The Grand National Roadster Show 2016 is an event where you can truly spend all day taking it in. Some do it in two days — or the entire weekend! With the cars and an equally impressive array of hot rod parts vendors the show is a real “bucket list” event. Keep in mind that our 3-Part coverage of T-Buckets just barely scratches the surface of the world of hot rod inspiration found at the Roadster Show 2016.
Roadster Show 2016 T-Bucket Coverage Continues …
My only regret about the Roadster Show 2016 was that no T’s were competing for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award. But what’s great about the hot rod and show car world is that it’s always changing and whatever gets the crowds and judges going today will likely change next year to prevent monotony.
Ron Attig’s 1919 Dodge D-Bucket
Talk about visual impact! The Cadillac flathead had much better exhaust flow by taking it out of the top of the block — and it sure makes for some wild looking headers!
If you’re thinking that Ron Attig’s D-Bucket is just another rat, you’d be dead wrong. There are fine, unique details aplenty including right hand drive.
Speaking of detail, not how the rear frame horns are nicely rounded off to give more of the look found at the front of Model A frames. And in this instance, it’s a perfect match for the flat oval fuel tank which aligns perfectly with the back of the steel 1919 Dodge body.
Yes, the interior could be considered austere, but it’s functional and the tall shifter extending above the windshield is a perfect look in my book.
And if the carb linkage needs to be direct and positive thanks to a slot in the cowl, then that works, too. The frame is deeply Z’d in the front to match the rear and give the perfect mean and nasty down-low profile. And the support for the steering box sector shaft if a work of metallic sculpture.
One more reason for the deep Z at the front is the undropped early I-beam axle with spring over and a somewhat elegant spring perch.
And just a few short months later it’s all painted, chromed and upholstered as you will see when you enjoy the above very nice video of the same car.
The Art Gerrick Lakes Modified
Based on past experience, when attending the Roadster Show 2016 I was looking forward to seeing some real hot rod heritage. Thanks to Speedway Motors and their Museum of American Speed I was not disappointed.
Believe it or not, the Art Garrick lakes modified roadster started as a 1923 Ford T when construction began in 1936.
The body was then narrowed 10 inches for elementary streamlining and attached to a similarly narrowed Oldsmobile chassis. And you just gotta’ love that windshield.
The Bell Engine Crankshaft Special
Also known as the Bell 303 Roadster because of its 303 cubic inch rear-mounted flathead engine, in the early 1950s this ’27 T bodied modified roadster was turning 133 mph in the quarter mile, while the dragsters of the day were clocking speeds in the 140-145 mph range. Pretty impressive for a steel bodied car.
With 84 louvers in the rear deck to let trapped air escape and a Halibrand quick-change rear end the little roadster was beating most dragsters out of the hole with its excellent traction capabilities, having more weight on the rear tires.
The pointy nose was fabricated to streamline the roadster further for Bonneville, but the anticipated 200 mph runs never came due to engine failure. In my opinion, the ’27 T makes the coolest rear engine drag machine ever and it was a pleasure to see as part of the Speed Motors and Museum of American Speed exhibit at the Roadster Show 2016.
Walter Sigsbey’s 1915 T-Bucket
With wild flames and a Hampton blower atop a big block Chevy engine Walter Sigsbey has one very intimidating looking T-Bucket.
The chassis was done by one of the pioneers of T-Buckets, Curt Hamilton.
As you’ll note from the raised rear and narrow cowl it’s a 1915 T-Bucket body of the style that became popular in the 70s.
The beautiful interior and top are the handiwork of Ron Mangus Hot Rod Interiors and those headers are by Performance Tube Bending in Irwindale, CA.
Of course, Jaguar independent rear suspensions under T-Buckets is a Curt Hamilton specialty that was carried out to perfection under Walter’s ’15 T-Bucket. Just one more reason I was happy to have visited the Roadster Show 2016.
Louis Stands’ 1927 T Roadster
Proving once again that the Grand National Roadster Show 2016 was not limited to high dollar show cars the traditional looking ’27 T roadster of Louis Stands caught my eye as something that one might be able to replicate on a decent budget.
I’m not sure the year and make of the donor gauge panel, but it looks like it was made for Louis’ T. The early pushbutton radio below the dash is a cool nostalgic touch.
Of course, the big thing here is that the ’27 T steel body is mounted on Deuce rails, which is a perfect pairing in hot rod history.
1939 Ford teardrop taillights are the logical choice here and the transverse rear spring appears to suspend a more modern open driveline type third member.
The cream colored steelies with OEM dog dish hubcaps are perfect and even match the steering wheel.
Nothing fancy, but still stylish to anyone with an eye for tradition.
Under the Lou-fabricated hood lies a small block Chevy for motorvation.
What a perfect way to end the day on our trek to the Grand National Roadster Show 2016. We’re looking forward to returning next year to bring you more.
- The Steve Scott Uncertain T – Resurrected! - January 24, 2024
- Uncertain T Exposed! - January 24, 2024
- Y-Block Ford T-Bucket: Ted Kramer’s Snoopy Inspires Me - February 11, 2023
The instrument panel in Louis Stand’s 27 T is out of a 48-50 Ford F-1 pickup truck.
Thanks for that info Flathead John. I knew somebody would recognize it — and now I know. Appreciate it. 🙂