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HISTORY:
The term "hot rod" became popular during and after World War II, particularly in California. "Hot Rod" originally meant an old car, most often a Ford, and typically a Model T, Model A, or a 1932 to 1934 Ford Model B or Ford V-8.
Owners modified these cars. Removed the roof, hood, bumpers, windshield and/or fenders to reduce weight. Lowered them by modifying, tuning, or replacing the engine to give the car more power. Changed the wheels and tires to improve traction and handling.
Most of these modifications also changed the appearance of the hot rod, giving it a more individual, distinctive look. Often the car was repainted to include a flame job, pin-striping or candy apple color.
The term hot rod may have originated from "hot roadster", which was used in the 1950's and 1960's as a derogatory term for any car that did not fit into the mainstream. Some sources indicate that the term was derived from replacement of connecting rods in engines to reach higher RPMs without failing.
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