Collectible and Classic Cars

With its streamlined airplane-inspired design, the 1935-1940 Peugeot 402 caused quite a sensation in Europe. The design was mostly influenced by the principals that governed the young air travel industry. Follow the story of the Peugeot 402.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The flowing proportions of the Afterglow were inspired by a car built by a custom pioneer more than 50 years ago. Quality execution modern building techniques and an eye-catching coppery paint job produced a winner. Learn more about the Afterglow.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

A chance meeting between William Lyons, founder of Jaguar, and a neighbor led to the creation of a classic. Cars like the 1937 SS Jaguar 100 gave Jaguar a reputation for producing beautifully styled sports cars. Follow the Jaguar story from the start.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The bullet-nosed Frankenstude debuted at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its unique design, complex engineering, and robust performance potential made it a hit. Read how Frankenstude helped launch a new wave of custom takes on '50s cars.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Since 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has been the ultimate car show. Steeped in tradition, it is an exclusive and elegant celebration of the history of the automobile. Read more about hot rods at this classic invitation-only event.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1966-1967 Mercury Comet took on a racier role with cars like the Cyclone GT. They outsold the full-size Mercury each year, making it Lincoln-Mercury's best-selling line. See pictures and learn about the 1966-1967 Mercury Comet.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1950s Revival Leadsled custom car was built when mainstream America seemed to rediscover the smooth curves of the '50s. This chop-top proves that the appeal of a well-designed custom car is timeless. Read more about the Revival Leadsled.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Cole Foster found the 1954 Chevy hardtop in a junkyard, then worked on it off and on for six years. The Chevy illustrates Foster's philosophy--fresh purposeful and designed to look as good in 30 years as it does now. Read more on the custom '54.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Nadean made her debut at the Detroit Autorama, arriving at the peak of the forward-thinking high-tech billet-aluminum phase of custom history. It's a clean-sheet redesign that makes a very modern design statement. Check out Nadean the hot rod.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

A lesser-known jeep prototype, the extremely rare 1944 Ford GWP Military Jeep was made for the Army by Ford during World War II. The Ford prototype had the lowest Army road test scored but the company was capable of handling large production.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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

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

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

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