The Boston Strangler - Fad T Rod from back in the day

Here's some proper British hot rodding history and like a lot of the really famous early cars this one has a proper American connection as well.  Some of you will know this car already, and for those who don't I'll just copy the information which is provided on the eBay auction for this historic rod.

Originally built in the 1960's by Rick Heinrick of Boston Massachusetts hence the cars sinister moniker.

The metal flake green body,

327 Chevy four speed

62 Chevy live axle

Whilst on Tour in the USA bought by Rock Star Jeff Beck who in 1969 imported it back to the UK.

Soon after this the “T “had an accident and Jeff Beck re-built it adding a full height screen, black top and purple flake paint.

The “T” then was sold to the late John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. It made a brief appearance in the Led Zeppelinn movie “The Song Remains the Same” along with the Brizio C Cab.

In 1980 “The Strangler” was sold to Terry Richards (Birmingham) who totally re-built it adding the 471 blower auto gearbox and orange paint.

October 1981 The “T” was featured in Custom Car Magazine.

Terry sold the “T” to John Cullen who had more work done by Nick Butler hence the addition of the Butler-style fenders.

A few years on the “T” was bought by Alan Bradley who in 1987 put the car into a pop memorabilia auction at Christie's. The “T” was bought from the auction by Mercedes Specialist John Lewis who often parked the “T” in his Parsons Green Showroom.

After his death the “T” was owned by (T enthusiast) Maurice Takoor insurance assessor. He showed the “T” at the 1st NSRA Super-nationalss at Knebworth in 1991, and again at the NASC Nats in Essex.

Maurice was soon approached by a rep from US Brewery Anheuser Busch who were looking to open a new chain of US style restaurants in the UK called “TJ's” and wanted a radical looking T as a centrepiece for their Farnham Branch.

For Health and Safety reasons the fuel tank, battery and some wiring were removed. Also removed was the windscreen never to be seen again.

The Restaurant chain was not a success leading to closure.  The “T” was not heard of again for many years................

Today the “T” is owned by Robert Cumming of Bournemouth Dorset who bought it from the brewery. Robert has had the following works done by Gordon Evans who has bought the “T” back to life.

• Rebuilt Holly Carb
• New:-
• HT leads
• Mallory distributor
• Alternator
• Fuel cell
• Brake master cylinder
• Brakes
• Re- wired
• Battery
• Windscreen
• Gaskets
• Plugs
• Oil
• Etc..........

The car drives and engine runs strong..........

THE CAR HAS DONE NO MILES SINCE 1980 FULL REBUILD

Its on eBay for £7000 start and no bids yet.  Its a fantastic piece of rodding history being such a well known car with rock star heritage to boot.