Finding the Right Classic Hot Rod Project
Are you ready to get to start shopping for a hot rod project? Before you begin, it's good to take a second and consider what type of classic vehicle would be best for you. The following is a quick look at the rise of hot rods and a look at a few exceptional and influential models one might consider for their restoration project:
An All-American Hobby Start with All-American Cars
Hot rods as a car hobby first began back in southern California in the 1930s when gearheads would take their tricked-out rides to drag race anywhere they could. The term "hot rod" was given to any vehicle defined by a lightweight body with a large engine (often with performance modifications). Given their popularity, it should come as no surprise that Fords made up the bulk of early racers. Ford Model Ts, As, and Bs were all relatively common and owners could easily remove bulky components to strip these models down to their bare essence. But the real impetus for the sport came in 1932 when Ford released an incredible engine and model and thereby changed the game.
It might have been the midst of the Great Depression, but the Ford Motor Company was at the height of innovation. The automotive company shut down all other production for several months as it took on designing a brand new engine for their 1932 vehicles. This engine was a single-block, inexpensive and yet incredibly powerful V8 engine that would later become the quintessential project hot rod engine for the next two decades. Outfitted with this powerful engine, the 1932 Ford Roadster quickly became the gold standard for hot rodders and one of the most influential models of the decade.
Ford's Award-Winning Hot Rod Collection
Naturally, Ford was just getting started. A few years later, the company released a refreshed 1938 Lincoln Zephyr that caused car lovers everywhere to drool. Even without any modifications, this vehicle was gorgeous both on the outside and underneath the hood. Just take a look at this customized model that earned the renown of Goodguys "America's Most Beautiful" street rod award. While we haven't seen one of this production year's models come through the shop, we have been working on a 1940 Lincoln Zephyr that we expect will win its own fair share of awards once we're done with it.
Looking for something even rarer and more influential on the hot rod scene than the Lincoln Zephyr? Meet the Mercury Eight Coupe. This model was produced by the now-defunct Mercury division of Ford between 1938 and 1951. While all of the production years have their own style and beauty, it was the 1949-1951 models that really made an impact on the hot rod scene. You'll find versions of this influential hot rod in Rebel Without a Cause, American Grafitti, Grease, and a modified version of a '49 Mercury plays the Batmobile in 1949's Batman and Robin serial.
Inspired to get started on your own personal hot rod project? Learn more about restorations by contacting our team at CHRA.