Hot rod is usually an older automobile with an improved engine or body design. Hot-rodders build their cars for either racing or normal driving. Hot rods built for driving often are referred to as street rods. Popular hot-rods are often based on Ford Model T’s and Model A’s and Chevrolets of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Hot-rodders seek to achieve the latest technology in brakes, steering, engines, and other parts to make the car run perfectly.
Hot-rodding was started by car enthusiasts. The National Hot Rod Association formed in the late 1940’s. Hot rods were originally stripped-down cars with fenders and hoods removed for streamlining. They were raced in supervised hot-rod competitions in southern California. The sport soon spread to the rest of the United States. Hot rods run in types of races called drag races (see Automobile racing (Drag racing) ).
