History World's first street rod?

Gang,
Here is a link to a museum that thinks this might have the world's first street rod.. Anyone REALLY know for sure?
Gary

http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/content/view/23/90/

 

Looks possible, but the amazing thing is that someone got it for $800. Unreal.

 

Thats some cool history guess he just didnt see a car he liked so he built one good deal.

 

The old guy looks pissed in that picture

 

I find that to be laughable but they of course want to make their car more valuable. During my years of research on early auto racing I ran across literally hundreds of "street rods" (Not sure how definable the term is to any exact meaning).

Pick up almost any issue of Motor Age or The Automobile during the teens and you will find regular features on cars that readers have hot rodded or modified. Some modified the bodies and or the frames and others removed the fenders or put on cycle fenders and changed the wheels while adding go fast goodies to the engines (Roof heads etc).

If I had to guess when the first street rod was built I would say no later than 1905 but I could be late on the date as well. Guys have wanted to personalize and make their horseless carriages go faster and look better since the first car was built I would guess.

That being said the car is pretty decent and the guy did an admirable job-but the first? I am not sure I would agree-JIm

 

I'll buy the story as soon as someone Photoshops a cry-baby doll leaning against it...

 

From what I remember, the first Street Rod was early 70's.-MIKE

 

or really sad.

 

Cletus invented the cry baby doll AFTER the photo was taken.

 

OSR ran this story claiming the same thing a couple years back.

 

He's thinking about the one that got away.
It's cool looking whatever it is.

 

The term was commonly used long before that, contrary to popular belief. Henry Gregor Felsen published his book Street Rod in August, 1953.

 

That thing was on My Classic Car a few years back. It was pretty cool.

 

This car was disscussed here before I believe... cool story, I think. hahaaa.

 

Jim Dillon, I always LOOK when you post, because I know there's a lot of thought and information. You are one of the MANY great things about the HAMB -- just my 2 cents.

 

HAHAHA! Street rod... and followed it up with his little known title, released in a limited edition and long since out of print, Rat Rod...

 

To confuse matters-
In the late 50's, early 60's, we called hot rods- street rods. Back then, it mean't a street driven hot rod.
It wasn't a bad word then.

 

Wouldn't the first "street rod" be from way back when the indians customized (painted) their ponies and gave them some oats to boost the horse power (literally)????. Oh, wait a minute, that would be a "trail rod", never mind.

 

Or a tray with a plastic hamburger, french fries and a malted on it.

 

In the '50s a 'street rod' was a hot rod that was licensed to drive legal on the................street.

Of course, as many have already pointed out, the 'first' would have been waaaay back before that, even. It's too bad somebody has to make such claims, they only detract from an otherwise fine display. Actually I see it (the claim) as a bit pompous.

 

hahahahahahaha, man I hate those things! I always felt is was the guy who gave in to his old wife....maybe he gave in to get her interested in the shows, I dunno why, but I hate them fuckers and dont understand why the hell they are everywhere! well, at least at the gold chainer shows it seems they cant stuff enough dolls and shit on their displays.

 

I've seen it over at Dale's museum, and I'd come closer to calling it a custom instead of a street rod.

 

Was Cletus using a SBC 350/350 combo? Just wondering....

 

the first street rod..... sounds to Me like the Dec. 7, 1941 for traditional hot rodders

 

My old friend Gabby Garrisons T, Long Beach Ca 1932. Dropped axle (done in high school shop class) raised rear cross member, chopped windshield, Wheeler muffler, buffs all the way around and crude flames on the hood. This, to me, is a better example of a early street rod, hot rod, supe job, gow job, hot iron and so on.

 

The best part of the story is that the guy is named Cletus.

 

Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel

 

First one or not that museum is the best thing since sliced bread. Dale is a class act. He treats me like he's known me for years every time I've been around him( which is a total of about 3 or 4 times). He's always taken time to show me around. he has some real nice things,especially if you like old bikes.

 

i'm gonna second the invalidity of it being deemed the "first street rod" given the fact how can they really tell? there were alot of streed driven roadsters from way back when that weren't necessarily raced. the term was coined in the 50's describing roadsters meant for street use and were generally nicer and well painted, not bare bones unfinished racers. just my thoughts.

 

well im up hur i can kall my ma'...hey ma' get oft tha dang roof!!!!!