The American hot rod are typically unique interpretation and artistic expression of the builder. Many are modified with large modified engines for speed and performance. The origin of the word ‘hot rod’ is still up for debate, with some believing ‘hot’ was in reference to the vehicle being stolen. Other legends state that ‘hot’ is in reference to ‘hotting up’ a car, while the ‘rod’ was in reference to the engine’s camshaft.
Southern California in the late 1930s was the birthplace of Hot Rods, where cars were modified to race on dry lake beds near Los Angeles. This gained popularity after World War II, with the Ford Model T and Model’s often being the canvas on which these artist chose to work their magic.
