The Brisbane Baby

People love the phrase “They’re still out there.” I know I’m guilty of injecting this truism into conversations about cars way more than I should. It’s an easy one to use, and it’s usually followed by the nodding of heads and the common refrain of “Yes, they still are.”

Well, sometime last week between night and morning, I was reminded that these things are still out there. During a midnight Marketplace scour, I found an ad for a “1950 Acura crosley” (sic). My eyes widened as soon as I saw the little red roadster. I studied the cycle fenders, the long hood, and the tall windshield. This wasn’t a Crosley and it surely wasn’t an Acura—it was a very custom Model T hot rod.

The seller, unfortunately, didn’t have much to say in the ad:

Brisbane Baby. Perfect summer project for someone that restores cars. Price: $2,500.

Last tagged in 1970, it’s clear that the little car was built by someone who cared. From the sectioned Deuce shell to the stock Model T rear fenders, they certainly got creative. The closer I looked, the better it got. There’s the chromed steering column with a tach and a finned Crosley valve cover. And how about the tiny spare tire and the nicely reinforced bodywork? The engine was balanced by Al Blazic and outfitted with neat speed equipment and single Stromberg. Some of the hose clamps look new, so I’m wondering if it recently ran?

By the morning, I had sent the ad to about every hot rodder I knew. I had two motives. First off, I wanted to be the one who found something. Second, and perhaps most importantly, I wanted it. I couldn’t really afford it, I don’t have the space, and I know for a fact that I wouldn’t fit. Yet for some reason I was ready to throw caution to the wind and at least check it out. Imagine the article I could write then?

Well, before I could get to it, the sale was marked as “Pending.” And that’s a great thing. It’s hard to pinpoint what I love most about this tiny hot rod, but now that I’m a week down the road, it’s coming into focus. At this stage of my life, it’s energizing to see cars like this. Not because I need to buy them, but more so because I can learn from them. I’m taking notes for my own roadster, from a color, material, and general fit and finish standpoint.

I’m fascinated by this mini Model T, and I want to know who ends up with it. With any luck, it will be the perfect summer project for someone who restores cars. I’ll be on the lookout for the “Brisbane Baby” out on the streets, won’t you?

—Joey Ukrop