The 20 Best Hot Rods Of all Time

August 10, 2017

Jim Jacobs’ “Jakelopy”

Base car: 1928 Ford Phaeton

The originator of the “rat rod” movement, Jim “Jake” Jacobs’ Jakelopy is evidence of what you can do in a short space of time if you’re smart enough. In 1987, Jacobs grabbed some spare parts and assembled a hot rod in 28 days. The machine was based on a ‘28 Phaeton but used the body from a Model A. He then drove this rustbucket to the Goodguys’ West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton, California, and plonked it next to some state-of-the-art rods, before starting to paint it by hand. Others joined in, and it gained its new nickname.

The Jakelopy made something of a profound statement: that hot rods can be open to everyone, even if the only parts you’ve got are leftovers. Hot rodding started out as an affordable and open craft, with its heyday being found among former servicemen after World War II. It was cheap, fast, and fun, and the Jakelopy showed that it still could be. It may not be the most stylish, or the fastest, but when it represents something like this, it belongs on the list.

1970 Charger Showdown: Classic RT/SE Hemi vs. RestoMod Hemi

June 23, 2025

When it comes to American muscle, few cars have captured the hearts of enthusiasts and dominated the silver screen like the Dodge Charger. From…
Read more
The RM30 1970 HEMI Dodge Charger RestoMod

April 22, 2025

The 1970 Dodge Charger is one of the most iconic silhouettes in American muscle car history and RM30 takes that legacy to the next level.…
Read more
RestoMods Garage Update

February 11, 2025

1967 Chevrolet Chevelle (Ground Up Restoration) The 1967 Chevelle 427 is coming together, now sitting on a Roadster Shop chassis that completely transforms its handling…
Read more

Show more articles

Become a Car Club Member

Car Club Members Get Entries to Win, Discounts in our Shop, Discounts with our Preferred Partners and more!

Membership benefits

By joining the RestoMods Car Club Today, you will receive amazing perks plus 15 bonus entries into our sweepstakes for every month you are an active member

Auto Discounts:Curated Discounts From Your Favorite Parts Companies
Restomods Monthly:Monthly Magazine With The Latest Industry News
Classified Ads:Get Free Postings seen by 300,000 enthusiasts monthly
Car Show Tickets:Check out the biggest vintage car shows on us.
Exclusive Car Deals:First chance to purchase any prize cars not selected