Rat Rods, a term that has recently permeated American culture, is often associated with classic car reality shows like American Hot Rod. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what a Rat Rod is, along with other car types that have sparked our interest in the American automobile industry.
The term 'Rat Rod' is frequently used in classic car forums and on online marketplaces like eBay. It is a term that describes a specific type of hot rod and is one of the most commonly searched terms on eBay Motors. So, what exactly is a Rat Rod? To provide clarity, let's delve into the definition of this and other vehicle types that fall under the hot rod category.
Purists define a hot rod as a pre-1949 car or truck that has been modified to incorporate modern parts. The body is typically painted, and the interior is fully finished. Chrome fixtures and large tires are standard features. However, a broader definition that many people agree with is that any car or truck built to go fast, or appear fast, regardless of its aesthetic appeal, is a hot rod. All the cars I collect, despite their differences, are all hot rods.
A Rat Rod, as per purists, is a pre-1949 American vehicle that has been finished to resemble a car or truck that a 1940's hot rod enthusiast would have created. The body paint is usually absent, or at most, it has a primer or flat black finish. There is minimal or no chrome, and the interior is left unfinished. A more general definition would include any well-used looking American car or truck, excluding mini-vans. The only foreign cars that would fit this category are mid-1970's and older VW Bugs and older Micro-Bus (Chariot Of The Dead Head). Japanese cars are generally not considered.
According to the experts at SEMA, a street rod is a modified vehicle manufactured before 1949 or manufactured after 1949 and altered to resemble a 1948, or earlier, car or truck. In both cases, the street rod has been altered from its original design or has a body shell made of non-original materials.
Remember, these are not rigid labels – they are labels for hard and fast cars. If you want to call that '85 Camry a Rat Rod, no one is stopping you. It’s all about enjoying America’s favorite obsession with the car, be it a rat rod, hot rod, or whatever you wish to call it. Now, it's time to go out there and have some fun!
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