch small block Chevrolet V-8.  From there, the power is directed through a TH350 automatic transmission and a chromed “chunk type” rear end.  Given the price of getting anything chromed today, I can’t imagine what it would cost to replicate that endeavor today.

This is one of those cars the seller just might not sell when it comes down to it.  The ad states that the seller has been driving it on days when the weather is clear.  Obviously, this T is too impractical to be a daily driver.  Yet we can all look at the pictures and imagine what it would be like to blast out of the driveway and towards work every day in this electric blue fun machine.  Is it practical?  No.  Is it a good investment?  Sadly not.  Is it pure, unadulterated fun on four wheels?  You bet.  T-Buckets have been around a very long time for just that reason.  Hopefully, this one will find a good home and spend another four decades on the road making smiles and generating laughs.