Fun, well-built street rod that will stand out anywhere. Strong-running 350 cubic inch V8, automatic transmission. Functional C-cab delivery van. Chrome wire wheels are the perfect period touch. A cool retro rod that will turn heads anywhere it goes.

When I was a kid in the 1970s, the annual Auto-Rama was a pretty big deal and cars like this wild 1923 Ford Model T C-cab delivery truck were exactly the kinds of machines I hoped to see. A far-out interpretation of the familiar Model T, it was part T-bucket and part practical panel van, and combination that I found insanely appealing. That’s why we’re so happy to have it in our inventory today—a cool retro-rod with a ‘70s flair that will stand out anywhere it goes. The C-cab bodywork is fiberglass, of course, but it feels sturdy and well made and it’s surprisingly robust going down the street. The build is perhaps 20 years old, so it has some driving on it, but there are very few signs of use and the paint shines up quite nicely. Unlike a lot of its siblings, it has real entry doors for the front seat so getting in, while still a bit of a contortionist’s act, isn’t impossible. The wild lime green color is perfect for a rod like this, attention-grabbing without being so far out that it’s weird—just enough to remind everyone that this truck is pure fantasy. The lettering on the sides says “The Dream Shop” and “Where your dreams come true” and it’s painted on, so we’re glad it isn’t something terribly specific like someone’s personal business. It works well and suggests that this C-cab was someone’s dream turned into reality.

The interior is bare bones, no question about that. The simple bucket seats are probably from a lawn tractor, but obviously they’re designed for long-term sitting and they’re comfortable enough for driving a car like this. Simple carpets cover the floors and help insulate it a bit and the aluminum step plates are a nice touch. The original steering column is remarkably still in place (the original spark and throttle levers are no longer attached to anything), topped by a modern 3-spoke steering wheel that feels beefy in your hands and gives you good control of the front wheels—which you can see right out there doing their thing. The painted dashboard matches the bodywork and is filled with gauges from Omega Kustom Instruments, all of which appear to be functional. There’s also a decent AM/FM/CD stereo system with speakers back in the cargo bay, but given the side exhaust and lack of windows, fidelity obviously isn’t spectacular. That toggle switch under the ignition switch is for the turn signals, but that’s about it for secondary controls—like a T-bucket, simplicity is the name of the game here. The cargo bay is attractively finished in real wood with a high-gloss urethane on top, so it’ll look great for years, and there’s more matching carpet on the floor to make it feel complete.

The engine is a reliable and trusted 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 that makes all the right hot rod sounds. There’s a decent cam inside so it has that lopey hot rod idle and given the modest curb weight of this rig, performance is pretty impressive. It’s grumpy when it’s cold but once it’s warmed up it runs great and has no issues running down the road—the custom radiator keeps it nice and cool. Those long chrome headers cackle and bark but aren’t so loud that it’s super annoying on the road and they’ve developed that cool blue-gold hue that makes it look purposeful. Again, simplicity means no issues with power steering or finicky A/C systems, and even the disc brakes are manual—don’t worry, they’re plenty powerful for the flyweight C-cab. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission spins a short driveshaft and a reliable GM 10-bolt rear end with what we believe are 3.23 gears inside (they’re pretty mild). The suspension is familiar hot rod fare, with a tubular drop axle on a transverse leaf spring up front and coil-overs with ladder bars in back. The fabricated frame is nicely detailed with impressive welds, and the stance is pure hot rod. Chrome wire wheels are the perfect period touch and they carry staggered 235/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear performance radials.

We know this Model T isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like T-buckets and the outrageous, this C-cab definitely delivers. The fact that it’s nicely built and has a retro vibe only makes it more appealing in our opinion. And check out that price tag—you couldn’t build this thing for that price even if someone gave you all the parts for free. A cool entry-level hot rod that will stand out simply because it’s always going to be the only one at the show. Call today!

This vehicle is titled as a 1923 Ford Model T.

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.