Hot Rods as They Exist Today
In hot rod culture today, there are two main types of rods: hot rods and street rods. The primary difference is whether they are used for driving or just for show. Below are a few terms used to classify hot rods and the characteristics that are used to identify them.
Rat Rods
Rat rod is a term that emerged recently to describe a hot rod built in the original do-it-yourself spirit, in contrast to the expensive and farmed-out restorations that only make appearances at select shows. The origin of the term isn’t completely clear, but many refer to an article written in a 1972 issue of Rod and Custom magazine that showcased a low-budget rod (Rat Rod History). These cars, like hot rods of the early '50s, are meant to be driven every day; functionality takes precedent over form. Only the necessities are included in these projects, and any extraneous trim or gadget is removed. The look is generally unfinished and untouched. Rust and old paint pattern the body or maybe a primer coat, but rarely more than that. Rat rods are often associated with greaser and rockabilly culture.
Traditional Hot Rod
The traditional hot rod and the rat rod are essential the same. The difference is in choice of terminology and culture. Some simply prefer not to refer to their traditional hot rod as "rat" because of the connotations. Perhaps they don’t identify with the rockabilly culture that is attached to the rat rod craze. Nevertheless, the same principles of self-reliance and functionality apply to both categories.
Street Rods
The foundation of a street rod is a car manufactured in 1949 or earlier (NSRA). Otherwise, much of the street rod is modernized to enhance performance, comfort, and reliability. All street rods are designed to be daily drivers and must be driven to shows. These are not cars built to race, but for the enjoyment of the classic look. They can include modern engines, suspension, brakes systems, electronics, etc. Unlike the rat rod, the condition of the exterior is important and clean, and custom paint jobs are an integral part of the overall presentation.
Show Rods
Show rods are a phenomenon that began in the 1960s. These cars, as the name suggests, are built entirely for show and rarely hit the streets. They are more like art projects associated with the name of the builder. Some famous builders of show cars include Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and George Harris. Ed Roth in particular left a lasting legacy in hot rod culture with his cartoon character Rat Fink (Ed Roth Bio).
Muscle Cars
Muscle cars are not necessarily hot rods built at home, but were the response in the 1960s by automakers to a demand for high-powered cars. They came off line with big V8s and a style that appealed to performance-minded youth of the day. While some hot rod enthusiasts today -- street-rodders, for example -- adhere to strict standards concerning the car's manufacture date, the muscle cars of the '60s and '70s are a great platform for the current generation.
Article Sources:
Rat Rod History
National Street Rod Association
Ed "Big Daddy" Fink
What Are Show Rods?