The Hot Rod formula has always been pretty straightforward. The builder takes an older body and fits a more powerful drivetrain under the skin. Most tend to feature upgraded fours or V8s, but I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting a 1927 Ford Model T that is quite different. Its engine bay houses a V6 that should provide an ideal blend of power and economy. The car is superbly detailed and is ready to find a new home. The seller has listed the Rod here on Craigslist in Poulsbo, Washington. They are keen to see it go, setting their price at a very respectable $29,900.
The seller supplies a fairly detailed history of the build that created this Model T Hot Rod. They started the process with a rust-free body sourced from Oregon. They retained virtually all of the car’s original steel, massaging it to perfection before applying a custom Candy Green shade utilizing a two-stage urethane clear-over-base process. The color is dazzling, looking as impressive on the detailed underside as it does on the exterior. The only non-Ford components are the fenders, which are fiberglass reproductions. The body is bolted to a custom-fabricated boxed frame that was created to house the unique drivetrain combination. The builder didn’t go overboard with bright trim, using only a few pieces that allows the paint to be the star of the show. The Model T rides on 15″ Truespoke wire wheels that give the exterior a sense of purpose that you would expect from any high-end Hot Rod.
The Ford Model T represented affordable transport at its most basic, and one of the few interior luxury items was a heater. This Hot Rod turns things on their head, courtesy of its dazzling trim and condition. The same Candy Green that cloaks the exterior covers every interior steel surface. The standard gauge cluster has made way for one filled with retro-style units to monitor life under the hood. Hand-stitched leather covers every upholstered surface, with the floors sporting matching carpet and mats. This interior isn’t about looks alone, with the buyer receiving air conditioning, tinted power windows, a remote trunk release, a modern stereo with Bluetooth and USB input, and a Banjo-style tilt wheel. Once again, faulting the presentation is seemingly impossible, with no evidence of wear or other problems. The odometer shows 5,200 miles, and it is fair to expect that this is an accurate guide of the distance this gem has traveled since the build ended. If that is correct, the condition is easily understood.
Removing the hood reveals what helps this Model T to stand out. The original 177ci flathead four is a distant memory, which isn’t unusual in cases like these. I would typically expect the space to be occupied by a larger four or a V8, but the builder wandered down a different path by installing a 4.3-liter “Vortec” V6. This fuel-injected powerplant sends its ponies to a chrome Jaguar XKE rear end via a four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission. Spent gases exit the V6 via headers and a low-restriction custom exhaust that allows the engine to sound like a V8. The suspension includes dual-coil chrome shocks on all corners, while there is also a range of chrome suspension and steering components from TCI. It is unclear how much power and torque the engine develops, but it is fair to expect those figures to be north of 160hp and 230 ft/lbs. Considering this car left the factory with an engine producing 20hp, the seller’s claim that it will comfortably sit above 70mph on the open road is unsurprising. One bonus that some might find attractive is that this motor should return better fuel consumption than a V8, and with the Rod featuring a fifteen-gallon tank, it should cover quite some distance between visits to the pump. This gem runs and drives perfectly, with no issues or shortcomings.
Some readers will argue that at $29,900, this 1927 Ford Model T Hot Rod isn’t truly affordable. That’s a fair call, and placing a value on any modified car will always pose challenges. Perhaps it is more appropriate to assess this vehicle on its merits. The custom paint and frame, spotless interior, and mechanical combination are all interesting, and only someone who can be hands-on with every aspect of their build could create an identical Rod for the seller’s price. It would require many hours of hard work to achieve that goal, but handing over the cash for this Ford would provide immediate gratification. It hasn’t been on the market for long, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly. Are you tempted to make it yours?
Why on earth did they not chop it down to a more reasonable 6″ top?
Because it would look stupid. The person who built this knew what they were doing.
The top looks great at stock height.
Thos would be almost as embarrassing to be seen in as a Cybertruck. Almost.
nothing is as hideous as a cybertruck, but yes, the proportions are somewhat comical
They were called a “Tall T”. If you chopped the top, it wouldn’t be a tall t anymore. I really like it – at least partially because it’s a bit different than the typical chopped top rod these days. Builder had a good eye for details.
My buddy has one with a 340 in it!
Much better option. That 4.3 in an S10 truck will get about the same as a 5.7 in a camaro. As long as you can fit it, why not go with a V8? Does anyone really build a hot rod with fuel mileage i mind? – CT Dave
Really CT Dave … “MPG”? Who cares?! Cute rig, tho.
Really reminds me of the old Revell Lil John Buterra series of model kits i had in the 70’s..good memories.
Phone booth T
I was thinking the phone booth for the Green Hornet.
Looks like a jewel. Until you open the hood. There’s a reason they call them custom rods. And that tangle of wires and hoses is a complete turn off.
This looks like a very fun, reliable and well built car. My dad built my mom a 27 Ford touring with a built 4 banger in it back in the day and I tell you you don’t need to have a V8 in a car this size to get it to move. Naysayers here have no idea what they’re talking about. Go build something.
Yes, I remember that car. All of you inside with your mom cruising around the fairgrounds in Chilliwack. Good times.
Hi Fred. That car went everywhere. Got caught in the rain a few times lol. I drove it to school when I got my license. Good times.
I’m not crazy about custom hot rods, but I absolutely love this. I love especially that the builder thought outside the box. Not every custom build needs a belly button engine. I once saw a T bucket at a car show with a Supercharged 3800 Series II V6 in it. Owner was lighting up the tires every time he stopped. The smile on his face said it all.
The sweet 3.7 V6 Ford ‘Cyclone’ 🌀 would have been a great motor in this coupe. Probably add around 100hp and 50lb/ft too 🏁
What an unlucky car…
ROGER RKS, , this jewel is what I remember in the late 40’s and early 50’s when I began hot rodding AND its 5 years older than I am LOVE it all of it . That V6 probably sounds like the Jags with duals. DANG it I just sold my Buick and made a few bucks. Will I ever grow up…
I think it’s cool if I had the extra cash and time I would offer $25k cash then load it in a enclosed trailer and haul it to Gas monkey garage in Dallas this is his favorite color and see if I could make a profit, and get a road trip to Texas
Green. Chevy power. V6.
Strike 3. Yer Out!
I’ve always loved the Tall T…But they look the best in Black!!
Read the add, built for a tall guy with plenty of cash and his own tastes, $30k is a steal compared to what it cost. That special someone will love it , and grab it for that, but not my cup of “T”.
Reading the comments on this car and Adam’s excellent presentation and description makes me wonder? Did the people that commented read the same article I did? Without actually saying it, Adams was showing us a very well built car that would be an award winning car in the 1970’s era. I do not know this particular car, but from the responses it makes me think of fact checking before commenting off the top of your head and thinking everyone should believe it because you said it. That reminds me of something else, oh never mind!
Well said.
I have never been a fan of the “Phone booth Ts” and this one does nothing to dispel that opinion, but I have to admit that this is a sanitary build. The builder spent some quality time on all the details, and it shows. The motor most definitely would not have been my first choice but kudos to the builder for “thinking outside the box”. Very nice for what it is, and I wish the seller and any perspective buyer good luck.
Absolutely love this car. When I was a kid I built the aforementioned Revell phone booth T kit and painted it metallic copper. These cars look great in bright colors like this, and the details on this one are beautifully done. One of those cars with odd proportions that somehow work. GLWTS!
It would look better black and make a nice Munster mobile
But looking at undercarriage makes up for it. Somehow the motor almost looks like an afterthought given the attention to detail on the rest of the car.
Bobhess, Thanks Joe
awesome!