The T-Bucket became the most identifiable hot rod after ’50s television series 77 Sunset Strip’s cool dude, Kookie, drove a flame-red T.
GREG WANE
The T-Bucket is the quintessential hot rod, born out of a T Model Ford. All that survives of the old Ford is the firewall, windscreen and steering wheel. Drastically modified with a bigger, more powerful engine and running gear.
Geelong’s Dave Murphy said it represents the typical hot rod.
“I like the ‘buckets’ and that style of hot rod. It has the typical look,” he said.
Dave’s T-Bucket has been on display in the centre court at Geelong’s Market Square shopping centre for the past three weeks and has been attracting a lot of attention.
Dave has owned the T-bucket for the past 10 years after buying it “as a goer” from an enthusiast in New South Wales.
“It was originally built and modified by a Victorian owner in the early 1970s.
“The car was built up from a Model T Ford replica firewall,” Dave said.
In the late 1930s, because of the abundance of cheap Model T Fords in American used-car yards, particularly in California, the old Fords became the basis of a hot rod.
Young car mechanics could easily modify the car using the frame and chassis.
During the 1930s and after World War II, modified rods were built and raced on the vast salt lakes around California.
In 1959, the T-Bucket hit television screens and quickly caught the attention of Australian hot rod fans.
A parking attendant on the American detective series 77 Sunset Strip, built a cult following with his comb and his car. Kookie Kookson, played by actor Ed Byrnes, quickly became more famous than the lead characters.
His car of choice was a flamed T-Bucket, and Kookie, who constantly combed his rocker hairstyle, defined the image of cool – and a T-Bucket was the cool car to own.
“The T-Bucket has got that nostalgic look. When people say ‘hot rod’ they imagine a T-Bucket,” Dave said.
“My car’s got a 308 engine, is running a four-speed Aussie gearbox and has an S-series Jag rear end.
“When I got the car it was in reasonable condition, but it needed a bit of work. Since then I have changed the running gear and wiring, but it still needs a re-upholster, the upholstery is getting a bit dated.
“I’d like to put a new roof on it too.
“The car is low and powerful, but the driver sits up high at the vertical steering wheel.
“Everyone asks me about that steering, but you soon get used to it,” he said.
“You are exposed a lot to the elements because you sit quite high in the car. Not like a little sports car where you sit low, so you are governed by the weather and the distance you have to travel.
“Not the most comfortable thing to be in for long periods.
“But it is good, really good to drive.” Dave declared.
His T-Bucket has been entered in the Australian Street Rod Nationals at the Geelong Showgrounds this Saturday and Sunday where people can see more than 1000 of Australia’s best modified and custom rods on display.
Jointly arranged by the Geelong Street Rodders Club and the Australian Street Rods Federation, the weekend will feature a show and shine, showground cruising, trade displays and family entertainment.
