1909 Ford Model T

Joe Bailon is one of the most significant figures in the history of American custom car building. Among other things, he is credited with developing Candy Apple Red paint, a finish that became one of the defining visual signatures of the custom car movement and has remained in continuous use ever since. Bailon and George Barris were the dominant names in the California custom scene during the 1950s through 1970s, and a documented Joe Bailon build from that era carries provenance that few customs of any period can match.

Bailon built this Model T-inspired limousine in 1974, naming it the "Tall Candy T." The car was built on a custom chassis with Jaguar independent front and rear suspension, an inboard power disc brake system, custom driveshaft, and a quickchange rear differential. Power comes from a 2.8-liter V6 said to have been sourced from a 1970s Mercury Capri, fed through a two-barrel Holley carburetor, and exhausted through chrome headers and Cherry Bomb mufflers. A C4 automatic transmission sends power to the 15-inch wire wheels.

The interior features custom upholstery throughout — brown leather in the front seat, tan cloth in the rear passenger compartment and side panels — with a four-spoke mahogany steering wheel on a polished brass steering column and connected to a Ford steering box. Brass lantern-style exterior lights, full running boards, period fenders, and a plethora of custom touches complete the presentation.