Car Models

In the Car Models Channel, read about some of the most popular cars to hit the showroom floor. Check out the HowStuffWorks Car Models Channel.

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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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The Marquis is an example of a custom car with mostly fabricated parts. The interior is trimmed in gold and white, and another prominent feature is a full-length center console. Learn about this 1962 custom car created by Bill Cushenbery.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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Custom cars are more than just a form of transportation. They represent a lifestyle and an attitude that's part rebellion, part fashion, and 100 percent American.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The anticipated 1958 Edsel Bermuda station wagon was known for its styling, and not always in a good way. The main point of controversy came from the unusual vertical grille on the front end, which was known as the horse collar. See photos of the 1958 Edsel Bermuda.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Along with transporting the rich and famous, limousines are a favored mode of transportation for politicos, players, partygoers and brides and grooms alike. Learn how exotic cars like Humvees -- and even airplanes -- have been converted into luxury rides.

By Jonathan Strickland

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The Matranga Mercury was one of the first custom car masterpieces created by Barris Kustoms. Unfortunately, the original Matranga was demolished in a wreck during a race on a wet road. Learn about this influential 1940 Mercury custom car.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The Ohanesian 1940 Mercury combine good design sense and quality craftsmanship. The car features a removable top that features seams that give the top the look of one solid piece. Learn about this winning custom car restyled by Dick Bertolucci.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

La Jolla was built by a teenage Harry Bradley one of the most respected custom car stylists in history. Every panel on the car received some sort of customization when this car was originally modified. Learn about his first great custom design.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The Buddy Alcorn Mercury was one of the best-executed custom cars of its time. The car features an incredible amount of skilled labor that was going out of style in the late 1950s. Learn about this 1950 Mercury custom car created by the Ayala brothers.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The Dream Truck was a custom car builder's dream initiated in 1953 by Spencer Murray. The car's unique interior features a hand-molded dashboard that is integrated into the doors. See photos and learn more about the custom 1950 Chevy pickup.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Harley Earl has been called the father of American automotive design. See our list of 11 design innovations of Harley Earl such as the Wraparound Windshield and the Auto-Styling Studio to find out why.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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The 1962-1964 Ford lineup is often overlooked but the Galaxie was a worthy car. The cars of this era were known for featuring big powerful engines such as the 390 Thunderbird Special. Learn about the 1962-1964 Ford Galaxie including specifications.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1961-1964 Cadillac started with a brand-new design then added improved performance and features each year. While the 1961 Cadillac was very similar mechanically to the previous year's model it looked very different. Learn more about 1961-1964 Cadillacs.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

A Bentley brings to mind the lives of the rich and famous. Bentleys are about speed, performance and luxury -- and if you have to ask how much it costs, you probably won't be buying one anytime soon.

By Jonathan Strickland

The 1954-1956 Oldsmobile lineup was highly popular thanks to its Starfire designs. Oldsmobile introduced three new models intended for 1955 in 1954 after Olds discovered it was capable of early production. Check out the 1954-1956 Oldsmobiles including pictures and specs.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The 1937-1938 Ford lineup caused quite a stir, beginning with the spectacular introduction of the 1937 models. The debut of the 1937 models was done in a flashy presentation. Ford needed the attention after slow 1936 sales. Follow the 1937-1938 Ford story.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1932 Plymouth PA Rumble-Seat coupe included new safety features and was solidly built. Sales in the auto industry were low because of the Depression, but Plymouth moved up to third in sales in 1932. Learn more about the car that helped boost Plymouth sales.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide