Hot rod word orgin

[JSeery]

Another theory is a camshaft being referred to as a rod and a modified car having a hot rod (camshaft). So, there are theories all over the place!

[rowens55]

Originally Posted by Graeme / New Zealand

I read "Gow" was slang for opium. In the earlier parts of the 2Oth century Opium was used to "fix" race horses to go faster. Gow was then adapted to cars that got their fenders torn off, etc,etc, to get more speed..."Gow job" ( now if the car was "blown"?.....that's another story )

GB

Ok, now that is an explanation that at least makes some sense. Thanks