By Larry O’Toole
The best way to describe the book and who it might appeal to is to quote the authors first words, “Every hobby has its devotees, and they are all passionate about their interest. But when it comes to absolute devotion it is hard to find more committed participants than most hot rodders”.
Hot Rodders Downunder starts with a couple of generic chapters on “I just want one” which discusses some of the styles (subsets) of Hot Rods such as Roadsters, Coupes, Pickups and T Buckets and some of the style schools with lots of examples. The next chapter is titled “Making it the best you can” which covers some of the engineering and technical aspects, including lots of construction photos showing what’s under the body (and hood).
The book then moves on to provide detailed coverage complete with great photography, on 15 Hot Rods, primarily Fords from 1928 (Model A Ford Tudor of Alan Searle) to 1936 (Ford Coupe of Howard Bond). A odd rod out is the 1948 Fiat Topolino of Rod Hadfield powered by a 527 cubic inch America LaFrance V12 motor!
Whilst the extensive photos are a big part of the book and can be looked at on their own, there is in-depth written back up around the owner, their vision and how the vehicle came about, which takes it beyond the usual coffee table book.
Enthusiasts will devour it’s 250 plus pages cover to cover, whilst visitors can savour the images. If you want it for a Christmas present leave this review sitting where your partner can see it and take the hint or just buy it for yourself – you know you deserve it!