Cliff Rich's 1926 Ford Model T Coupe - Lemon T

Photo courtesy of Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers Society.

Cliff's Coupe compared to a stock Model T Coupe. Photo courtesy of Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers Society.

Featured on the cover of Car Craft April 1959, the Lemon T became the first Canadian car to be featured on the cover of Car Craft Magazine.

A photo of the coupe taken shortly after Ross Kinman bought it. Dave believed this was the original color. The color it was when he first saw it when Cliff or El Donovan showed it in one of the late 1950s BCCCA car shows. Photo from The Dave Willis Photo Collection.

Photo from The Dave Willis Photo Collection.

A second, fogged and panel painted iteration of the coupe as it appeared while Ross owned it. Photo from The Dave Willis Photo Collection.

A photo of the Coupe next to Dave Willis' 1933 Ford 3-Window Coupe. Photo from The Dave Willis Photo Collection.

A photo of the coupe behind Cort Elliot's 1951 Chevrolet.

1926 Ford Model T Coupe owned and built by Cliff Rich. Known as the "Lemon T," the car was prominently featured in Car Craft April 1959, becoming the first Canadian car to be featured on the cover of Car Craft magazine.

Background and Influence

When Cliff started the project at age 17, he already had three years of experience in the hot rod scene. Having played with a 1935 Ford Five-Window Coupe, Cliff had a vision. After his shift at BowMac, Cliff would head home to this project in the Rich family's one-light-bulb garage. Earning $15.00 weekly, Cliff spent long hours constructing one of the iconic cars in early Canadian hot rodding. This historic car influenced many local boys to get into the hot rod craze in the late 1950s.

Chopped and Channeled

According to Car Craft Magazine, the foundation of the build was a 1926 Ford Model T body mounted on a 1931 Chevrolet frame. To achieve a harmonious fit and enhanced stance, the chassis was narrowed by six inches at the rear. The body was also channeled an additional six inches and the top chopped by six inches, giving the coupe a low and aggressive profile. The coupe's exterior was finished in a vibrant Lemon-yellow lacquer, ensuring it stood out on the road. The front fenders were from a 1926 Ford, while the rear fenders were sourced from a 1923 Ford, contributing to its distinctive look.

Interior Details

Inside, the coupe featured an interior adorned with pleated and rolled plastic, adding a touch of elegance and custom flair. The dashboard was equipped with a comprehensive set of S-W gauges, providing the driver with all necessary information at a glance. The drive shaft was neatly enclosed between the two bucket seats, emphasizing the car’s clean and uncluttered interior design.

Engine and Performance

Once the car was completed, it was driven to the Seattle car show, and on the return trip, Cliff realized that the 1937 Chevrolet six-cylinder could not keep up with Stu Braddock's V8. So, out came the banger, and in went a 1955 Buick Nailhead and Dynaflow transmission.

According to Car Craft Magazine, the Buick engine boasted a 9.5:1 compression ratio and was fitted with a special set of headers. The powerplant was not only high-performing but also aesthetically pleasing, being fully chromed. The transmission was a stock 1955 Buick Dynaflow, which transferred power to the 3.54:1 rear-end gears. To enhance the vehicle's traction and performance, the rear was equipped with 8.20 x 15 tires. The braking system incorporated 1937 Chevrolet brakes at both the front and rear, ensuring reliable stopping power.

Build Time

Cliff dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to this build, completing the transformation of the Model T Coupe over a period of three years. The Lemon T was the first Canadian car to be featured on the cover of Car Craft magazine. The Lemon T was also featured in Rodding and Restyling April 1961. The car was driven to the Seattle car show, and upon its return, it brought back eleven trophies.

Where is it Now?

In November of 2023, Dave Willis told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama that Cliff sold the coupe to El Donovan. Fellow Cut-Outs of Port Alberni member Ross Kinman bought it from El Donovan. "Ross sold the T to Dennis Prior who sold it to Ray Deederly." Both were Port Alberni guys. Ray couldn't remember who he sold the car to, but he told Willis that he believed it ended up in the US. Friends of Willis believes it is still somewhere in the Vancouver area, hidden away from the public. Please get in touch with Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com if you know where the Lemon T is today. Or if you have heard anything about what happened to it.

Magazine Features and Appearances

Car Craft April 1959