The term rat rod is a phrase that is used quite a bit on classic car message boards and on eBay. Rat rod happens to be a term used to describe a type of hot rod and is one of the most searched terms on eBay Motors. Well then you ask me: “What exactly is a rat rod?” To clarify, let me provide you with a definition of this and other types of vehicles classified as hot rods.
Hot rod
Purists define a hot rod as a pre-1949 car or truck that has been modified in such a way that it uses modern parts. The body is painted and the interior would be completely finished. An abundance of chrome accessories and large tires is the norm.
Most people, on the other hand, tend to agree with a more general definition. Any car or truck built to go fast, or look fast, regardless of its aesthetic appeal, is a hot rod. All the cars I collect, despite their differences, are hot rods.
Rat rod
Purists consider a rat bar to be a pre-1949 American vehicle that has been finished to look like it was made by a 1940s hot rod enthusiast. Body paint is often absent, or at best, matte black primer or finish . There is little to no chrome and the interior is left unfinished.
Most people agree with a more general definition. I would consider any American car or truck that looks well used except minivans (yuck). The only foreign cars it would include are the mid-1970s and before VW Bugs and older Micro-Bus (Chariot Of The Dead Head). No need to apply rice burners (Japanese cars).
Street bar
According to the good folks at SEMA, a street bar is an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 or manufactured after 1949 and modified to look like a 1948 or earlier car or truck. In both cases, the street bar has been altered from its original design or has a body made from non-original materials.
Finally, keep in mind that these are not hard and fast labels, they are labels for hard and fast cars. If you want to call that Camry 85 Rat Rod, no one will stop you. It’s about enjoying America’s favorite obsession with the automobile, the rat rod, the hot rod, or whatever you want to call it. Now get out there and have fun !!
