Rat Rods a History of how Rat Rods Evolved

What Defines a Rat Rod?

A basic definition for the term “Rat Rod” is: a Rat Rod is a type or style of Hot Rod or Classic Custom Car that, most of the time, exaggerate or imitates the hot rods of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. This should not to be confused with the semi-related Traditional Hot Rod, which is an completely accurate duplicate re-creation or complete restoration of a Hot Rod from the same time period.

Most of the Rat Rods you will find have the appearance of being unfinished, with just the bare essentials to be driven.

The Rat Rod is born of the idea of function over form. Rat Rods are meant to be driven, not shown off as a thing of beauty. Sometimes the customization of the vehicle will include the use of spare parts, or parts from a totally different vehicle altogether.

Rat Rods - A History

Originally a counter culture reaction to the 1950s Hot Rod, a label that has recently been applied to show cars and super high priced Customs. The Rat Rod’s beginning was a throwback to the Hot Rods from the earlier days of Hot Rodding, built buy your average person, and meant to be driven. Rat Rods are meant to loosely emulate in form and function, the more Traditional Hot Rods of the era. The Biker, Greaser, Rockabilly, and Punk cultures are often credited as influencing the shape of Rat Rodding.

The most typical rat rods are a 1920s to 1950s Roadster or Coupe. The earlier (pre-WW II) vehicles often have their hoods, side running boards, fenders and bumpers removed. The body is frequently channeled over the frame, and sectioned, or the roofs are chopped for a lower profile and stance. The later post-war cars are rarely built without fenders and are more often customized in the fashion of Kustoms, leadsleds, and low-riders. Maltese crosses, skulls, dragons, eight balls and other accessories are often added. Grills, shaved trim, hoods, head lights, and other miscellaneous parts are often swapped between different models and makes. Most, if not all of the work and design is done by the vehicle owner.