Old School Rods and Customs

From November 15th, 2025, through April 2026, our featured exhibit spotlights “Old School Rods & Customs.” The exhibit, presented in cooperation with Pocono Mountain Street Rods Association, celebrates the club’s 50th anniversary. Highlights hot rods and custom cars, including “Big T,” vehicles from 3 Dog Garage, and many other outstanding examples of speed and style.

What’s the Difference

Hot Rods: Starting in the 1920s in California, hot rods were “souped-up” cars with modifications done for racing on dry lake beds. With their distinctive “stance” or lowered profile, hot rods’ primary purpose is to increase speed and acceleration. The bodies were stripped, often with fenders removed, to reduce weight. Powerful engines, sometimes modified with multiple carburetors or superchargers, were added to achieve optimal performance.

Customs (Custom Cars): Developed alongside hot rods, customs focused on aesthetics rather than performance. Customs create a unique and striking visual appearance. Flourishing in the 1950s and 60s, they were often referred to as “low and slow” creations because they were built for show rather than outright speed. The cars featured extensive body and sheet-metal modifications, as well as eye-catching paint jobs. Examples of unique features include spotlights, stretched fronts, and custom grilles.