50 Hot Rods Not Afraid To Be Different

Hot Rod 1


These hot rods are made to be different than your average hot rod, and they aren’t afraid to show it. Some of these look like they were assembled in a junkyard with pieces found from multiple vehicles, while others look like showroom quality. They all have an interesting take on modifying your everyday hot rod. With that being said, we think we have found a hot rod for everyone’s liking.

Whether you are into slightly modified and simplistic looks, you are into heavily modified performance hot rods, or maybe you just like the budget-friendly modifications. We have put together this list of hot rods that are not afraid to be different so that you may see something out of the norm instead of just seeing the old classic hot rods that most people always talk about. We enjoy those also, but it is always nice to see something different for a change. So without further ado, here are some hot rods that are definitely different. Please enjoy!

The Blur 2

Hot Rod 3

They are nothing more than a clever disguise. The speakers look to be a 6 x 9 specialty brand with mid and treble mounted on the subwoofer. Throw in a washtub fan guard up front, connected to an old 30s radiator from a produce truck, and you have yourself one amazing piece of machinery. Built to turn heads, I’m sure it turns corners equally as well. Plus, if you ever need a few spare parts for something, I bet this hot rod has you covered!

Hot Rod 2


The Outhouse Hot Rod

Hot Rod 1

Aside from the engine build with the blower and stylish side exhaust, it’s constructed to look like an outhouse. And while that might seem strange at first, this outhouse is one for the record books. For starters, it’s stylish with its cedar shake shingles and lantern mounted on the front. It says “got to go” in huge letters, just above the license plate and shiny silver gas tank. you’ve probably never seen an outhouse this fast in your life.


Hot Rod No. 13

Hot Rod 2

If you ever get caught in a five-alarm fire situation, this firecracker will come to the rescue for sure. It’s built like a brick house with an engine stacked as tall as the driver cab itself, and check out those lower headers. Only this firetruck rat rod is way more awesome than some rinky-dink go-kart. This is the fastest firetruck on the planet, with a Hemi engine that could destroy the would-be competition on the road.

Hot Rod 4


The Woodruff Special

Quite possibly the lowest hot rod in human history, this custom VW Bug titled “The Woodruff Special” is a head-turner! It’s owned by Jocke Gustavssons. The car sits so low the front suspension sits above the hood. This car has been chopped, channeled, drivetrain raised & body dropped about as far as you can go. Any lower & this thing would be underground.

Hot Rod 5


Skull and Bones Hot Rod

Hot Rod 4

If you’ve ever wanted to get inside someone’s head, this hot rod is for you. You can literally climb inside this head for one wild ride. Outfitted with enough chrome to make a biker jealous, and an interior stylized and themed out in morbid perfection, this death machine ride is a thing of pure beauty. Plus, all of the beautifully polished wood contrasts amazingly with this polished dome giving this rat rod one unique look. I’m sure it offers one unique ride as well.

Hot Rod 6


The Bunk Bed

Hot Rod 5

The bottom bunk is definitely where all the action occurs, and by action, I’m talking about driving! The bottom steering wheel mount looks like an old Brakemen’s stop from a train car, and the wood has been beautifully polished to perfection to match the radiator cover upfront. You certainly won’t fall asleep driving either, judging from the looks of the powerful V-8 with its stylized, cartoonish exhaust. After a hard day’s drive, it’s nice to know that you won’t have to exit the vehicle to catch some shut-eye.

Hot Rod 7


The Hoarder Hot Rod

Hot Rod 6

Okay, so we’ve all been to one of those country things restaurants with license plates on the wall and funky signs. Check out the rat gnawing on the air filter up top, and the snake slithering his way across the front grill. The suicide doors further the statement and a Dr. Pepper-wrapped grill pull it together for a classic general store look. This hot rod means business, and you better stay out of the way. I told you number six was a thing of beauty.


The Refinery Rod

Hot Rod 7

Well isn’t this car just a barrel of fun? It looks like someone may have been impressed with their last trip to the fun house judging by the looks of it. The coolest feature perhaps is the huge front window that gives the driver a better view than you could ever get with a standard vehicle. However, at night, the awesome lamp mounted on the side provides a bit of ambient light, but the one feature we notice lacking are headlights.


Over-Compensation Hot Rod?

Okay, so this car defies a few things about logic and reason. It genuinely looks like one of those cars you would find in an old Hanna Barbara cartoon (think Laugholympics and you are in the right neighborhood). Yet, the fire on the sides and overstated body styling are the real stars here… I’m not sure how often you would drive a car like this, but I am sure you would get noticed plenty when you do. If only we could hear that engine rev to complete the picture, life would be perfect!

Hot Rod 10


John Deere Hot Rod

This John Deere hot rod is not something you’d normally see around the farm. Some of these hot rods may be too different for your liking, while others have just the right amount of modifications. If you enjoyed this hot rod that is not afraid to be different, keep scrolling to see which is your favorite. We have saved the best for last, so make sure you check them all out and don’t miss any.
Hot Rod 11


Now That’s A Hot Rod

Hot Rod 10

I don’t know how to classify this car, other than fast. And while it may not be able to reach jet speeds, it looks to me like it is no shrinking violet either (hey that happens to be the color of the car, how ironic!). It’s cars like these that race the same competitor time and time again. Yep, if you line up on the drag strip against this beast, I guarantee you will come in second place. You just have your car, against this one, which means you will get beat rather soundly!

Hot Rod 12


That’s One Way To Show Up To Your Own Funeral

Hot Rod 11

I doubt this guy will be resting in peace anytime soon. If he races you, he might put your car in the great junkyard of the sky, but his casket cruiser will be fine. This guy converted a casket into a rat rod and we like it. It doesn’t look morbid, morose or macabre, it just looks amazing! And while I have declared many times that the only instance you will find me in a casket is when I’m dead… I might even tell you to look alive (oops, another one).

Hot Rod 13


Down N’ Dirty

Hot Rod 12

Having a hard time getting your teen to cut grass? This makes us wonder if it will still cut grass? If so, I imagine what used to take a couple of hours is now a 15 minute job! I could only think what it must feel like to be cruising around the yard on this thing at 45 or 50 mph. What’s even more impressive is the fact that the original steering is used to control this beast. Just make sure you don’t yank the emergency brake while driving or you could be in for a totally different experience!


Hot Rod de Phone Booth

Hot Rod 13

Hello operator, will you please connect my call? I will just drive there in my modified phone booth hot rod and meet in person. Because I have a phone booth hot rod that’s why! It puts the mobile in mobile phone when you think about it. Take a phone booth with you anywhere and Superman is always accessible! Someone should have thought of this a lot sooner, but we are just glad they thought it up to begin with.

Hot Rod 15


Compact Hot Rod

This bad boy has as tighter wheel base then a jeep. It’s about as compact as hot rod gets. Unique? I would say so. Some of these hot rods may be too different for your liking, while others have just the right amount of modifications. If you enjoyed this hot rod that is not afraid to be different, keep scrolling to see which is your favorite. We have saved the best for last, so make sure you check them all out and don’t miss any.


Crime Boss Hot Rod

Hot Rod 15

Then someone pulls up in this gangster of a hot rod and your days are over. This is the way history could be rewritten if rat rods existed at earlier points in American development. The engine is cleverly covered to maintain the period look of the car, while the exhausts are allowed to poke through the side and flow back, elongating the beautiful lines of this vehicle. A thing of beauty, a best for speed, this rat rod gets high marks from us!

Hot Rod 17


Army Rat Rod

Mail Rod(autowise.com)


Big Yellow…Hot Rod?

Hot Rod 17

If my school bus looked like this when I was little, I would have gone to school on the weekends! Maybe I would have just taken it out for a spin on the weekends, with the bus driver’s permission of course. The lowered look, the blower popping through the top of the hood, and the words “Shortcut High” all work to give this rat rod a completely over-the-top feel. Those are the perks that come with owning a hot rod school bus.

Hot Rod 18


USPS Hot Rod

Mail Rod(autowise.com)

Auto Wise

Someone took a Mail Truck and transformed it into a Mail Rod. This would sure make it easier when they’re stopped on the side of the road and you’re stuck behind them trying to crane your neck and see around them. The mailbox above the engine is definitely the cherry on top of what is definitely a unique treat in this list of cool hot rods.

spaceship rod(Pinterest)


Graveyard Rod

Hot Rod 18

This hot rod is just plain awesome. Themed out in gray with green accents, it will carry you to the other side in style! Don’t worry, I’m not wishing you to go too quickly, I’m just saying when you do, this is the way to do it. The low rider effect of the old Rolls Royce throwback from the 40s is offset nicely with the mean exhaust and all-gray exterior. When you are called up to the other side, make sure to hail this cab.

Bat Rd(autowise.com)


Bubble Canopy?

spaceship rod(Pinterest)

This mini hot rod wannabe is going places. Either under the car directly in front of it, or to outer space. There is no in between on this one – this little guy was designed for those two purposes only. But jokes aside, this one looks like a lot of fun. Can you picture the looks on peoples faces staring at you go by looking back them from inside your bubble canopy! I mean, too cool. This cool hot rod was originally a Volkswagen Beetle.


Bat Rod

Bat Rd(autowise.com)

Auto Wise

Yes! This is awesome. This needs to be a movie. Coordination of Batman as a hot rod driver, fighting crime after sold-out races. That would sell, for sure. But whoever is in charge of creating this awesome piece of work, well done our friend. This Bat Rod This Hot Rod is designed in the style of the Batmobile.

Winged Rod(roadkillcustoms.com)


Extremely Hot Temperature-wise Rod

I’m not sure what to call this exactly. It produces plenty of power for sure. It also carries a lot of weight (check out the front wheels straining under the load). While this engine is large and in charge, and the car is dated, it is pure awesome! I’m sure he would not mind showing you how it runs. We might have to wear earplugs to combat the noise, but the ride would definitely be worth it!


Wing Tips

Winged Rod(roadkillcustoms.com)

roadkillcustoms.com

You could call this Hot Rod incomplete seeing as the back half is an actual car. But the front half is all hot rod baby! The wing tips make this lipstick-red hot rod stand out. The creator of this personalized hot rod really know how to keep up with a machine, cause this baby is in pristine condition! We love this standout in our list of coolest hot rods.

Hot Rod 19


Bathtub Hot Rod

This is nice! It looks great and is extremely functional. Enough said. Some of these hot rods may be too different for your liking, while others have just the right amount of modifications. If you enjoyed this hot rod that is not afraid to be different, keep scrolling to see which is your favorite. We have saved the best for last, so make sure you check them all out and don’t miss any.

Hot Rod 16


Wagon Rod!

Hot Rod 19

This is not how they used to do it on the prairie, but I bet they could if they had access at the time. This has to be the most awesome covered wagon hot rod we have ever seen. It is obvious great care and attention to detail were given when creating this gorgeous hot rod. The wagon is covered, but can be removed. That would mean this is the world’s first and and only convertible covered wagon hot rod coupe.

Hot Rod 23


Lego Hot Rod

Hot Rod 16

Did you ever play with Legos as a kid? These guys PLAYED with Legos. And while we have heard of people who spend thousands of man-hours building with Legos, I shudder to think what it must have taken to build this. I don’t have that kind of patience, but this is the kind of awesome vehicle that happens by people who do! I would get frustrated after Lego number 4,000. This Lego rat rod is a home run.

Hot Rod 24


Grooviest Hot Rod Out There

Hot Rod 23

Look closely, that is leopard-themed upholstery. It offsets the look and almost gives the whole vehicle a magic carpet vibe. The tassels and gold headlamps add to the finished product to give it just enough genie-in-a-bottle flair. Oversized, but not overstated, they complete the look to turn this vehicle from classic to chique style fit for a king or sultan for that matter. The way this car looks, you could be cruising the Sahara for some time with no problem.

Hot Rod 25


Double-Hemi Hot Rod

Hot Rod 24

This 1932 Ford sedan has not one, but two, count them, two Hemi engines! They are designed to look and operate like one, which took a bit of mechanical genius I might say. Wouldn’t you be proud to ride around in this hot rod for days at a time? Ronnie’s Hot Rods really outdid themselves with this one. The two engines are designed to operate with the same RPMs all the time.

The Crucifier(Joe Cruces)


Tricked-Out Popcorn Wagon Hot Rod

Hot Rod 25

There are popcorn poppers, and there are POPCORN POPPERS! This hot rod could certainly churn out enough to fill a movie theater or seven. However, you probably would not be able to hear the movie due to all of the engine noise, but hey, we consider that to be a fair trade. This popcorn hot rod, named Fossil Fueled, is simply amazing. It all works well with the theme and makes this hot rod one amazing vehicle. Just make sure you don’t leave any popcorn on the plush interior.

BMW Rod(autowise.com)


The Crucifier

The Crucifier(Joe Cruces)

Joe Cruces

This Hot Rod is called The Crucifier. It was made for a show by Joe Cruces at the Joe Cruces Rod & Custom shop in Vacaville, California. We can’t even begin to figure out what kind of frame this was molded out of – but whatever it is, the rear lift makes it about 10x more intimidating. Imagine driving down the street with your family in a Buick and seeing this thing roll around the corner! “Dad…can you get one of those!?”

Spider Web Rod


The Lowest Rider

BMW Rod(autowise.com)

Auto Wise

Competition’s over folks – y’all can go on home now. The lowest low rider, hot rod or not, has been found – there’s literally no where else to go but up from there. This Rat Rod features BMW parts, which makes it look like a German Hot Rod. The two things we notice that make us know this isn’t just a show pony? The big ol’ engine and the big ol’ back tires. This thing can move, we have no doubt.

Hot Rod 26


Charlotte’s Web

Spider Web Rod

We’ll hand it to him, the steering wheel looks pretty sweet! But after that, it’s just downright dysfunctional! I mean, can you picture driving around the block in one of those seats? Much less, firing off the starting line! The owner of this rod must have a thing for spider webs. Notice the webs in the door frame as well. If this is what the interior looks like – I think we all know what the paint job features…

Jeep Rod(Zach Williams)


Just Your Everyday Family Antique Sedan Tractor Hot Rod Hybrid

Hot Rod 26

When a Caterpillar tractor and an antique 1940s sedan love each other very much, you get this awesome piece of machinery. This beast of a hot rod would have no trouble navigating the ups and downs of California and even has sideboards that double as storage for tools or anything else you need to take with you. Nothing says satisfaction like riding around in your own gorgeous one-of-a-kind hot rod creation.

Lawn Mower Rod


Jeepers Creepers

Jeep Rod(Zach Williams)

Zach Williams

If you look at this from the traditional Jeep perspective, the one of a down and dirty, monster of a machine – then this Jeep Rod may miff you. But looking through the eyes of people who just love cool car concepts – this thing is awesome! I bet he zips around what looks like Los Angeles with ease. I mean it’s the compactness of a jeep, the open air-ness of a golf cart and the versatility of a sports car. The owner of this Rod took his Jeep and modified it into a Hot Rod.

Datsun Rod(autowise.com)


Riding Hot Rod

Lawn Mower Rod

Why have just a riding lawn mower when you can have a riding lawn mower/hot rod. That seems like a dumb question – especially if you’re this guy who had a monster of a vision when he started this bad boy. Possibly part tractor, the doctors aren’t sure yet. Definitely made of more than 2 types of vehicle, that much is confirmed. This Hot Rod was at some point a riding lawn mower. The owner decided he wanted a hot rod instead.

Hot Rod 27


Mad Max Meets New Mexico

Datsun Rod(autowise.com)

Auto Wise

Mad Max meets Los Cruces, New Mexico. I mean, wow this is something else. This cool Rat Rod is a super low Datsun, but with the apocalyptic paint job of someone ready to duel vampires until he ultimately succumbs to some disease or hunger. We digress. This is a pretty sweet looking hot rod though, and the thought to put a Datsun in that position with the upgraded bumpers is one to be commended. Pretty cool hot rod!

Van Rod(autowise.com)


Handi-Hot Rod

Hot Rod 27

Take a moment to look at this wheelchair rat rod and take in all of its awesome glory. Speed, from the electric engine controlled by two foot pedals, and prowess from the design that is just incredible. The red and yellow flare out on the rear wheels give the perfect finishing touch to this already beast of a wheelchair. This brings new meaning to the words “total mobility.” Owning one of these gives you so much more freedom than a traditional powered wheelchair.

WheelBarrow Rod


Van Rod

Van Rod(autowise.com)

Auto Wise

We would speculate that someone lives in this van, but theres a massive hot rod engine in the back. Sleeping inside this van is a no-no. This was a Chevy Van, but with the engine in the back and other modifications, this has become a Chevy Van Rat Rod. The exterior looks beat up and rustic, but if you look closely you will see it’s an intentional color and the rims are shiny and new – so there’s definitely some major love being into this van rod. I mean, look at that engine!

Rat Rod(roadkillcustoms.com)


Redneck Hot Rod

WheelBarrow Rod

Wow. We aren’t really sure whqt to say! I mean this is special. It might not be pretty but it’s definitely special, right? This hot rod started off as a wheelbarrow, and was transformed into something more amazing. And..wait a minute..is that a fireplace grill on the front of this bad boy? Wow. A wheelbarrow, a fire grate, and a hot rod. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give to you this year’s winner of the Backyard Roundup Award!

Hot Rod 28


Rat Rod Reversal

Rat Rod(roadkillcustoms.com)

roadkillcustoms.com

The budget for this hot rod was just enough for half of a car and half of a truck. I mean, this is obviously made of old part…but the idea to use an old hood as your trunk storage/bed is revolutionary! We can’t see all of this awesome piece of machinery, but we’re picturing a shiny, chrome-plated, brand new engine – aren’t you? Well, even if you’re not – it’s fun to imagine that’s the case. Wouldn’t that be some contrast.

Hot Rod Flames


Hot Tub Rod

Hot Rod 28

The next time one of your buddies mentions how much they wish they could bring a bathroom along with them so they would not have to stop… Two tubs and a toilet make quite a statement on this modified rat rod. The tubs are outfitted with plush velvet seats, and the toilet is plushed out in velvet as well. Two blowers mounted diagonally tame this beast with a bit of whimsy. All you have to do is make sure to keep yourself firmly mounted on the throne for the whole driving experience.

cross hot rod


Roller Derby Rod

Hot Rod Flames

This hot rod has a cool flames paint job and is sitting low. For some reason, we can’t get over the feeling that whoever created this piece of art loves rolling up to the local roller derby in a fur coat and parachute pants. He then proceeds to bring his own disco ball into the roller derby, hang it up by himself, go over to the DJ, hand him a personalized mixtape and then proceed to jam out amongst the teenagers on the roller floor. Like he should.

Hot Rod 29


Woah.

cross hot rod

This Hot Rod was found at a car show. The spikes are a cool extra touch. But we need to apologize to you. Earlier in this list we referred to another hot rod as bring up memories of Mad Max. And that is just unfair now that we all know this hot rod exists. I mean, wow! Look at this agent of metal. A through and through hardcore hot road, these is at it’s peak when surrounded by like-minded individuals and your local Pantera concert.

Truck Rod


Hot Mower

Hot Rod 29

One look at this and I’m pretty sure this lawn tractor did not come standard from the shop this way. There are several hundred more horses under the hood and a snow plow to boot. A snow plow! Plus, the undercarriage with the blades looks like they are in good working order, too. The perfect blend of futuristic flair with a timeless look. It would be nice to see a race between this fine specimen and #14.

Modern Hot Rod(autowise.com)


Semi-Hot? Trailer-Rod? Hot-Trailer?

Truck Rod

This is it, folks. The moment you’ve all been waiting for. The coolest, baddest, and most noticeable semi-truck turned hot rod we’ve ever seen.This Truck Rat Rod was found in Marblehead, Ohio. It seems like it gets regular use, and we’re 100 percent positive it’s owner can beat you butt. That neon green/gray and engine soot black combination is an intimidating presence – especially on the tranquil streets of Marblehead, Ohio.

Soviet Minsk Auto Zavod Truck


Ooh La La

Modern Hot Rod(autowise.com)

Auto Wise

This is what I would imagine a modern-day Hot Rod to look like. Blended perfectly with its ultra-modern counterpart, the sports car. Although the sports car looks like a custom-job of it’s own, this overall-masterpiece flows seamlessly. If only we could see it at top speed, I bet this hot rod is a monster on the streets!

Licensne Plate Rod


Minsk Rod

Soviet Minsk Auto Zavod Truck

This cool Mazzy Hot rod was originally converted from a Russian Soviet Minsk Auto Zavod Truck. Some of these hot rods may be too different for your liking, while others have just the right amount of modifications. If you enjoyed this hot rod that is not afraid to be different, keep scrolling to see which is your favorite. We have saved the best for last, so make sure you check them all out and don’t miss any.

Tank Rod(Major Payne Monster Tank)


State Identification

Licensne Plate Rod

We’re going deep on the inside for this assignment. Well, the inside of this hot rod, at least. The owner of this one seems like he is definitely from the great state of Kansas. And has lived there constantly. The interior of this hot rod has license plates from the state of Kansas over the years. This looks more like the inside of a country store than a hot rod, but hey, we still love it!


Hot Tank!

Tank Rod(Major Payne Monster Tank)

Major Payne Monster Tank

This Hot Rod is different from most seeing as it’s a tank, but this Tank rides like a Hot Rod. It’s called the Major Payne Monster Tank. Major Payne, indeed. This off-road monster combines three of the baddest machines ever made, a hot rod engine, a jeep body, and a tank’s power. I wonder how the connections are actually made, we’d love to see ‘under the hood’ on this one.


Lamborghini Hot Rod

Some of these hot rods may be too different for your liking, while others have just the right amount of modifications. If you enjoyed this hot rod that is not afraid to be different, keep scrolling to see which is your favorite. We have saved the best for last, so make sure you check them all out and don’t miss any.


Pea Body Hot Rod

Some of these hot rods may be too different for your liking, while others have just the right amount of modifications. If you enjoyed this hot rod that is not afraid to be different, keep scrolling to see which is your favorite. We have saved the best for last, so make sure you check them all out and don’t miss any.


Army Jeep Hot Rod

Some of these hot rods may be too different for your liking, while others have just the right amount of modifications. If you enjoyed this hot rod that is not afraid to be different, keep scrolling to see which is your favorite. We have saved the best for last, so make sure you check them all out and don’t miss any.

Hot Rod 30


Vintage Mustang Hot Rod

Some of these hot rods may be too different for your liking, while others have just the right amount of modifications. If you enjoyed this hot rod that is not afraid to be different, keep scrolling to see which is your favorite. We have saved the best for last, so make sure you check them all out and don’t miss any.


Parking Lot Dreams

Hot Rod 30

 

Now if your wife asked you to go grocery shopping with her, you probably wouldn’t mind much if you had one of these, right? You could get your groceries done in record time with this nifty hot rod! You could send your cart cruising around the store and up to the checkout, beating whoever tried to get in your way. Watch out couponers, there is a new grocery store boss in town! You don’t want to burn yourself on those exhaust pipes grabbing things off the bottom.