hot rods library

A fad that began shortly after WWII, Hot Rods were cool, low and modified for speed. See photos and learn more about the Elvis Car, the California Kid, the Silver Bullet and others.

Rod Riguez: Profile of a Hot Rod

Featured Article: Rod Riguez: Profile of a Hot Rod

The "Rod"riguez hot rod is a fine example of Japanese design, blending hot rod custom and lowrider styling in a completely original way. The engine uses a 303-cid Rocket V-8 and Hydra-Matic transmission from a '49 Oldsmobile. Read about "Rod"riguez. See more »

50th Anniversary Hot Rod: Profile of a Hot Rod

50th Anniversary Hot Rod: Profile of a Hot Rod

As Hot Rod Magazine's 50th anniversary approached, the editorial staff considered building a Deuce roadster as its anniversary car. Illustrator Chip Foose had a better idea: Build a modern version of the tracknose '27 T that appeared on the first cover.

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Booth 27 T: Profile of a Hot Rod

Booth 27 T: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Booth '27 T hot rod was built by Bill Booth in the late 1960s. The car originally featured a Chevy 283-cid V-8 engine that was later replaced with a Chevy 350. Learn more about the modifications he made and see photos of this classic hot rod.

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Bud Bryan 29 Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

Bud Bryan 29 Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

In 1968 the Bud Bryan '29 Roadster was one of the first nostalgia-styled hot rods built on vintage components. The Roadster featured a a 276-cid 1948 Mercury flathead V-8 engine with two carburetors. Learn more about this hot rod.

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Burk Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

Burk Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Burk Roadster hot rod illustrates one of the most impressive traits shared by hot rodders: the ability to build their own cars. The Burk Roadster is proof that the self-sufficient rodder is alive and well. Read about this 275-horsepower hot rod.

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Calori Coupe: Profile of a Hot Rod

Calori Coupe: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Calori Coupe was one of the most stunning hot rods in history. This car featured a high level of detail and finish which set it apart from other hot rods of the era. Learn about this detailed 1936 Ford custom built by famed lake racer Jack Calori.

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Chopped Mercurys of the 1950s

Chopped Mercurys of the 1950s

The chopped Mercurys of the 1950s marked the beginning of the custom car phenomenon. Hot rod magazines were the product of the growing trend in chopping and customizing Mercurys of the era. Read about the 1949-1951 Mercs the ultimate customs.

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Chrisman Model A Sedan: Profile of a Hot Rod

Chrisman Model A Sedan: Profile of a Hot Rod

The 1929 Chrisman Model A Sedan was a drag racer built by Jack Chrisman. The car featured a Hemi engine and LaSalle transmission that gave the Model A a top speed of 129 miles per hour. Learn about this hot rod's speedy engine and beautiful restoration.

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Corporate Rods

Corporate Rods

In the 1990s, several corporate automakers recognized that hot rod-inspired show cars could draw attention to their brands. The phenomenon began with the Boyd Coddington-built/Mitsubishi-backed Aluma Coupe, and spread among a number of automakers.

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Doane Spencer Deuce: Profile of a Hot Rod

Doane Spencer Deuce: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Doane Spencer Deuce could reach speeds of 126 mph when raced during the 1940s. The car featured an engine-turned dash and hand-rolled gas-tank cover that helped it win the Best Appearing Roadster award. Learn about this speedy 1932 Ford street roadster hot rod.

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Eclipse: Profile of a Hot Rod

Eclipse: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Eclipse straddled the line between a custom car and a hot rod. This was done as a sort of promotion so that Ray Farhner could demonstrate what his custom shop could do. Learn more about this marvelous award-winning hot rod and builder Ray Farhner.

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Frank Mack T: Profile of a Hot Rod

Frank Mack T: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Frank Mack T was a 1927 Model T roadster built to impressive specifications by Frank Mack. One of the unique features of the car is an exposed transmission and driveshaft between the driver and passenger seats. Learn more about this classic hot rod.

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Grabowski T: Profile of a Hot Rod

Grabowski T: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Grabowski T hot rod set the standard for T-bucket rods and flashy imitable style. The car featured a 1952 Cadillac V-8 engine with a GMC 3-71 supercharger. It was also featured in Life magazine. Learn more about the real star of TV's 77 Sunset Strip.

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Hot Rod Profiles

Hot Rod Profiles

Hot rods are built for looks and speed. Hot rod popularity started shortly after World War II and continues to thrive today. Hot rods are customized to fit the personality of the owner. Learn about the history and evolution of these innovative automobiles.

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Instant T: Profile of a Hot Rod

Instant T: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Instant T was the first complete hot rod Ted McMullen's U.S. Speed Sport built in the early 1960s. The car featured a powerful Corvette 283-cid V-8 with three two-barrel carburetors and an Offenhauser intake manifold. Learn the rod's history in this article.

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Isky T: Profile of a Hot Rod

Isky T: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Isky T was built by legendary cam grinder Ed Iskenderian. Built with parts salvaged from other cars, this hot rod has a unique, but attractive appearance. Learn about the speedy Isky T one of the oldest surviving unrestored hot rods.

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Ivo T: Profile of a Hot Rod

Ivo T: Profile of a Hot Rod

The custom hot rod Ivo T was created by actor/racer "TV" Tommy Ivo in the 1950s. The combination of a light body weight and a powerful engine gave this car many wins on the drag strip. Learn about the hot rod's origin and see photos in this article.

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Jakes Coupe: Profile of a Hot Rod

Jakes Coupe: Profile of a Hot Rod

Because of its great style and craftsmanship, Jake's Coupe is considered one of the best hot rods ever built. It is totally original and features authentic Ford steel. The Coupe is loud and fast and known for drawing attention. Learn more about this 1973 hot rod.

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Jimmy Shines 34 Pickup: Profile of a Hot Rod

Jimmy Shines 34 Pickup: Profile of a Hot Rod

Jimmy Shine's '34 pickup shows that today's rodders have a reverence for the past, the ability to build great cars, and an eye for unique and inspiring design. The true beauty of this pickup is in the raw metalwork. Check out this unfinished hot rod.

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Little Deuce Coupe: Profile of a Hot Rod

Little Deuce Coupe: Profile of a Hot Rod

Little Deuce Coupe is a custom 1932 Ford coupe first owned by a teen from Detroit. The car got its name and popularity when the car was featured on the cover of a Beach Boys album. Learn details about the hot rod behind the famous Beach Boys song.

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McGee/Scritchfield Deuce: Profile of a Hot Rod

McGee/Scritchfield Deuce: Profile of a Hot Rod

The McGee/Scritchfield Deuce is one of the most important cars in hot rod history. The car has made many movie and television appearances and inspired the L.A. Roadsters club logo. Learn about the speedy highboy first featured in Hot Rod in 1948.

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