Return of the hot rod?

[Ari]

I've seen three separate hot rods recently, after seeing none for years. Are they back "in"?

I hope so, they look fantastic and are so much more original than the chavved up Saxo/Subaru/Civics that seem to pass for modified cars these days.

This was the one I spotted last night, how cool is that?

[Ari]

I've always wanted to see the Chelsea Cruise but understood that these days its just Barrys in Corsas doing wheelspins, hence never bothered.

[Ari]

The PT Cruiser is like the new Beetle, just a rather nasty and tasteless pastiche.

Altohugh at least the Beetle is a reasonable car, the PT Cruiser is terrible (and yes I have driven one, unfortunately).

[Ari]

Can I ask, and I promise I'm not trying to be "clever", but have you driven one?

Because honestly, I'd probably rather have a van, and certainly any half reasonable MPV (obviously not some Chrysler or Dodge type thing).

[Ari]

Fair enough, then you should know much better than I!

Maybe the one I drove was a bad one. It was a diesel, that probably didn't help...

[Ari]

At which point I check E1's profile and discover his is a diesel...

[Ari]

Papa Hotel said:

Praises?? I'd be interested to read these highly positive reviews.

Look, just because it's Yank, doesn't mean you need to mindlessly jump all over any criticism. Some American cars are great, some are horrid. The PT Cruiser is one of the latter.

Quite!

[Ari]

Dilligaf10 said:

Check my profile pic for my latest toy, ridding is the way to go!

Ah, back to hot rods, good!

That looks fantastic mate, got any more pics?

[Ari]

Papa Hotel said:

I stand corrected, it's an awesome piece of kit.

Me too, I want one with stick on flame graphics for the full authentic hot rod look!

[Ari]

LighthouseTrait said:

My suggestion would be to head to the infamous Ace Cafe. On a Wednesday, mid month they have a hot rod night. I'll post a few photos up later... The carpark fills up and there's plenty more cars on the street too.....with the occasional burn out!

I'd like to see the pics, thank you.

[Ari]

Dilligaf10 said:

That do you?

Plus side: unique, extrovert, fun, straight line speed, no RFL, cheap insurance.
Minus side: uncomfortable, impractical, thirsty, corners*, noisy. (* 4 foot of tread on the back, 7 inches on the front, there is only going to be one winner!!)

Pluses are much bigger than the minuses. We call it Prozac as it is the best anti-depressant ever.
If you ever see me, give me a shout and I'll take you round the block for a demo!

That's fantastic, thank you!

[Ari]

300bhp/ton said:

Loving the Jag interior in the Cresta..!

[Ari]

Papa Hotel said:

Let's not forget that it can carry 8' planks. And the parcel shelf can move.

Oh, and most importantly, the 2.4 litre engine makes 10% more torque than engines it's only 20% bigger than.

Edited by Papa Hotel on Friday 10th August 21:12

Now I'd forgotten the multi-height parcel shelf, I take it all back, I'm sorry.

[Ari]

rolymo said:

During late 1960's I was racing a Daimler(dart)250 sports car in production sports class at places like Brands-Hatch, Mallory- Park and not having much success with the track handling.This car was designed as a fast touring machine and just did not have the potential in the chassis to accept a big increase in power and torque so by subsituting the motor with a dry sumped 4.7litre Magestic V8 fitted with downdraft IDA Webers I successfully destroyed any hope of staying on the road on bends or rough surfaces.With a spare chassis and front suspension to hand a new type of car constuction was commenced . A HOT-ROD Thunder saloon.
The new coke bottle shape Vauxhall Viva HB had just been released on the market and everyone appeared to love the new style shape.The local Vauxhall dealer was very cooperative and obtained a new body shell in white for me so I built a full tube safety cage to strengthen the chassis frame and add some stiffness to the whole assembly.

That's awesome! Imagine trying to get a Vauxhall Insignia body in white these days...

[Ari]

v8will said:

I think Hot Rod is a fairly flexible term these days much as the term supercar is.

The traditional notion for me would be a 1920s-40s American steel body car, Deuce, T bucket etc. Fenderless and running a suitable sized V8. But that is a very loose view of it IMHO. I'd really love to build one or my own interpretation but fear of actually getting the thing on the road is putting me off a little.

As an aside, a chap on Retro rides owns a rat Landrover, and I dare say it's a marmite creation but I quite like it.



What does everyone think of this??

Thats... bizarre!

[Ari]

Streetrod said:

A very nice custom



And another kick arse Hotrod



And now for something a little different, this is a Street Machine

Those are totally awesome..!

[Ari]

Let's not forget perhaps the most famous hot rod of them all!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQw9tVWkf-s