"Rat Rod" a newly developed name for the original "Hot Rod" style of the early Fifties. A " Rat Rod" is usually a vehicle that has had many of its non-critical parts removed. They are usually finished in primer like paints and are often period correct. Very often the conglomeration of parts and pieces of different makes and models.

A typical "Rat Rod" is an early 30's coupe with the body set low on the frame, white wall tires, big little tire combos, exposed engine bay, home made upholestry, and lots of power. It has become popular to use a similar treatment on cars from the fifties and early sixties as well. These vehicles are most times not originally high performance vehicles, usually a large 2 door sedan with a chopped down roof line and very little trim work.