After reading a few pages of the Iconic Hot Rod discussion, I got to thinking about cars I deem "iconic," and, naturally, I started thinking about why I like them. The hot rods I love best all have one thing in common; they're intimidating. A well-crafted hot rod is threatening in its nature, but some stand out. They give off a stalwart vibe. I'm talking about the type of car that rolls up to the staging lane with the swagger of Heavyweight Champion Jack Johnson, the most intimidating man of his time. He'd beat his opponent mercilessly and leave with the most desirable women in the crowd - wives, girlfriends, sisters and moms. I dig cars like that. There's something about the no-nonsense hot rods that aren't about playing nice. They look like it takes more balls to drive them. Two cars come to mind: One, the Swindler A (It was also named the Black Widow for a time). The Stone, Woods, and Cook Willys that was lighter and more of a handful than their previous campaigned Willys. And two, although the story is fictional, it captures my sentiment, and perhaps it's partly why I am drawn to the intimidators. Bob Falfa's 55 Chevy was a character itself, and it fit the part of the intimidator well. Milner recognizes this at the end of the film when he admits he was beaten. The 55 ends up in flames, overturned. A testament to the idea that it was a terror on the street - the threat was valid. So, I'd love to see a thread filled with pictures dedicated to the intimidating hot rods. I'm eager to see what you come up with.
That's easy, Wild Willie Borschs' terror. As far as AA/FA's go, In my opinion, the most feared in its day! Never had a chance to watch Willie drive but I've seen the recreation run and have walked by it on display with "Big Mike Boyd" and I just shivered.
Wild Willie steering with one hand, holding onto the body with the other!!! The driver was just as bad ass as the car.....
I am all about in your face street cars and the Falfa and Milner are two of my favorites. And although the Gassers and drag cars of the 60's fueled my early car craziness as a kid in the 60's { I was born in 1955} they have been done to death on threads here so I hope people start posting more street style builds. Wish I knew how to post pics better. My big computer with the scanner died a few years ago and all I have is a few shots I was able transfer to this old lap top. In the lower left corner is a shot of my 51 Merc, 428 fe. four speed ,9" and big and little tire rake. It will be a Merc version of Falfa's 55. It's parked next to a 49 mild custom I built a number of years ago. lori 002 by 0NE BAD 51 MERC posted Jan 31, 2011 at 10:44 PM Love the idea of this Thread! Larry
Falfa’s 55 was definitely intimidating. I also like the 57 in Hollywood Knights. There are also some very bad ass 57 Fords around here with dog dishes on them that look like likker cars. Talk about intimidating, what about EJ Potters Small Block Chevrolet motorcycles? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I've seen Hells Messenger around (when it was local to me), and based on the reaction to it pulling into the parking lot at the Nugget in Wendover (during Speed Week), I'd say the Elmers understand what it takes to build intimidation. It sounds rowdy. It's heavily chopped and perfectly unrefined - wearing dents, scars, and welds proudly.
A proper hot rod should be a touch intimidating, like a beautiful and crazy woman or magnum rifle. Ya know it's going to hurt a little but ya gotta do it anyway. Part of the reason I can't stand street rods. Power steering air conditioning and all the creature comforts make you forget you actually had a pair of balls once upon a time.
I posted two pictures of the Dawson demon fuel coupe and for some reason it appears to have been deleted. Can someone explain to me how was that off topic?
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