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.

Featured Article:  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. See more »

McGowan Brothers Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

McGowan Brothers Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

The McGowan Brothers' Roadster was built by teenagers Bobby and Frank McGowan in 1955 with vintage Ford parts. The engine is based on a Ford flathead block and features aluminum heads and a dual-coil ignition system. Learn about this historic hot rod.

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McMullen Deuces: Profile of a Hot Rod

McMullen Deuces: Profile of a Hot Rod

The McMullen Deuce had several different manifestations, always baring red flames as a symbol of hot rod cool. The car was a unique combination of power and style that became famous for the bright flames painted on the side. Learn about the Deuce in this article.

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Muroc Roadsters: Profile of a Hot Rod

Muroc Roadsters: Profile of a Hot Rod

Muroc Roadster buyers get steel-bodied rollers with independent suspensions and the customer chooses his own engine paint and upholstery. The steel bodies aren't just stock reproductions but custom designs. Learn about the popular Muroc hot rods.

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NieKamp Roadster: Profile of a Hot Road

NieKamp Roadster: Profile of a Hot Road

The NieKamp Roadster was the first historic hot rod to be restored. This particular car was raced at El Mirage for three seasons, where it achieved a top speed of 142 mph. Learn about this hot rodding icon originally built by Bill NieKamp in 1949.

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Ritzow Deuce: Profile of a Hot Rod

Ritzow Deuce: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Ritzow Deuce is equipped with a 1949 Mercury 260-cid flathead V-8 engine. The interior boasts custom green-dyed buffalo leather. The car blends a '40s look with modern build and technology. Learn more about this "high-tech traditional" hot rod.

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Rod Riguez: Profile of a Hot Rod

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.

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Roubal Drag Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

Roubal Drag Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Roubal Drag Roadster is a custom 1932 Ford roadster first assembled by Bob Roubal. The small-block Chevy engine set a record of 130 mph at the first Winter­nationals in Pomona California in 1961. Learn more about this speedy drag racing hot rod.

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So-Cal Coupe: Profile of a Hot Rod

So-Cal Coupe: Profile of a Hot Rod

The So-Cal Coupe built by Alex Xydias is one of the most raced cars in automotive history. The car has been in competition since the 1950s and still poses as a formidable opponent in most races. Read the storied past of this formidable hot rod.

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The Aluma Coupe: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Aluma Coupe: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Aluma Coupe debuted at the New York Auto Show to extensive press coverage. The car established Boyd Coddington as the premier builder of his time and inspired further auto company involvement in hot rods. Read about this revolutionary hot rod.

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The Avenger: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Avenger: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Avenger hot rod is the ultimate show car a custom marvel. This particular car features a unique set of engine headers that bend under the frame of the car. See photos and learn more about this custom 1932 Ford coupe built by Don Tognotti.

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The California Kid: Profile of a Hot Rod

The California Kid: Profile of a Hot Rod

The California Kid hot rod was featured in a movie of the same name in 1973. It features a Ford 302-cid V-8 engine and a custom flaming paint job that is a sure head turner. See some photos of this unique hot rod and learn more about its creation.

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The Deucari: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Deucari: Profile of a Hot Rod

To create the Deucari, Brian Burnett combined the power of a Ferrari engine with the beauty of a Deuce roadster. It features a 320-horsepower 268-cid Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 V-12 engine capable of achieving 105 mph. Learn more about this hot rod.

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The Elvis Car: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Elvis Car: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Elvis Car was the first 1929 Model A roadster to use a 1932 Ford Deuce frame. Because of the unique customization that went into the car, the car has a look that is ahead of its time. Learn about this hot rod that appeared as Elvis' ride in Loving You.

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The Kolmos Phaeton: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Kolmos Phaeton: Profile of a Hot Rod

Simple, yet tasteful and aggressive in stance and performance, Kolmos' phantom Phaeton still looks great today more than 50000 miles later. The Phaeton boasts a Chevy 350-cid V-8 hooked to a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. Check out the Phaeton.

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The Kolmos Sedan: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Kolmos Sedan: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Kolmos Sedan features a chopped channeled and fenderless 1932 Ford Tudor body. The Chevy 350-cid V-8 motor has custom valve covers and 300 horsepower running through a smooth-shifting Turbo 350 automatic. Check out the custom Kolmos sedan.

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The Silver Bullet: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Silver Bullet: Profile of a Hot Rod

The Silver Bullet hot rod combined traditional styling with innovative detail. This car features a Chevy 350 with a single four-barrel carburetor. Learn more about legendary hot rodder Boyd Coddington's roadster.

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The So-Cal Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

The So-Cal Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

The engine in the So-Cal Roadster is a Chevy 355 with a Holley 420 MegaBlower supercharger. You can see one in person at your local So-Cal Speed Shop. Or if you have the means you can order one of your own. Learn about the custom So-Cal Roadster.

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The ZZ Top Eliminator: Profile of a Hot Rod

The ZZ Top Eliminator: Profile of a Hot Rod

Billy F. Gibbons had a 1933 Ford restored into what became known as the Eliminator coupe. It was made famous from its appearance in several ZZ Top's music videos. Learn more about the ZZ Top Eliminator and other hot rods.

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Wetzels Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

Wetzels Roadster: Profile of a Hot Rod

Wetzel's Roadster was built by Bill Hook and Valley Custom and finished by Leland Wetzel. This car originally featured a powerful Ford flathead V-8 with Evans heads and intake manifold. Learn how this 1932 Ford roadster became a classic hot rod.

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