Featured Hot Rods Buying back your first Hot Rod

Is it Possible?
I made a decision one day 3 years ago to sell my first Hot Rod it was run down in need of a rebuilt engine and life with other projects consumed me, so the T was just sidelined. The sell of the car haunted me to this day especially for the memories, hell it was my kids first Hot Rod they ever rode in with numerous family members, friends and also their kids.
I sold my T-Bucket to Darryl Hollenbeck of Vintage Color Studio and am very happy to whom I sold it to, I never regretted that decision. Darryl cornered me at the 2026 GNRS and told me your car needs to go back home. I was floored because he had numerous people whom wanted the car.
Not only did he rebuild the engine, transmission, new radiator, new interior by Sid Chavers, he also sold it back to me for the price he paid for it.
I cannot say more than surround yourself with the right people and friends.
Thank you Darryl and Terri friends for life.

 

Wow, one of a kind story. right place, with the right guy. Congrats

 

Holy schnikies, @Royalshifter!
I knew the car was yours, and you have been posting a bunch more pics recently, but didn't know it wasn't still in your hands. What a story! So glad you got it back, and so glad Darryl was such a great caretaker! Amazing!
This picture looks like it's really cleaned up from other recent pictures you have posted. The Whites are all squeeky clean! I hope you get out and enjoy it, even if this means the '34 is going to take a little longer to finish.
This really is a benchmark of T-Bucket builds.

 

Wow, Great T and Great Friends!!

 

One of the nicest T's out there, Congratulations on being able to buy it back.

I saw my first hot rod a few years ago at a show and it was for sale but looked nothing like it was when I sold it.

 

Wow!!! That is too cool!!! I thought I did good buying back my brothers first car from a friend a few years back after it was gone for 7 years, but your story is WAY better! Always loved your T! Congrats!

 

Holy role reversal Batman! That’s amazing.

 

Wow ! You"re a lucky man, Nice T, AS a kid I was building one, used car craft magazine blue print for 2x4 frame dim, but I used T spring rear, fabricated everything, model A front axle Suicide style, A wishbones, SBC, Powerglide, 57 Chevy rear end, gl*** body from speedway with attached pu box, no door. I had it to a roller and life surprised me. Knocked up my girlfriend, got married, sold the T to pay Dr, hospital bill, buy baby stuff, etc. Sold it locally, I looked for that car for years, at shows, cruises, I was sure I would recognize my fab work. Even went a T nationals. No Luck

 

"A friend in need is a friend indeed" heartwarming story!

 

Similar type story. In 89, my racing was starting to wind down, retired at the end of 91 and I knew I was coming back to the car hobby. my first car, my avatar. I went looking for a 57 and was amazed at what a nice 57 was worth, I had not researched this, just daydreaming. On a Friday night we were on our way to fish fry driving by the Chevy dealer, second wife's eye catches a black Camaro convertible on the show room floor. So......... we stop to Look. we drove it home an hour later, pretty pricey fish fry. I still have this car, it's a Very Nice survivor car, never been in our Winter weather, sunny day cruiser only at 65K miles. Never did buy another 57, in my later years, have looked at some, seems to be 40/50 K minimum these days.

 

Very nice. Proportioned like Ivo's car and lacking all the gee-gaws Ts were festooned with as they got more popular.

 

That’s great, and that speaks volumes as to the kind of folks the Hollenbecks are. I’ve never met Darryl, but I messaged him one time asking about some paint/body advice. He was super kind to help me with all kinds of insight. I thought right then, now this is a good dude. Your story just verifies what I suspected.

 

That is one of the sweetest Ts I've ever seen. Glad you sold it to the right guy, and glad you got it back. Awesome story.

 

You have some great friends @Royalshifter. Many talk about worrying about who purchases their wheels. I do too...I'm thinking you felt happy who bought it from you...so here's a priceless grand finale to a situation that could have easily went quite differently. Congrats and I've always admired your visions in Hotrod, Custom. I guess I'm not the only one...

 

That is one fine looking T! You are a fortunate man! I hope you take some time to drive and enjoy that beauty.

 

Such a great iconic looking car, I'm glad you got it back

 

That is a fine looking automobile.

 

A great car and a heck of a good deal to get it back, too.

I'm really glad I never sold my first one, it rarely works out as well as this one has.

 

Fantastic looking T. Very nice!

 

Good things come to good people, Karma is Real! Congrats

 

Thank you guys, I am still blown away and very happy.

 

That is such a great story! And a great looking T! Congrats to you!

 

The best type of story
So cool
Nice ride

 

I really like to read things that give me a smile!! Thanks . Your T* has been one I love the look of* from first first pic I ever saw of it...That it's back with ya,yes that idea gives me a smile..
I still have my Sr High School [ 1960 to 62 ,was my Sr. school ] hotrod,Bobtailed 28A that I had built in Jr High ,but I also built a full custom* Henry J, in 1960,it was stolen in 64/never recoved >,,! If some how ,my Custom J,showed up,I'd try an buy it back,then restore it to how it was,when it was stolen.
Thanks for the up date,awesome T !!!!

 

Wow, it's so great to hear that there are still people in the hobby that care more about brotherhood, their reputation, and the car's story than just making a buck. Hot rodding is alive and well for the right reasons. Congrats on getting the car back, it looks great!

 

Full circle.
Great looking "T"

 

Great story! I have admired your car for years since I first saw it in print. Good for you being able to get it back thanks to a good friend. Last Spring I was able to buy back my first hot rod that I had sold 10 years prior ( mistake). I don’t plan to make the same mistake twice.