Originali-T

You: When will the Model T-based hot rod posts stop? Me: Not exactly sure. The more you look, the more you realize that during the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, these things were just so damn versatile. Model T’s can be built into almost anything and shine nearly anywhere—street, strip, show, or some stunning (or strange) combination thereof. Do I like ’em all? No, not quite.

With that being said, I’ve been thinking about Dennis Dotson’s glass-bodied ’23 T lately. The California-based T gained national attention when it earned at top right-hand corner slot on the cover of Popular Hot Rodding in December 1964.

There’s no question the T deserved that spot, as well as the two-page, half-color feature inside. From the ’29 A rails to the aforementioned Cal Automotive body, it’s pure mid-’60s. Same applies to the nicely made tube axle, chromed Pontiac rear and B&M Hyrdo.

And that brings us to the three elements that made this car a showstopper. First, we have the engine. Four hundred and nine cubic inches of high-performance Chevrolet power with two four barrel carburetors, two finned valve covers, eight sweeping exhaust pipes and one sleek scoop. The scoop bears a whole lot of resemblance to the one that topped the four-port on the highly successful Greer, Black & Prudhomme Fueler. Would a hot 327 have worked here? Yes, but the W-motor gave the car a little something extra.

Next, comes the rolling stock. Just like last week, there are dragstrip-inspired Americans on all four corners. M&H’s in the back, Pirellis up front. Rears received full polishing. Not much more to say about these other than they’re just right.

To finish things off, there’s the color. Yes, Dennis hailed from Orange and yes, the car’s orange. Combine the Naples Orange lacquer with the black frame, black interior and all that chrome and polish and you have a sanitary T that looks like a Steve Stanford illustration come to life.

Perhaps my favorite part about this car is that it’s not trying to be something it isn’t. There’s no flimsy rollbar, bric-a-brack or phony add-ons. This was a street and show machine, and a super nice one at that.

—Joey Ukrop

Photos from PHR, December 1964