The term ‘Hot Rod’ appeared in the 1920’s/1930’s and is generally represented by a pre 1949 modified car, although some will include cars from the 50’s as well. Furthermore there are modern fibreglass replicas, which are also considered to be hotrods by many, as they look pretty much exactly like their steel body originals. Also for some the term ‘hot rod’ will mean a car built and modified for the purpose of racing, while the term ‘street rod’ will mean a car that is built and modified for use on the road. However it will generally be accepted that any car modified from the appropriate era can be called a ‘hot rod’.
Going back to the 1920’s, many of the first hot rodders were modifying four cylinder Ford Model T’s, as these were light to start with, easy to work on and then carrying out simple engine mods and stripping them of their fenders, lights, hood and anything else not required to make the car go faster.
Speed shops started to pop up and in 1932 the Ford V8 flathead arrived and so started the transition to the use of a V8 motor. Soon after timing equipment started being used for racing and by the late 40’s enthusiasts were now altering the looks of their cars for individuality. The late 40’s/early 50’s see an explosion of custom cars, racing, cruising the streets or meeting at the drive-ins (largely brought on by post war service men seeking fun and excitement). Magazine’s devoted to these cars start appearing and even movies are made and the rest is history, as they say.
Below are some of the more popular cars hot rodded and a few videos for your entertainment:
Some of the more popular Hot Rods (however almost any car can be hot rodded):
Click on any of the images below for a larger picture.
32 Ford – 3 Window
32 Ford – 5 Window
American Graffiti
32 Ford – Roadster
33 Ford
34 Ford
40/41 Willys Coupe
Rat Rods
Ford Model A
Ford Model T – T Bucket
1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe
Ford Anglia
Ford Pop
Early Days:
Old School Hot Rodding
The Way It REALLY Was
Dreams of Legends – teaser clip
Some Nice Rods:
Put Together By Us For You
Jeff Becks Hot Rods
Hot Rod Fever
Hot Rods
Graffiti gold on motorsports unlimited
Old School Ford Coupe Hot Rod
This page has now been split into 2 pages, due to the number of videos on it:
Hot Rods Page 2
