Drool-Worthy Photos Of The Most Iconic Hot Rods Ever Made
Hot rods don’t conform to anything. They come in every possible shape in every possible size with every possible configuration. Yes, they might be uncomfortable or downright impractical at times, but that’s not the point here. They have the looks, they have the power, and that’s all that matters. Here are 40 of the most iconic hot rods ever built!
1955 Ford 'Beatnik' Bubble-Top
The 1955 Ford 'Beatnik' is undoubtedly the most iconic bubble-top ever made. Built by famed car customizer Gary 'Chopit' Fioto, this rod combines the best of Ford, Chevrolet, Lincoln, Chrysler, and Cadillac.
Fioto mounted the cowl, hood, and doors of a 1955 Ford on the chassis of a 1988 Lincoln Town Car, threw in a Chevy small-block V8 topped with six carburetors, before installing Cadillac bumpers and front grille, Lincoln headlamps, and Chrysler taillamps and fins. The result was a rod that went on to win pretty much every custom show at the time and was auctioned off for $396,000 in 2006.
1922 Ford T-Bucket 'Kookie's Kar'
Built by Norm Grabowski with a unique blend of a Ford Model T, a Model A roadster, and a Model A pickup in the early 50s, this chic rod is what started the T-Bucket craze.
Having appeared on the covers of magazines like Hot Rod, Car Craft, LIFE, it was all the craze back then. Its appearance in ABC's 1958 show '77 Sunset Strip,' in particular, made it a household name, earning it the nickname 'Kookie's Kar' after its owner Gerald 'Kookie' Kookson III played by Edd Byrnes.
1934 Packard 'Aquarius'
Nicknamed 'Aquarius,' this 1934 Packard was the ride of auto-obsessed Metallica's star and lead vocalist James Hetfield. An icon of American vintage hot rods, Aquarius was inspired by the 1939 Delahaye Type 165.
This beauty wasn't all looks though. It was insanely luxurious and was powered by a mighty 376 cu-in LS3 Crate V8 under the hood. The Aquarius is currently on display in the Petersen Automotive Museum in LA along with nine other stunning hot rods from Hetfield's sick collection.
Ed Roth's Outlaw
This stunning rod was the brainchild of Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth, an icon of the 50s counterculture and an avid hot rodder. It was a fully custom car with most of its drivetrain soured from junkyard and body and frame rails fabricated by hand.
Under the hood, it had a 331 cu-in Cadillac V8 with four Stromberg 2-barrel carbs mated with a 1939 Ford 3-speed transmission. Now a hot rod icon currently on display in the Museum of American Speed, the entire car cost $800 when Roth built it in 1959.
Golden Sahara II
Legendary custom car designer George Barris made history when he remodeled a 1953 Lincoln Capri that got its roof sheared off in an accident into a sick-looking car the world knows today as Golden Sahara II. Besides the stunning looks, the tech used in this custom rod was decades ahead - something that came in handy in the 1960 Hollywood classic 'Cinderfella.'
This iconic hot rod could be driven remotely, its doors could open automatically, and its braking system could detect obstacles. The best feature, however, was the Goodyear Neothane tires that lit from the inside and created an insanely dramatic effect during night drives.
1957 Chevrolet 3100 'Quiksilver' Custom Pickup
Hand-built by Oklahoma's Hot Garage in 5 long years, this 1957 Chevy 3100 'Quiksilver' is believed to be one of the most iconic custom-built trucks ever. This ostentatious rod featured chromed parts, ultra-smooth lines, super-cute body panels, and a perfectly lowered stance.
Just like its superb exterior detail, the Quiksilver also had plenty of rod stuff under the hood - most notably a gigantic 540 cu-in big block Chevy V8 that churned out 650 horses at the crank. And as one might expect from a ride of this stature, it fetched $214,500 at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction in 2016.
1934 Ford 'Achmedmobile'
Comedian Jeff Dunham owns a number of iconic rods and vintage cars, most notably the Batmobile from the 1992 Batman Returns. However, his 1934 Ford Achmedmobile, based around his fictional character 'Achmed the Dead Terrorist,' is probably the most iconic (and hilarious) of all!
One simply can't miss Dunham when he's out riding in Achmed's personal ride. The windshield can be a bit tiny, but you're good as long as you keep your head out of the open top. The coolest part is that Achmed’s hood-ornament mouth opens up to breathe in fresh air when the tank is gassing up.
1939 Lincoln Zephyr 'Scrape'
One of the most beautiful rods ever built, the 'Scrape' is the brainchild of former Hot Rod editor and auto enthusiast Terry Cook, who spent years just planning the design. With widened fenders, chopped pillars, and a slashed roof, the Scrape was more about looks than it was about performance.
Originally with purple paint, this iconic Lincoln was sold for $250,000 in a 1999 Pebble Beach auction. After that, it remained in LA's Petersen Automotive Museum till 2013 when it was acquired by 'Storage Wars' star Barry Weiss, who changed it to its current state and color.
1957 Studebaker Roadster
This custom roadster is a conglomeration of a number of classics. Its hood is from a 1959 Thunderbird, nose section from a 1960 Pontiac, rear sheet metal from a 1963 Corvair, and the trunk parts from a 1988 Quattro wagon.
To take things further up a notch, it uses headlights from a Harley-Davidson. How cool is that? Built by Paul Jurewicz, this roadster had been a Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner and was one of the featured entries in SEMA's 2020 'virtual' event, SEMA360.
1931 Ford Model A Pickup
Did you ask for the ultimate rat rod? Well, here it is! This massive thing once used to be a 1931 Ford Model A pickup. To be honest, just the cab, grille surround, and 8" of the hood were Model A, and everything else came from generations of performance cars!
The mighty engine that move this rod came from a massive 2011 Mustang-sourced 5L Coyote V8, good for 800 BIG horses! And the gigantic wheels came off of a Mazda Le Mans prototype. If it sounds crazy... it is!
So-Cal Belly Tank Racer
This unique rod is built from a $5 belly tank that was used to carry extra fuel under the wings of a WWII plane. Thanks to its, understandably, aerodynamic shape and a Ford Flathead V8, this land missile was able to hit 198.34 mph in 1952.
A genius invention of So-Cal Speed Shop, this rod, however, provided no kind of protection. The driver sat in a thinly upholstered seat with his hips between the frame rails, his feet in the car’s nose, and his back against the fuel tank.
1932 Ford 'McMullen' Roadster
Considered the world's most iconic hot rod, this roadster was built by legendary rod writer Tom McMullen. Insanely popular back in the day, it was everywhere from TV ads to album and magazine covers. It also made headlines when it set speed records at Bonneville Salt Flats and El Mirage.
The McMullen Roadster is particularly known for gracing the cover of Hot Rod magazine in its April 1963 issue. Now valued at over $1 million, this iconic rod crossed the block at Mecum's 2012 Anaheim auction for a staggering $700,000, becoming the world's most expensive hot rod ever.
1929 Ford 'Dick Flint' Roadster
When Dick Flint's Roadster graced the cover of May 1952 Hot Rod, it became the first issue to sell over half a million copies. Flint built this fully custom rod in 1949 by melding the best of the bodies of three different 29 roadsters.
Its beefed-up Mercury Flathead V8 and enhanced aerodynamics translated to a top speed of 143.5 mph, that Flint clicked at El Mirage in 1950. This hot rod was sold for $577,500 by RM Auctions (now RM Sotheby's) in 2013.
1956 Porsche 356A Carrera
The 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera is an incredible car by any standard. So just imagine how big a deal it would be when iconic custom car designer Dean Jeffries turned it into an outright racing machine.
Ironically, the car that started the Porsche Outlaw movement went on to become the ride of one. Jeffries sold this rod to notorious bank robber Albert Nussbaum (one of FBI's 10 Most Wanted men of the time) while he was at large.
1956 Ford F-100 'Str8 Edge'
This 1956 Ford F-100 'Str8 Edge' is another of Hetfield's hot rod collection currently displayed in LA's Petersen Automotive Museum. It was already modified when the rock star bought it, not to its present shape though.
For the customization seen here, the Str8 Edge first had to be restored to its original condition. Its stylish 60s look is owed to winged tail lights and 'ventiports' sourced from a 1953 Buick while its behemoth 455 cu-in V8 is from an Oldsmobile.
1932 Ford Model 18 Deuce Coupe
Having made it to January 1998 Rod & Custom cover, this stunning Deuce coupe combined the best work of several of the top rod builders. Built from a 1932 all-steel coupe, the top was dropped by 3" while the cowl was raised by a quarter to create a perfect stance.
Among other external tweaks, the front grille shell was shortened and 'bull-nosed', and the folding hood was hand-formed and increased by 3" in length. Under the hood, a rare 427 SOHC Cammer V8 was installed that worked in sync with a custom forged crank, a modified Ford C6 automatic transmission, and a custom intake mated with dual Holley four-barrel carburetors.
1929 Ford Model A Rat Rod
The 1929 Ford Model A is already an ancient classic. This one, however, was converted into a sensational masterpiece and an ultimate rat rod by Rod City Garage with a deliberate rusty look and some serious stuff under the hood.
A chopped top, a channeled floor, eliminated side windows, a custom Z'd frame, and a shortened '32 grille on the exterior were combined with a Ford 2.0 Pinto motor, a Weber carburetor, and a T9 5-speed manual to make the beast it is!
1936 Ford 'Jack Calori' Coupe
This 3-window coupe was built by Jack Calori, who earned fame both as a racer and an avid hot rodder. Featuring the race-prepped 1946 Mercury flathead from Calori's former race car, this rod was a mighty powerplant.
Other notable touches include a dropped front axle, stepped rear frame, a 39 LaSalle grille, Chevrolet headlights, and a clamshell hood. It made it to the Hot Rod magazine cover in November 1949 and was auctioned off by Mecum for $407,000 in 2018.
1947 Ford COE
This 1947 Ford COE is a one-off handmade custom pickup that has, well, quite a formidable presence. Unlike most other rod trucks of the time, this old school pickup featured a high-end luxurious cabin, made in bright yellow to match the exterior paint.
To move this house on wheels, it was fitted with a like-size 2006 Corvette Z06 driveline mounted on a custom-engineered chassis - which turned out to be quite successful in doing so, in style!
1936 Delahaye 'Whatthehaye' Street Rod
Nicknamed 'Whatthehaye,' this stunning one-off was the result of legendary rod builder Boyd Coddington's cool experimenting on a 1936 Delahaye. It features a behemoth Viper V10 powerplant mated with a 6-speed Dodge Viper gearbox on a Coddington Pro Ride chassis.
An awesome blend of the 30s sleek lines and 21st-century power made the Whatthehaye a hot rod icon back in the day. It was sold by Barrett-Jackson in their 2015 Scottsdale auction for a staggering $671,000.
1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air Chezoom
When this 53 Chevy Bel-Air crossed the block at the Barrett-Jackson's 2015 Scottsdale auction for a staggering $352,000, it came as no surprise to any of the folks from the custom car community. The car was worth every penny!
Coddington built this Chezoom for one of his close friends. While the stuff underneath the hood is absolutely rod, the external tweaks (an upside-down Ford Escort EXP rear window, a '78 Chrysler Cordoba windshield, a chopped top, a lean ground presence) are what made it a rod icon back in the day!
1950 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup
This 1950 Chevy 3100 Custom Pickup crossed the block at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction in 2017 for a staggering $205,700. Think it's overpriced? Well, it's not!
With several external modifications aimed at enhancing its stance, a classy interior hailed one of the best in any hot rod truck ever, and some serious stuff under the hood (a 500 hp Chevy Performance Hot Cam LS3 crate engine mated with a 4L65E auto transmission), this custom pickup is worth every cent!
1934 Ford 'California Kid' Coupe
Hailed one of the greatest rods of the 1970s, this coupe starred alongside Martin Sheen in the 1974 movie 'The California Kid.' Built with a Resto-rodding design concept by Pete Chapouris, this stunning rod was already famous before it graced the big screen.
It was known for its fire-spitter Ford V8 paired with an FMX gearbox and its iconic paint job (black exterior with vivid flames), which went on to become one of the most copied hot rod designs in the decades to come.
1948 Jaguar 'Black Pearl'
Another car from James Hetfield's collection, the Metallica frontman designed this 1948 Jaguar 'Black Pearl' with Kustom genius Rick Dore. Originally a 1948 Jaguar Mk 4, this stunning rod was meant to combine the best of American custom car culture with European coachbuilding design.
Though it had a powerful 375 hp 302 cu-in Ford V8 under the hood, the Black Pearl was all about style! It won several accolades over the years, most notably the 2014 Goodguys Custom of the Year award.
1940 Ford 'Boyd Coddington' Pickup
Don't judge this pickup by its stock looks. Yes, its myriad body tweaks and a subtle roof chop are hard to notice but they don't really matter. What really matters is the behemoth 560 hp Roush crate 427 packed under the reshaped hood.
The powerplant engine is mated with a Tremec 5-speed stick that works in sync with a modified C4 Corvette independent rear suspension. Built by iconic rod designer Boyd Coddington, this pickup bagged a decent $374,000 at Barrett-Jackson's 2015 Scottsdale auction.
1918 Ford Model T
A rat rod by all means, this 1918 Ford Model T was owned by rock artist DJ Ashba. The Sixx:A.M guitarist purchased this vehicle in 2012 and got it customized to its current shape by West Coast Customs in California.
Having been featured on History's show 'Counting Cars,' this rat rod is fueled by a small block 350 V8. Though it's not short on power, Ashba's ride is more famous for its stunning build and wild looks.
1938 Coddington 'French Connection'
Auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson for $407,000 in its 2016 Scottsdale event, the 'French Connection' was the swansong of legendary Boyd Coddington. Being his last build, it had to be iconic... and it was!
This stunning rod featured an Italian 12.8L all-aluminum HEMI V12 powerplant and custom Turbo 400 transmission mounted on a custom one-off Art Morrison chassis, besides a custom hand-formed aluminum and steel body, a custom-built Ford 9-inch rear end, and one-off Boyd Coddington wheels. To top it all, the upholstery was made from two full cowhides and 15 full ostrich skins.
1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe Rod
Alan Johnson's personal car, this 3-window coupe went crazy customization. An all-aluminum 434 cu-in SB2 NASCAR roller motor mated with a fully polished engine, Richmond 6-speed transmission, and Winters quick-change rear-end suspension made it hard to catch on the track.
And much like under the hood, its exterior was also highly detailed. Having been featured on such magazines as Street Rodder, Rod & Custom, and Popular Hot Rodding, it was included in Super Rod's list of 100 hottest rods and was Goodguys finalist in 2001.
1939 Ford 'Uncatchable'
Known as 'The Uncatchable,' this land-speed racer combines the look of a rat rod with the soul of a NASCAR. Built by longtime NASCAR fabricator Aaron Brown, this sick rat rod was originally a 1939 Ford truck.
Brown used stock-car racing gear, most notably a used 358 cu-in small-block Ford Cup engine mated with a four-speed transmission and nine-inch rear end to enable the Uncatchable to hit speeds as high as 197 mph!
1940 Willys Custom Coupe Deluxe
This 3-window custom coupe has a custom body made from blending a Mustang II front and a Dana 60 rear. Under the hood lies a behemoth 426 cu-in HEMI V8 mated with a 671 blower, MSD ignition, and 3-speed auto.
It took four years to build this Cobalt Blue beauty, after which it went on a spree to win every show in the Midwest - including the Best Engine accolade at Donny Smith Show, Builders Choice at Goodguys, and Best Rod at the Detroit Autorama.
1956 Ford F-100 Custom Pickup
Featuring an all-chrome 302 cu-in V8 mated with a C4 auto and Gear Vendor overdrive, this 1956 Ford F-100 Custom Pickup is a work of art. Besides the engine, its driveline and Jaguar independent rear-end suspension is also chromed.
The interior, including custom leather seats, is made to match the exterior paint - and is just as amazing. Hailed as one of the most beautiful F-100's ever, this chic rod is the winner of more than 50 shows and was auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson for a decent $242,000 in 2017.
1933 Ford 'Vern Luce' Coupe
This 1933 coupe was built by the man, the legend Boyd Coddington for owner Vern Luce in 1981. Coddington's first major build, the Luce Coupe is credited with propelling him into the spotlight as a Kustom genius and rod master.
This stunning beauty help popularize billet wheels, especially after it won the Al Slonaker Award at the 1981 Oakland Roadster show. The Vern Luce Coupe is considered one of the greatest hot rods ever, largely due to its historical significance.
1936 Auburn Speedster 'Slow Burn'
Yet another iconic rod from Hetfield's collection... Not my fault though! The rockstar's collection is so awesome that every single one of them deserves to be on this list. But I'm gonna stop at this one.
The Auburn Speedster is a piece of beauty even in stock condition. So when the Metallica lead recreated the body with FIBERGLASS and added a Chevy Small Block V8, things were bound to escalate! The 'Slow Burn' was fast, stunning, and recipient of many awards, including the Goodguys Custom of the Year in 2010.
Insane Jeep Rat Rod
It just can't get any cooler than this! Built by some really creative minds over at Hot Rod Factory, this is probably the sickest rat rod on the list.
This custom-made rod with its insane looks and incredible power enhancement modifications is just on the border of being street-legal. The spikes on the wheels are probably the best part, further adding to its sick looks and making it a temptation for every enthusiast.
1964 IH Loadstar 1700
This International truck was submitted to SEMA's 2020 'virtual' event, SEMA360, by Canadian custom car designer Rod Nielsen of Hot Rod's Restos. Painted in a cool combo of silver and candy orange, this one-off forward-cab is short on neither looks nor performance.
The Loadstar 1700 is powered by a behemoth turbocharged LS Chevrolet V8 that works in sync with an AEM cold-air intake and an RCI fuel cell to power the Mickey Thompson tires and move this gigantic rod on the tarmac.
1961 Beatnik Bandit I
The Beatnik Bandit I is Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth's second rod on this list. Named after a bank robber, the body of this car was made from Fiberglass and the chassis used was sourced from a 1950 Oldsmobile.
The Bandit I was powered by a 303 cu-in 5L Oldsmobile V8 mated with a GMC 4-71 supercharger. Roth created the bubble top by heating regular plastic in a pizza oven before forcing it into a mold using compressed air. Genius!
Sylvester Stallone's 1932 Highboy
Sylvester Stallone not only owns some insane supercars (including a $1.7m Bugatti Veyron) but also a number of classic vehicles that he's collected from his movies. The Rocky star, however, seems to have more affiliation for his custom-built 1932 Highboy.
Stallone has been seen driving around this awesome old-school hot rod in Hollywood every once in a while. The ride is fueled by a 383 cu-in Chevy big-block V8 that spits a decent 330 horses to move the superstar in style.
1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona 'Harrah'
I know you were not expecting a Ferrari on this list, but some insane body modifications, larger wheels, an upgraded motor, and an absolutely crazy story warrant an exception. This Daytona was owned by car collector and casino magnate Bill Harrah until his death in 1978 and was auctioned off by RM Sotheby's for $687,500 in 2017.
So, legend has it when a Sikorsky salesman approached Harrah to sell a helicopter, he agreed to buy it only if it could beat him in this Ferrari Daytona in a race between two of his casinos. Harrah won!
Ford Model T V12 Hot Rod
Designed in 1979, this Model T hot rod ran on an uncommon 5.3-liter Jaguar V12 engine paired with a manual transmission, setting it apart from the era's typical V8 setups. It won 11 awards and graced a number of magazine covers.
Everything from the body to suspension to exhaust to even aluminum support brackets was handcrafted… and the space limitations for a fan was overcome by mounting additional radiators beneath the chassis.
1967 "Big Daddy" Roth "Wishbone"
Powered by a Volkswagen Boxer engine, the Wishbone was created by Southern California Kustom Culture icon Ed "Big Daddy" Roth. Commissioned by model maker Revell, it initially faced rejection due to concerns about its delicate front suspension, but turned out just fine.
Roth famously ordered to dismantle the Wishbone, but a team member preserved and later reassembled it, returning it to the show circuit. Today, this one-of-a-kind showstopper continues to captivate as a striking remnant of Roth's visionary work.
1937 Ford Boyd Smoothster Street Rod
The 1937 Ford Boyd Smoothster is an iconic custom build that won the America's Most Beautiful Roadster award at the 1995 Grand National Roadster Show. Under the hood lies a Chevrolet LT1 fuel-injected 350 CI engine paired with a smooth 700R automatic transmission.
Built on a custom chassis with Corvette front and rear suspension and Boyd's 17- and 20-inch wheels, the Smoothster features hand-fabricated aluminum body, steel fenders, running boards, and a luxurious leather interior.
1937 Dodge Custom Rat Rod Pickup
The 1937 Dodge Custom rat rod pickup features an unrestored cab atop a custom frame. Under the hood, you find a freshly built 350 CI Chevrolet engine paired with a 4-bolt main and a new automatic transmission.
Some unique details include a swan hood ornament, torpedo-shaped turn signals, a drilled steering wheel, Brodie knob, wrench-made door handles, and power windows with low-set switches.
1929 Ford Roadster Pickup Custom
Built with over $200,000 invested, this 1929 Ford Roadster pickup is a tribute to George Barris's famed Ala Kart. Its custom, all-steel body shines in metallic burgundy with a darker tone on the fenders, complemented by a hand-built grille and unique front end.
Powered by a 350 CI small-block V8 with Hilborn 8-stack electronic fuel injection, it pairs with a Bowles 700R4 automatic transmission... and rides on a TCI chassis with independent front suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.
1926 Ford Model T Custom
This four-year build by Mickey Himsl premiered at the 50th Anniversary of the Grand National Roadster Show, winning multiple awards, including 2015 Best in Class at both the Grand National Roadster Show and the Sacramento Autorama.
Designed to turn heads, it features Skymist Blue paint expertly pinstriped by Art Himsl and dazzling white upholstery by Freddy Diaz. It further features a 59 AB Flathead engine, complete with a Baron Tattersfield 4x2 manifold, chromed headers, and '39 Ford transmission.
1929 Essex Rat Rod
The 1929 Essex rat rod is powered by a formidable 454 CI engine paired with a Turbo 400 automatic transmission, two 600 Holley carburetors, and a unique Mother Thumper camshaft.
It rides on a sturdy 2x4 tube frame with a 1948 Ford front axle and boasts a 6-inch chop top. It also features a custom-built dash with a 1955 Oldsmobile gauge cluster, factory suicide doors, a tilt-out windshield, and 1946 Chevrolet headlights.
1950 Ford F-1 Pickup
This custom-built 1950 Ford F-1 pickup features a powerful 547/878hp engine with FAST fuel injection, backed by a TCI C6 automatic transmission.
Revealed at the 2014 SEMA Show, it shines in a unique, custom-mixed red finish, with a flat red body and high-gloss accents on the running boards along with Wheelsmith Artillery wheels. On the inside, it's fitted with a TMI bench seat, Banjo Grant steering wheel, vintage-style AutoMeter gauges, and full climate control.
1931 Ford Model A Roadster Hot Rod
Built by Dick Ouellet of Massachusetts’ Cam Snappers Club, this 1931 Model A Roadster is a unique East Coast take on early hot rodding. Unlike the West Coast’s popular ’32 Deuce with flathead V8s, Ouellet opted for an Oldsmobile Rocket V8 paired with a three-speed gearbox, activated through a steering column shifter.
Ouellet channeled the Model A body over the frame and added a 1950 Pontiac instrument cluster and cycle fenders to complete the motif.
1934 Ford Model 40 Custom Roadster "Flashback"
Crowned the Best of Show at the 2004 SEMA Show, this hot rod features a distinctive Air Ride Technologies ShockWave system to adjust the Ford nine-inch rear for a perfect stance.
Its bold design includes chrome-plated Valley grille, a chopped DuVall-style windshield, custom rear pan, and fender skirts. Inside, Mother of Pearl vinyl upholstery and unique pearl-accented gauges complete the luxurious, artful interior… while a 345-hp Ford Racing 302 engine lies under the hood.
1954 Chevrolet 5 Window Pick Up
With over $100,000 invested in its build, this Chevy pickup is a stunning transformation of a once-utilitarian workhorse into a modern muscle machine. Its powder-coated frame houses a GMPP 350 Crate Motor, enhanced with a full Billet Dress-Up Kit and polished hot rod headers.
The body was chopped and channeled by 3 inches, while the interior boasts an Ididit Billet tilt steering column, Vintage Air Conditioning, and a custom stereo. Additional features include a cherry wood bed, power windows, shaved door handles, and Frenched headlights.
1932 Ford Tommy Foster Roadster
Crafted by Tommy Foster in a 15-month build starting in 1949, this Ice Blue roadster gained fame as the Most Outstanding Car at the 1953 Detroit Autorama and was honored as one of the 75 most significant '32 Ford hot rods at the 75th-anniversary display in Pomona, California, in 2007.
Under the hood, a 331 CI Cadillac V8 with Detroit Racing dual-quad intake and Carter 4-barrel carburetors delivers serious power, paired with a 1939 Ford top-loader transmission with a custom, chrome-plated shift lever. The stance is achieved through a dropped and filled front axle and a transverse leaf spring with reversed eyes, complemented by custom Buick wheels and 1948 Pontiac tail lights.
1929 Ford Roadster Hot Rod
Built on an original Henry Ford steel roadster body, this 1929 Ford Roadster houses a rare 1960s Ford Indianapolis DOHC racing engine, modified with Weber carburetors and reduced compression for street use.
A Doug Nash five-speed transmission and Halibrand quick-change rear end with custom axle housings is also added for increased power, while a Koni coil-over suspension and Akin-designed knock-off wheels complete the setup.
1937 Fiat 500 Topolino Custom Coupe
The 1937 Fiat 500 Topolino custom coupe, affectionately known as "Little Mouse" in Italian, blends Italian heritage with American hot-rodding ingenuity. With its all-steel body modified for performance, it features a 3.5-inch chopped top, a narrowed body, and an extended hood.
A custom-built tubular frame supports an early Ford transverse front leaf spring with a tubular dropped axle and disc brakes… while power comes from a Mazda RX-7 1.3L rotary engine paired with an automatic transmission.
1923 Ford T-Bucket Roadster
Weighing in at just 1,850 pounds, this T-Bucket roadster features a powerful 355 CI Chevrolet V8 engine, equipped with a Comp Cams .540 roller camshaft and Kotzur aluminum heads.
It further has a Turbo 350 automatic transmission with a 3,500 stall converter… and rides on impressive Boyd Coddington 18x14-inch wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson 31x18-inch Sportsman tires, which gives it an aggressive stance to turn every head.
1933 Chevrolet Custom
With over $100k invested in its build, this 1933 Chevrolet Speedstar, famously known as "The Seven Year Itch," features a stunning deep red paint job along with sleek graphics.
It further features an Inmar Marine-built LS1 V8 with a Lingenfelter intake delivering over 400 horsepower; a Wilwood disc brake setup to ensure ample stopping power; and a finely tuned, fully independent suspension to offer exceptional handling.
1942 Willys Coupe All Steel Chopped
This unique 1942 Willys Coupe stands as the only all-steel, chopped-top '42 Willys of its kind. With a striking 4.5-inch chopped roof, power windows, and a custom 911 Porsche spoiler, it pairs style with street performance.
Under the hood, you have a freshly rebuilt 355 CI Chevrolet engine, assembled by Bayless Racing Engines in 2020… and enhanced with a BDS 671 blower, dual 600 Holley carbs, and a Crane cam kit for maximum power.
1946 Chevrolet 3100 Hot Rod Pickup
This 1946 Chevrolet 3100 hot rod pickup is powered by a 350 CI V8 engine outfitted with polished Edelbrock valve covers and paired with a smooth TH350 3-speed automatic transmission.
The sleek gray exterior showcases custom touches, including a unique hardwood floor bed, shaved door handles, and reverse-hinged 'suicide' doors. Inside, chrome-backed bucket seats with red ostrich leather accents add flair alongside a custom dash and overhead gauges. To top it all, it has eye-catching 16-inch red spoked wheels.
1934 Ford Hot Rod Truck
This 1934 Ford truck uses a powerful Chevrolet 350 CI crate engine paired with 302 ported and polished heads, a Thumper cam, and a Vintage Speed Tri-Power setup complete with three carburetors.
The truck's top has been chopped six inches for a meaner look, while the bed and cab floor feature 40-year-old barn siding, adding a rustic charm. With custom touches like a moonshine jug radiator overflow, graffiti airbrushed transmission tunnel, and 10-gallon aluminum gas tank with leather-like straps, it’s both a performer and a piece of art.
1931 Studebaker Model 54 Hot Rod
A former Toyo Tire and Monster Energy show car, this 1931 Studebaker Model 54 boasts a custom frame, with the steel body chopped and channeled for an aggressive stance.
Power comes from a 350 CI Chevrolet V8 engine, complete with an Edelbrock carburetor, intake manifold, open headers, and a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. On the inside, you have four custom bucket seats along with a billet aluminum steering wheel and a Lokar shifter, all accented in body-matching metalwork.
