A hot rod is an automobile rebuilt or modified for high speed and acceleration. Hot rods are more than that—they're an American icon. Hot rods can be found on the streets and at the dragstrips. This beautifully illustrated guide provides a history of hot rods in America from their first appearance with "souped up" Model T's of the 1920's through the 1940s, 1950s and beyond.

With chapters on each decade of hot rod, complete with full color photographs of these magic machines in action, this book provides a comprehensive history of American hot rods and street rods. Other chapters delve into hot rod culture, examining the people and enthusiasts who have shaped the evolution of this type of automobile, and the events that draw hot rod enthusiasts from all over the world. A glossary provides a comprehensive resource for readers.