Hot rods are typically American cars that might be old, classic, or modern and that have been rebuilt or modified with large engines optimized for speed and acceleration. One definition is: "a car that's been stripped down, souped up and made to go much faster." However, there is no definition of the term that is universally accepted and the term is attached to a wide range of vehicles. Most often they are individually designed and constructed using components from many makes of old or new cars, and are most prevalent in the United States and Canada. Many are intended for exhibition rather than for racing or everyday driving.
George Barris was an American designer and builder of Hollywood custom cars. Barris designed and built the Hirohata Merc. Barris's company, Barris Kustom Industries, designed and built the Munster Koach and DRAG-U-LA for The Munsters; and the 1966 Batmobile for the Batman TV series and film.
A custom car is a passenger vehicle that has been either substantially altered to improve its performance, often by altering or replacing the engine and transmission; made into a personal "styling" statement, using paintwork and aftermarket accessories to make the car look unlike any car as delivered from the factory; or some combination of both. A desire among some automotive enthusiasts in the United States is to push "styling and performance a step beyond the showroom floor - to truly craft an automobile of one's own." A custom car in British according to Collins English Dictionary is built to the buyer's own specifications.
Boyd Coddington was an American hot rod designer, the owner of the Boyd Coddington Hot Rod Shop, and star of American Hot Rod on TLC.
Douglas Sam "Chip" Foose is an American automobile designer, artist, and star of Velocity's reality television series Overhaulin'.
The Detroit Autorama, also known as America's Greatest Hot Rod Show, is a showcase of custom cars and hot rods held each year at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan, in either late February or early March.
The Ford Model A was the Ford Motor Company's second market success, replacing the venerable Model T which had been produced for 18 years. It was first produced on October 20, 1927, but not introduced until December 2. This new Model A was designated a 1928 model and was available in four standard colors.
Dick Dean, born Richard Dean Sawitskas [Sa-WITS-kas], was an American automobile designer and builder of custom cars. Father of Keith Dean.
Brad Fanshaw is co-star of Speed Channel reality television show, Car Warriors, Season 2, host of Street Rod and Custom Radio by Entertainment Radio Network, an award winning automotive fabricator and CEO/President of Bonneville Worldwide, Inc. and bonspeed 'The California Speed & Design' Studio where he has won design awards from both General Motors and Ford. Fanshaw is credited with coining the phrase, rock-n-roll automotive lifestyle and is business partner with former Van Halen bass player, Michael Anthony.
Troy Ladd is an American designer and builder of custom cars and hot rods from Burbank, CA known for building traditional styled vehicles. After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Business from Vanguard University, Troy formulated a business plan for Hollywood Hot Rods, taking into account location, size of the building and equipment. In 2002 Headquarters for Hollywood Hot Rods were set up in Burbank, CA. Industry magazines took notice of the cars being built at Hollywood Hot Rods and titles such as Street Rodder Magazine, Hot Rod Magazine and Rod & Custom were responsible for getting the word out about Troy Ladd’s shop.
Ala Kart is a custom car, a customized 1929 Ford Model A roadster pickup, built by George Barris, Richard Peters, and Mike "Blackie" Gejeian in 1957. Originally owned by Peters, it is a two-time winner of the Grand National Roadster Show "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" (AMBR) trophy and Hot Rod cover car in October 1958. Featured in hundreds of car shows, Ala Kart has won more than 200 trophies. It has also made numerous appearances in movies, usually in the background of drive-in shots, and dozens of magazine articles since. It is considered by many to be "one of the most iconic hot rods ever built."
Michael "Blackie" Gejeian was an American race car driver, race car builder, and hot rod enthusiast. Considered an "Industry Legend", Gejeian was the organizer of the Autorama, one of the largest custom car shows in North America, held annually in Fresno, California.
"America’s Most Beautiful Roadster" or (AMBR) is an award presented annually at the Grand National Roadster Show. It was created by promoter Al Slonaker to recognize the best roadster in-show. The winner's name is engraved on a 9-foot "mega-trophy" that is maintain by the event's promoter, Rod Shows Inc. At that time of its creation, the AMBR Award trophy was the biggest in the world.
Glass Slipper is a pioneering streamliner dragster.
Richard Megugorac, commonly known as Dick or by his nickname Magoo, was an American land speed racer and customizer.
Silhouette was an award-winning show car built by Bill Cushenbery in 1962. It debuted at the 1963 Oakland Roadster Show.
Impact is a custom-built 1934 Ford roadster built by Richard Berg. It won the 2001 America's Most Beautiful Roadster award.
The Mantaray is a show rod built in 1963 by Dean Jeffries. The car won Best Experimental in its debut at the 1964 Pomona car show and the special constructor's award, top non-roadster prize, at the 1964 Oakland Roadster Show. It also appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Steve Allen and in Bikini Beach.
George Poteet is an American Memphis-based land speed racer and winner of the 1996 Ridler Award.
Don Pilkenton is a car customizer based in Ohio, United States. He has built three cars to win the Ridler Award, in 1993, 1996 and 1999. He was the first builder to win the award three times.
