Hot Rod Heaven

The cult of hot rodding took root in 1940s America, amongst young enthusiasts with little or no money who were eager to play around with what was still a novel piece of machinery. Today specimens can sell for upwards of $1 million, and the popularity of these unique combinations of classic designs and state-of-the-art engines and chassis just keeps on growing.

This fascinating programme traces the evolution of the hot rod - from its post-war explosion in California, through the days of illegal street-racing, to the international spectator sport of drag racing. Along the way, we interview the people who have shaped this phenomenon, including Alex Xydias, Pete Chapouris, Tony Thacker, Jimmy Shine, and Andy & Roy Brizio.

We pay a visit to the Bonneville Salt Flats, regarded as one of the birthplaces of hot rodding, to break the 200mph record with the guys from the ‘So-Cal Speed Shop.’ Plus, we check out the Grand National Roadster Show in San Francisco, and the biggest nostalgia drag race in Famosa, CA - capturing plenty of tyre smoke, ear-splitting noise and awesome speeds! Finally, we search out some of today’s coolest street machines back at the ‘So-Cal Speed Shop’ and ‘Roy Brizio Street Rods.’

Recreated using a mixture of archive and modern footage, alongside insightful interviews with the men who made it happen, this is the story of an American passion and the desire to build a dream.