Norm's Kookie T photos from 1957 Life photographers

Go FULL size on this and the first photo to check out the kids seat... world of difference from the ones you'll see today

racing at Santa Ana, and below, the far lane is Tommy Ivo

These photos found at: http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/the-great-1950s-t-bucket-rod-rivalry/

For a gallery of the recreated Kookie T:http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2009/11/replica-of-norms-kookie-t-i-doubt.html

For more about Norm: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/11/norman.html

For a gallery about Tommy Ivo ( in the above photo he's racing in the far lane ): http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2009/12/tommy-ivos-bucket-t-on-tv-and-in-movies.html

The replica of Norm's Kookie T, I doubt anyone but Norm could tell the difference

For a full post on Norm Grabowski, icon and influence of hot rodding: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/11/norman.html

For a full post on Norm and the Life gallery of photos taken at Norm's garage and on the way to drag race Tommy Ivo at Santa Ana dragway in 1957: http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/the-great-1950s-t-bucket-rod-rivalry/


Tere http://justakargal.blogspot.com/ was invited to sit in the T and have her picture taken with the hat. But I was stunned to see the T at SEMA... completely unremarked in the SEMA information pamphlet I'd looked at, and at an entrance to the South hall (I think)

The original was upholstered by icon Tony Nancy, painted by legendary Valley Custom, and with flame job and pinstriping by icon Dean Jeffries

this was the start for this replica, looks rough! But they did a perfect job and you've seen the results!

This is what has became of the icon bucket T that was on 77 Sunset Strip, it was a victim of the touring show car craze of the flamboyant 60's, and in this iteration it remains in storage. It's current owner is not showing it, or returning it to it's original look.

Teriffic collected photos by Nik!

I don't think Nik knows it, but the above hot rodder is Norm Grabowski!
For a full post on Norm Grabowski, icon and influence of hot rodding: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2008/11/norman.html
For a full post on Norm and the Life gallery of photos taken at Norm's garage and on the way to drag race Tommy Ivo at Santa Ana dragway in 1957: http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/the-great-1950s-t-bucket-rod-rivalry/
Read more: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/search/label/Norm%20Grabowski#ixzz0Ydyj1gSJ

http://carrosantigos.wordpress.com/

Norman "Norm" Grabowski... inventor of the T Bucket

 Here's his website! http://www.normsnews.com/

Maybe you have heard of him, maybe when T buckets are mentioned... but I was watching a movie, and saw his name in the credits.... and that had me wondering if it was an actor, or the famous car customizer.

It's the same guy, lucky guy huh?! Mostly 60's Disney movies, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0333288/

Also, the T-bucket specifically was created and given that name by Norman Grabowski in the 1950s. http://hotrod.wikia.com/wiki/T-bucket

He also influenced others, of course, but Tommy Ivo credits him specifically http://www.tommyivo.com/hotrod-1.htm and LIFE featured Norm and his "Kookie T" inside the April 29, 1957, issue http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/the-great-1950s-t-bucket-rod-rivalry/ of the magazine with a multi-page feature on the underground drag racing movement and the subculture it helped create. http://www.streetrodderweb.com/features/0703sr_t_bucket_history/photo_02.html

To instantly recognize him, and recall all the movies you've seen him in, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0333288/ and look at this video clip http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi392626201/ he's the guy in the blue letter "M" sweater.

Skip the first 16 seconds... this is a really good look at the car Norm built, that was featured on the tv show "77 Sunset Strip"

There's a photo and short caption in the Jan 09 issue of Hot Rod about Norm, it says he was also a bodybuilder and vegan... huh, that makes sense. He also tried his hand as a nightclub entertainer, see Hot Rod Deluxe, Sept 2011 page 46

For a gallery of the recreated Kookie T that I came across at SEMA: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2009/11/replica-of-norms-kookie-t-i-doubt.html

For a full post on Norm and the Life gallery of photos taken at Norm's garage and on the way to drag race Tommy Ivo at Santa Ana dragway in 1957: http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/the-great-1950s-t-bucket-rod-rivalry/

Read more: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/search/label/Norm%20Grabowski#ixzz0Ydyj1gSJ