A person can call their car whatever makes them happy, but in the truest sense of the word that isn't a hot rod, no more than an original Shelby Cobra is a hot rod. Hopped up sports car, yes, for sure. The term is overused. I've even heard little old ladies refer to their 6 cylinder Mustang as "My little hot rod."

Bottom line, it doesn't hurt anyone to call it whatever you like.

Don