If you have been involved in our hobby for a long period of time, then you probably have formed an opinion on what style of Hot Rod you prefer. I have always preferred the Hot Rod look but also have built the Resto-Rod and Smoothy look over the years. I think most of us are attracted to a particle style that we saw at a car show, read about in a publication or on the street. Growing up with all the Petersen Publications I also liked customs in my high school years, as they made great Date Night rides. I was also influenced with what was the current trend at the time I was building/buying a Hot Rod.
I only bring up this subject as my social group really only likes very traditional cars with the normal modifications. And I’m O.K. with that, because I’m not one to judge someone’s else’s Hot Rod with any negative or opinionated comments. I will make a statement that I prefer one style over another and enjoy looking at all styles at the shows I attend. I was raised by a strong mother who always told me; “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything.” Driving Poppy for the last couple of months I have had many comments concerning a “Boyd Car” from different friends and spectators. Needless to say, the smooth era is not popular with my coffee shop crew but all agree it is a very nice Hot Rod and certainly a piece of American Hot Rod History that will always be an excellent example of the master’s work.
Cruising along the PCH at 70 mph, I always remember Boyd telling me; “Drive what you like and don’t be concerned about what people think of your Hot Rod.” He was right and built cars that he thought would be right for those who appreciate his views of what a Hot Rod should look like. I would say he had a vision that paid off for him and his team of craftsman.
Today, I will show you some of the styles I liked over the years and how the ever changing landscape of the early Hot Rod has come full circle for many who grew up with the solid axle, big and littles, quickchanges, buggy springs and many other items that are called traditional. Some early cars had hidden hinges which was part of the early look and the smoothy look of the 80-90’S.
What is your preferred style?
Stay Tooned!
Lynn
click on photo for a larger image
“Traditional style Hot Rods in my mind!”
To me, this is the blueprint for a traditional style hiboy roadster.
Joe’s in the real deal and set the bar real high for quality in the early builds.
Here is the real deal with all the correct parts that took some time and labor to complete.
American’s favorite Deuce is the hiboy version done in the early style with today’s quality and available reproduction parts.
The real deals still command a second look by many who have been in this hobby for a long time. Never out of style.
It is nice to see the old roadsters being restored to their original glory.
Probably the most famous of the old roadsters is the Doane Spencer example.
Mandy’s Mercury was my first experience with a Barris built custom in our little town of Decatur, IL. Flawless piece of work.
Can you image a 17 year old high school kid seeing this custom parked at the Steak & Shake on Main Street. OMG!
High School Hot Rods were everywhere when I was growing up and they are still being built today.
Since my father bought me my first car, a 53 Chevrolet, I fell in love with Duane Steck’s Moonglow.
Mine wasn’t chopped and had a different front end but Moonglow was the inspiration and style I preferred.
My High School custom at Fan’s Field in Decatur, IL – 1958
My all time favorite Boyd car was the Kolmos Tub.
Boyd turned my 3-window into a smoothy in the 80’s.
I was into this style for a few years, but out of my league price wise.
Due to my high school buddy owning a 34 Tub I fell in love with this one, just the way it was. $$$
As you know, I love the model 40 hiboby roadsters like this one.
Keith built this real deal while he was in CA and I liked it a lot.