A Custom Build with Classic Roots
A striking yellow, fiberglass-bodied T-bucket, registered as a 1927 Ford, is currently attracting high interest in a no-reserve auction. Bidding has already surpassed $35,000 as the sale nears its conclusion on Hagerty Marketplace. While the design pays homage to the legendary Model T—the vehicle credited with democratizing the automobile in America—this particular build is a far cry from a stock factory car.
Engineering and Performance Upgrades
The vehicle's foundation consists of a custom-fabricated frame equipped with a Bell front axle and a Chevrolet Vega steering system. The suspension setup features an elliptical front leaf spring with friction shocks, while the rear utilizes a narrowed Ford nine-inch axle supported by a triangulated four-bar arrangement with coilovers. To ensure modern stopping power, the roadster is equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels.
Under the hood, the performance is driven by a 1953 Mercury-sourced flathead V8 that has been stroked to 275 cubic inches. Key mechanical highlights include:
- Offenhauser aluminum cylinder heads
- Dual Stromberg 97 carburetors with progressive linkage
- An Iskenderian 404 camshaft
- Mallory ignition system
- Header-style side exhaust
This power is managed by a TREMEC five-speed manual transmission, which provides the driver with versatile gearing options that go well beyond simple drag-strip performance.
Interior Details and Vehicle Condition
The cabin features black vinyl bucket seating and a padded three-spoke steering wheel mounted on a quick-release hub. Monitoring the engine's vitals is handled by a set of Stewart-Warner gauges. The exterior is finished in vibrant yellow, accented by gray and red pinstriping. As a vehicle meant for the road rather than a showroom floor, the seller transparently highlights minor signs of use, such as paint chips, surface imperfections near the hinges, and standard wear on the carpeting.
Market Value and Collector Interest
The current bidding activity underscores the premium placed on high-quality custom builds. While a standard 1927 Model T in good condition typically commands a market value around $12,500, this modified roadster has already tripled that figure. As noted in the market analysis, buyers are clearly valuing the specialized craftsmanship and performance engineering rather than just the vehicle's historical title. According to records, the car has a well-documented history, having moved through California and Idaho before arriving at its current location in Norwalk, Iowa.
The auction is set to conclude on Friday, September 11. With the reserve removed, the vehicle is guaranteed to go to the highest bidder, serving as a prime example of how custom, non-stock builds can capture significant value in the current collector market.