The most famous version of Norm Grabowski’s T-bucket (and the one that earned the “Kookie Kar” moniker) is this blue, flamed iteration that appeared on the “77 Sunset Strip” TV show in 1958.
Last weekend the hot rod world watched as the “Kookie Kar” T-bucket and the “Golden Sahara II” crossed the block at Mecum’s Indy auction. Today we can tell you that well-known Pennsylvania hot rodder and car collector Ross Meyers is the proud new owner of the Kookie Kar, and it’s slated for restoration. We’ll have the exclusive scoop on this historic hot rod in the near future.
Grabowski’s T started life as the “Lightnin’ Bug,” a Cadillac-powered, cut-down ’22 Ford that appeared on the October 1955 cover of Hot Rod Magazine.
And for those who haven’t heard, the Golden Sahara II was purchased by Larry Klairmont of Chicago, Illinois. Though we don’t know yet whether it will be restored or simply preserved, we do know it will eventually be displayed in his Klairmont Kollections museum and event center alongside an amazing collection of classics, exotics, racecars and hot rods.
Cheers!
Your Friends at The Rodder’s Journal
After Jim Skonzakes took ownership in 1959, he updated the T with a Larry Watson paint job and button-tufted upholstery. Stay tuned to hear which version will be revived following this trend-setting T-bucket’s restoration!
