Gossip
What gets your quickest 'yes' on a vintage speed beast road trip?
Chapter 1
The birth of the speed beasts
Chapter 2
The mechanics of modifications
Chapter 3
Global asphalt and open highways
YOUR GOAL
Master of Cruising the open road in a classic hot rod
Ch 1 · The birth of the speed beasts
BETA
roy Steer your hot rod through highway traffic to learn how momentum affects braking distance.
Fun Fact
Hot rod name: The term 'hot rod' likely originated from 'hot roadster' or replacing the engine's 'hot' camshaft (rod) to boost speed.
Glossary
hot rod (noun)
A motor vehicle that has been modified to increase its speed and power. In the 1930s, early customizers raced modified Fords across Southern California's dry lake beds.
A motor vehicle that has been modified to increase its speed and power. In the 1930s, early customizers raced modified Fords across Southern California's dry lake beds.
Quiz
Which highly influential custom car publication was launched by Robert E. Petersen in 1948?
Quiz
Which iconic Ford car model year is widely referred to by hot rod enthusiasts as the 'Deuce'?
Quiz
Where did early American hot rodders race in the 1930s to test their cars' top speeds?
Quiz
Why did the hot rod subculture experience a massive explosion in popularity immediately after World War II?
Quiz
Who organized the first major hot rod show in 1948 at the Los Angeles National Guard Armory?