Hot rods are typically American automobiles that have been rebuilt or modified with larger or more powerful engines optimized for speed and acceleration. One commonly cited description defines a hot rod as "a car that's been stripped down, souped up, and made to go much faster."

Beyond mechanical modification, hot rodding developed as a distinctive cultural movement emphasizing hands-on craftsmanship, individual expression, and community. Originating in the United States during the mid-20th