Terry Sweem's 1925 Ford

Terry's roadster on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine March 1959. Photo courtesy of Hot Rod Magazine.

Terry's old roadster as it looked when it was advertised for sale on eBay in 2011.

1925 Ford Model T Bucket owned and built by Terry Sweem of California. Terry was 17 years old when he began the build, and the car took 2 1/2 to complete. The body was channeled over the frame, and the car was only 30 inches tall to the top of the door. Cycle fenders that turned with the wheels were installed up front along with a 1933 DeSoto grille. A bored out 303 Oldsmobile V-8 provided power for the little roadster. The engine was hopped up with a three-carb intake manifold. The front and rear axle came from a 1939 Ford. Firestone 8.20-15 wide whitewall tires were installed in the rear, and 7.50x15 wide whitewall tires in the rear. Once completed, Terry's roadster was featured on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine March 1959.

Terry's old roadster was advertised for sale on eBay in October, 2011. The car was still in a good shape, featuring most of its original components, including Terry's old engine and custom upholstery. Some modifications had been done to the car, such as installing an alternator, a hidden electric fan and an expansion tank on the radiator. A fuel cell had also been installed in the bed along with the battery. The car had been repainted around 1990. According to the current seller, the car had been sold to Arizona, Jackson, Michigan and Wisonsin, always being stored in a heated garage.

Magazine Features

Hot Rod Magazine March 1959