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Featured Hot Rods Buying back your first Hot Rod

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Royalshifter, Feb 9, 2026 at 10:03 AM.

  1. Royalshifter
    Joined: May 29, 2005
    Posts: 16,177

    Royalshifter
    Moderator
    from California

    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.
    skipper t5.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2026 at 10:10 AM
  2. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 34,265

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    Wow, one of a kind story. right place, with the right guy. Congrats
     
    Sharpone, dana barlow, hrm2k and 4 others like this.
  3. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 9,393

    RodStRace
    Member

    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.
     
  4. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 9,393

    RodStRace
    Member

  5. catdad49
    Joined: Sep 25, 2005
    Posts: 7,093

    catdad49
    Member

    Wow, Great T and Great Friends!!
     
    Sharpone, dana barlow, hrm2k and 4 others like this.
  6. HOTRODPRIMER
    Joined: Jan 3, 2003
    Posts: 65,105

    HOTRODPRIMER
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
     
    Sharpone, dana barlow, hrm2k and 4 others like this.
  7. guthriesmith
    Joined: Aug 17, 2006
    Posts: 12,263

    guthriesmith
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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!
     
  8. Holy role reversal Batman! That’s amazing.
     
  9. wicarnut
    Joined: Oct 29, 2009
    Posts: 9,309

    wicarnut
    Member

    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
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2026 at 11:25 AM
  10. dirt car
    Joined: Jun 26, 2010
    Posts: 1,656

    dirt car
    Member
    from nebraska

    "A friend in need is a friend indeed" heartwarming story!
     
  11. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 38,284

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

  12. wicarnut
    Joined: Oct 29, 2009
    Posts: 9,309

    wicarnut
    Member

    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.
     
  13. TCTND
    Joined: Dec 27, 2019
    Posts: 769

    TCTND
    Member

    Very nice. Proportioned like Ivo's car and lacking all the gee-gaws Ts were festooned with as they got more popular.
     
  14. ronzmtrwrx
    Joined: Sep 9, 2008
    Posts: 1,635

    ronzmtrwrx
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
     
  15. 2devilles
    Joined: Jul 16, 2021
    Posts: 846

    2devilles
    Member

    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.
     
  16. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 27,260

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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...;)
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2026 at 1:26 PM
  17. The 39 guy
    Joined: Nov 5, 2010
    Posts: 3,794

    The 39 guy
    Member

    That is one fine looking T! You are a fortunate man! I hope you take some time to drive and enjoy that beauty.
     
  18. swade41
    Joined: Apr 6, 2004
    Posts: 14,572

    swade41
    Member
    from Buffalo,NY

    Such a great iconic looking car, I'm glad you got it back
     
  19. partsdawg
    Joined: Feb 12, 2006
    Posts: 3,972

    partsdawg
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Minnesota

    That is a fine looking automobile.
     
  20. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 18,627

    Squablow
    Member

    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.
     
    Driver50x, Stogy, Sharpone and 2 others like this.
  21. williebill
    Joined: Mar 1, 2004
    Posts: 3,501

    williebill
    Member

    Fantastic looking T. Very nice!
     
  22. Rice n Beans Garage
    Joined: Dec 17, 2006
    Posts: 1,755

    Rice n Beans Garage
    Member

    Good things come to good people, Karma is Real! Congrats
     
  23. Royalshifter
    Joined: May 29, 2005
    Posts: 16,177

    Royalshifter
    Moderator
    from California

    Thank you guys, I am still blown away and very happy.
     
  24. CME1
    Joined: Aug 10, 2010
    Posts: 361

    CME1
    Member

    That is such a great story! And a great looking T! Congrats to you!:cool:
     
  25. SAVAGE
    Joined: May 13, 2002
    Posts: 934

    SAVAGE
    Alliance Vendor

    The best type of story
    So cool
    Nice ride
     
  26. dana barlow
    Joined: May 30, 2006
    Posts: 5,462

    dana barlow
    Member
    from Miami Fla.

    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 :mad:>,,!
    Thanks for the up date,awesome T !!!!:D;):cool:
     
  27. 05snopro440
    Joined: Mar 15, 2011
    Posts: 3,133

    05snopro440
    Member

    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!
     
  28. AHotRod
    Joined: Jul 27, 2001
    Posts: 12,387

    AHotRod
    Member

  29. 40FORDPU
    Joined: Mar 15, 2009
    Posts: 4,026

    40FORDPU
    Member

    Full circle.
    Great looking "T"
     
  30. ne'erdowell
    Joined: Nov 30, 2005
    Posts: 708

    ne'erdowell
    Member

    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. IMG_6381.jpeg
     

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