The 20 Best Hot Rods Of all Time

August 10, 2017

Norm Grabowski’s “Kookie Kar”

Base car: Model A Ford

The Kookie Kar is an icon of the golden age of hot rodding. Featured in Life magazine in 1957 and on the show 77 Sunset Strip, the Kookie Kar is exceptionally far-removed from its Model A beginnings. Purchased in 1952 following Norm’s discharge from the military, the whole list of modifications that were done to it would take far too long to explain in a single list entry. The rear was shortened, while the front was replaced with that from a Model T touring. The frame was Z’d before Z’ing was even a term, the front was stretched, and a ‘37 Ford axle was installed. Later, the body would be channeled and a shorter windshield installed, new interior fitted, and the chassis dramatically altered.

The whole thing was powered by a ‘52 331 Cadillac V8, which would be fitted with a Horne intake in its guise on the show. Allegedly, the original does still exist, but wouldn’t be recognizable as such, thanks to decades of successive work. It did, however, spawn a veritable army of clones, with a huge amount of young men taking inspiration from the Kookie Kar. With that kind of pedigree, it’s no wonder it’s stormed into a place on this list.

Reegan Is Building This 1975 Dodge Ramcharger For One Lucky YouTube Subscriber

August 13, 2025

Update 9/18/25: The team is now focusing on getting as much wiring done as possible all throughout the truck. Here you can see Miguel working…
Read more
Let's Turn a 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner into RestoMods Royalty

August 8, 2025

Update: 8/8/2025 A little over a year ago we purchased a beautiful 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner from a local collector car dealership Bayside Auto. We knew…
Read more
The Ultimate 1968 Dodge Charger HELLCAT Build

August 8, 2025

Update 9/18/25: The ’68 Charger is now back from paint! With other projects taking priority like the ’67 Chevelle, ’70 Roadrunner and ’75 Ramcharger, this…
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