The 20 Best Hot Rods Of all Time

August 10, 2017

The American Graffiti Coupe

Base car: Ford Model A

Milner’s Coupe, as it is known, is probably one of the most iconic hot rods of all time. Featured in George Lucas’ 1973 movie American Graffiti, this rod brought inspiration to countless fans, helping create a whole new wave of Hot Rods. The car itself was bought by the production team, and transportation manager Henry Travers enlisted the aid of Ignacio builder Bob Hamilton to help the car reach star status.

The coupe had already had three inches chopped on its roof, but a lot more needed to be done. Motorcycle fenders were attached to the front wheels, aluminium stanchions were added to the headlights, and an I-beam axle was fitted. Johnny Franklin of Santa Rosa added new heads, carburetors and an intake manifold, in addition to new exhaust pipes for one of the film’s prime stars. It’s now owned by San Franciscan Rick Figari, who’s since updated the car a little, rewiring the car, adding a fuse box, and rechroming the grille. It’s not done bad for a car that sold for just $1300 back in the early 70s.

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