The All-American Hot Rod

By Michael Dregni

Book Overview

Hot rods have made legends, taking the spotlight in all aspects of the beach culture, in movies, and in music. They represent youth, rebellion, and a drive to do things a little differently. The hot rod was created by everyday folks who took an old Tin Lizzie, stripped off the fenders and hood and hotted up the engine, gave it a personalized, unique look, and had a machine that outperformed all the other cars on the street. While thumbing their noses at the status quo, these pioneers and their machines inspired awe in kids and instilled fear in their elders. The hot rod movement has always been a grassroots, groundswell movement, an underground artform that defies a straightforward chronicle succinctly tied up with a bow. "The All-American Hot Rod" is a history by those who lived it, the numerous voices and images of people who know and love the hot rod like nothing else. It's truly an all-American tale with an exhaust note heard 'round the world. If you're still in awe of that first hot rod, still driving and tuning hot rods, or still dreaming of hot rods, then this book is for you.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0896586545
• ISBN13: 9780896586543
• Release Date: December 2004
• Publisher: Motorbooks International
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 3.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 9.6" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

All-American Writers

The people writing the articles are what make this a wonderful chapter from a time lost. A time when any teenager could build a Hot Rod from old car parts for next to nothing. I was there and it was great!

The All-American Hot Rod: The Cars, The Legends, The Passion

This is one of the best books written about Hot Rods, it is throughly well written. It has everything you ever what to know about the Hot Rod. It has beautiful detailed illustrations and also the best pictures of the Hot Rod's. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in everything you would want to know about the American Hot Rod.

The Real Deal !!!

Having been a Hot Rod fanatic for over 40 years I have collected my fair share of books and every thing else on Hot Rods and this is by far the best compalation of the history of "REAL" Hot Rods.

MY HIGHEST RECOMENDATION

I've seen and bought a lot of books on traditional retro rods, rat rods etc., but this is BY FAR the best I've ever seen. The text is excellent. It's by a number of authors who were there and know what they are talking about. And the illustrations - wow! The book is bulging with hot rod photos, vintage speed equiptment ads, old decals, hot rod paperback and comic art; everything that is mondo cool. Buy this book!

AWESOME! AMAZING! BEAUTIFUL!

of all the hot rod books I own, I'd have to rate this as number one or two. There's some other great ones, but I'm a big fan of the style of this book- lots of color, lots of flash, great layout. The best part, though, has to be the gads of rare photos, hot rod movie posters, drawings, comic books, club plaques, etc. Tons and tons and tons of great photos made me buy another one just to cut up and hang out in the shop. The text of the book is a compilation of writings by various characters in the hot rod field, very entertaining. Truly one of my favorites with a permanent spot on the coffee table!