Classic Hot Rods

Classics from the 1950s, '60s and '70s -- many of which have never appeared in print -- fill the pages of this colorful volume.

A hot rod is an automobile rebuilt or modified for high speed and acceleration. Hot rods are more than that—they're an American icon. Hot rods can be found on the streets and at the dragstrips. This beautifully illustrated guide provides a history of hot rods in America from their first appearance with "souped up" Model T's of the 1920's through the 1940s, 1950s and beyond. With chapters on each decade of hot rod, complete with full color photographs of these magic machines in action, this book provides a comprehensive history of American hot rods and street rods. Other chapters delve into hot rod culture, examining the people and enthusiasts who have shaped the evolution of this type of automobile, and the events that draw hot rod enthusiasts from all over the world. A glossary provides a comprehensive resource for readers.

Get ready for a hot read on some cool cars! From modified 1930s Ford cars, such as the “Deuce” roadster and classic Model T, to crazy VW Bugs and pumped-up pickup trucks, HOT Hot Rods will show kids what makes these jaw-dropping cars and their powerful engines so special! With incredible, full-color photographs, thrill-seeking readers will learn all about the history of hot rods and the people who create and drive them. So fasten your seat belt and get ready for a fast ride!

Trends come and go in hot rodding, but true hot rod style never goes out of vogue. It is hard to define but you know it when you see it. Larry O’Toole has been a hot rodder, magazine editor, photographer, book publisher and author on the subject of hot rodding for over 40 years and he has documented every emerging trend from the entire hot rod world. Who better to bring you the latest in that constantly evolving hobby where styling trends meet engineering ability? Traditional hot rods have been cycled and recycled for many years and each time there is a wave of interest in this style of hot rod, that emulates an earlier time, there is evolution of the breed taking place. “Classic Hot Rod Style”, O’Toole’s latest foray into the worldwide phenomenon of traditional hot rodding brings the reader a feast of photographic images that capture the mysterious, intangible ingredient that defines a stand-out hot rod. Even the most die-hard of hot rod fans will struggle to describe what it is that sets such hot rods apart from the rest, they will pause and tell you it is that certain something that is inherent in their design – it’s that “Classic Hot Rod Style”. Gathered together in this fabulous full-color production is a thoroughly researched essay on the evolution of the Classic Hot Rod Style that makes the cars featured throughout the book perfect examples of the breed. This descriptive story is followed up with in-depth features on many such examples with full details on what their owners used to assemble their dream hot rods, together with hundreds of clear photographs that let you see inside these Classic Hot Rods. Finally a pictorial gathering of dozens more examples of the breed let you see where hot rodding is headed in the future. All have been selected for their contribution to that certain something that sets them apart from the pack, it’s that Classic Hot Rod Style that every hot rodder loves.

A deserving tribute to the American muscle of the hot rod, this edition is filled with eye popping photography, gatefolds, and four prints to hang.

The history of hot rodding is filled with stories of cars that were lost for a wide variety of reasons. Some were crashed, others lost in accidents, and others simply faded away. Its the third group that Lost Hot Rods II focuses on. Many great hot rods that were once famous were simply hidden away. Some of them have been tracked down and are now found once again. As a solid follow-up to the success of the original Lost Hot Rods, this book continues the fun of discovering whatever happened to many of the great rods and customs built in the early days of the sport. Lost Hot Rods II shares the full story of each car, including how it was originally built, when it dropped off the radar, and how it was ultimately found. Photos from the past and present are included to showcase the story behind each and every one of these great cars. Industry veteran and celebrated historian Pat Ganahl once again opens the archives and pounds the pavement in order to bring you the stories on some of the coolest cars ever to appear in shows or grace the pages of automotive magazines. A perfect companion to the best-selling Lost Hot Rods: Remarkable Stories of How They Were Found.

The Complete Book of Classic MG Cars covers all the marque's collectible production saloons and sports cars, from the 14/28 and 14/40 sports cars to the iconic postwar convertibles like the MGA and MGB, as well as latter-day takes on the classic MG formula, such as the RV8. First produced in Oxford, England, in 1924, MG cars proved instantly appealing, with a cheeky spirit that would win the hearts of millions around the globe, not least of all in the United States. This was due in no small part to the fact that the price was as attractive as the styling and the performance. Inexpensive and fun became quintessential MG traits. In this installment of Motorbooks' Complete Book series, author Ross Alkureishi offers a chronological model-by-model marque history. Narratives discuss design, production, and technology, while specification tables highlight key technical and performance data. Hundreds of photos illustrate the vehicles and even include detail shots of engine bays and interiors. Originally formed as a side business, MG became one of the world's most recognized car brands. From prewar saloons to fast and affordable two-seat sports cars in the pre- and postwar periods, MG has exuded fun, thanks to models like the Midgets and Magnettes, the traditionally styled T-Types, and the vehicles that would become the marque’s most recognizable: the MGA, MGB, and MGC. MG would undergo several ownership changes throughout the years, and Alkureishi expertly shows how different ownership groups affected MG cars, good or bad. Along the way, the company competed on racetracks around the world, and Alkureishi describes the most successful of these exploits in complementary sidebars. The Complete Book of Classic MG Cars is the essential guide to this important chapter in the history of motoring.

The Encyclopedia of Classic Cars lists over 1000 of the world's most coveted cars, clearly ordered by manufacturer for easy reference. Detailed text is included on development and technical features as well as specification tables, listing every fact and figure imaginable. With over 1300 color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations, this is the ideal reference work for car enthusiasts and casual readers alike.