The cult of hot rodding took root in 1940s America, amongst young enthusiasts with little or no money who were eager to play around with what was still a novel piece of machinery. Today specimens can sell for upwards of $1 million, and the popularity of these unique combinations of classic designs and state-of-the-art engines and chassis just keeps on growing.
This fascinating programme traces the evolution of the hot rod - from its post-war explosion in California, through the days of illegal street-racing, to the international spectator sport of drag racing. Along the way, we interview the people who have shaped this phenomenon, including Alex Xydias, Pete Chapouris, Tony Thacker, Jimmy Shine, and Andy & Roy Brizio.
We pay a visit to the Bonneville Salt Flats, regarded as one of the birthplaces of hot rodding, to break the 200mph record with the guys from the ‘So-Cal Speed Shop.’ Plus, we check out the Grand National Roadster Show in San Francisco, and the biggest nostalgia drag race in Famosa, CA - capturing plenty of tyre smoke, ear-splitting noise and awesome speeds! Finally, we search out some of today’s coolest street machines back at the ‘So-Cal Speed Shop’ and ‘Roy Brizio Street Rods.’
Recreated using a mixture of archive and modern footage, alongside insightful interviews with the men who made it happen, this is the story of an American passion and the desire to build a dream.