Hot rod

Hot rods are typically American automobiles that have been rebuilt or modified with larger or more powerful engines optimized for speed and acceleration. One commonly cited description defines a hot rod as "a car that's been stripped down, souped up, and made to go much faster." Beyond mechanical modification, hot rodding developed as a distinctive cultural movement emphasizing hands-on craftsmanship, individual expression, and community. Originating in the United States during the mid-20th century, it became closely associated with youth culture, street racing, and subcultures such as the greasers, and later influenced music, film, and visual design. There is no single, universally accepted definition of what constitutes a hot rod, and the term has been applied to a wide range of vehicles and styles. Most hot rods are individually designed and constructed using components from multiple sources, and while some are built for competition, many are intended primarily for exhibition or street use.