Hot Rods What's the difference between a speedster and a gow job?

Particularly when you are referring to the model T era.

 

according to google images Gow Jobs have a T body while speedsters don't

 

That is how I tell the difference.

 

What is a Gow?

Larry

 

According to the OED "Gow is a slang term that is used to describe someone who is considered to be unattractive or ugly".

Per the Urban Dictionary, it is an acronym for "Grumpy Old Woman".

Neither term is very complimentary.

 

Ok, how does that pertain to the HAMB?

Larry

 

It's actually a drug reference.
Gow was slang for opium.
Also referred to as a soup.
A person on opium was hopped up.
A gow job was
"hopped up/souped up"

 

Aww, ok, thank you.

Larry

 

A gow job uses the complete roadster body minus hood, fenders, etc.

A Speedster uses only the original cowl and possibly the rest of the front portion of the body. But the rear portion is either completely missing, utilizing only a seat, fuel tank and possibly wooden trunk or custom built, often in a boat tail configuration.

 

That definition fits in nicely with the 1920's era when these cars were in their prime.

 

Which one is this

 

I'd call that a speedster, Anthony. But with what looks to be a completely or mostly custom-made "body".
Speedsters were the first street driven cars that made an attempt to emulate very early race cars.
I believe I read that an early term that preceded even the name "speedster" was "speed car".

 

Speedster


Gow job

 

My take (extra hopped):

 

Gow jobs.