Over here in NZ many of our clubs are constantly battling with the same issue (what is a hot rod, street machine etc). It realy came to light when we started to see Australian V8 Fords, Holdens (GM) and Cyrstlers being brought into hot rod clubs. Some people thought - no way are we having Australian junk with us", and so developed a defintion that a hot rod had to be of american origin and V8. That lasted in many clubs (although US projects are so expensive to get into over here that Holdens and Australian Fords are a great way to get young ones into the hobby). Then along came the jappas (sorry dont know what you guys call them - Japanese alimunium cans??) onto the drag strip and the lke which put another straw in the barrel. Do we let them into the clubs or drag racing association. While this was happening many people were still saying "it has to be pre-WW2"

At the end of the day, I have to maintain that a hot rod is anything US and V8 that has been modified for performance and looks. That said, I am appreciative of the effort that the boys put into their Australian and Japanese cars. Alot of them are great work, but not what I would call a hot rod (I drive a V8 Holden as a daily runner).

The subcatgories are all good to describe cars, but will not satisfy everyone. As an example, over here at the moment, there is a big debate by owners of rat rods on if this is a term they want to have associated with their cars, or if they would prefer restoration rod, classic rod etc etc.

As we move through the years, things such as 50's and 60's cars are getting harder to come by, and attract the attention of the public when supped up and lowered. In my mind, the most important thing about cars is that you enjoy them. Regardless of what you call them. But it has to be a V8 - and not a rover!