The American Hot Rod [Hardcover]

Dean Batchelor (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

This fine illustrated history of the heyday of the American hot rod pairs veteran car fan and investigator Batchelor with the story of the evolution of performance autos which went beyond the family car. Over two hundred black and white photos and many color shots pepper this lively history, not only reported on but lived by hot rodder author Batchelor. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks Intl (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879389826
• ISBN-13: 978-0879389826
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,298,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > Professional & Technical > Transportation > Reference

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Birth and Evolution of Today's So Calif Hot Rod Scene, January 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The American Hot Rod (Hardcover)

Dean Batchelor grew up with the Southern California hot rod scene, and went on to pioneer much of the postwar LA publishing industry that launched hot rodding as a nationwide cultural phenomenon.

As an author, the late Dean Batchelor was a gem. Reflecting this, American Hot Rod - his last book - is uniquely well written, entertaining, and keenly balanced.

Anyone who ever admired a '32 deuce coupe (or wondered what the Beachboys were singing about) will love it. Lots of pictures; chapters on the birth of drag racing, Bonneville, flathead V8's - and all presented in a highly readable format. A book you'll keep and enjoy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dry Lakes and Drag Strips:The American Hot Rod(Muscle Car Color History) Softcover version/same book as The American Hot Rod, December 11, 2011

By 

Jose Lopez "Jose Lopez" (Miami,Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The American Hot Rod (Hardcover)

Dry Lakes and Drag Strips:The American Hot Rod(Muscle Car Color History)2002,ISBN 0760312168,192 pages with a Glossary of terms used then and a color gallery it is the Softcover version/same book as The American Hot Rod (1994,Hardcover,different cover,same author who passed away sadly,Rest in Peace).This book is an excellent source and while the author admits to be a "Ford Guy" as he put it in one of the chapters he covers Four-Bangers as well as Flatheads,Chevys and Caddy/Olds OHV and Buick.I Love the Cover,and opted to get the softcover instead just for the cover and the more Fitting title.It Covers Muroc,Bonneville,Harper,The Publications,The Shops and so fourth,Also Covers the Racing Specials such as Max Balchowsky's Old Yeller and Other Neat cars.I love the Chevy Four stuff and Chevy Engined or GM brand stuff.I just wish there could have been more on that,as the author puts it in one chapter that he saw on a License Plate or sticker:"Real Fords have Chevys In Them".

An overall Stellar Read and great photography both in the black and white and Color,an Bygone era and he manages to somehow not include a status/class envy in it as the rivalry between Hotrodders/Sportscar Crowd did exist which I think is good in this day and age when everyone envies someone.Beautiful Layout and large softcover,I am very happy I own it.