The abomination that started this thread is a Frankenstein of a car, an AE86enstein!...
It should not be confused with a Rat Rod. Rat Rods are a whole different breed of car from the AE86enstein. I will give props to any true JP heritaged Rat Rods that might pop up (now that might be a topic worth delving into...)
Rat Rods are...
Rat Rod definition: A Rat Rod is a newly developed name for the original hot rod style of the early 1950's. A Rat Rod is usually a vehicle that has had many of it't non-critical parts removed. They are usually finished in primer or paints that are often period correct. They are very often a conglomeration of parts and pieces of different makes, models and after market parts. The term "rat rod" was first used by the high dollar, show cars guys to describe the low-buck, home built drivers. Don't forget the roots of the hobby (streetrods), it was the little guy in a garage on a budget (with help from his friends) that started it all. ... These cars are a form or art and expression of their owners and builders.
A rat rod is a style of hot rod or custom car that, in most cases, imitates (or exaggerates) the early hot rods of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. It is not to be confused with the somewhat closely related "traditional" hot rod, which is an accurate re-creation or period-correct restoration of a hot rod from the same era.
Most rat rods appear "unfinished" (whether they actually are or are not), with just the bare essentials to be driven.
The rat rod is the visualization of the idea of function over form. Rat rods are meant to be driven, not shown off. Sometimes the customization will include using spare parts, or parts from another car altogether
I like the Wiki part about "function over form."
What the heck is the function of all the crap that has been tacked on to the AE86-abomination. Uh, I'd have to guess the answer is - none. It's solely there to say "look at me now, I'm here to slap you in the face and make you think, WTF!" It's just a way for the guy to get attention. Whatever.
But back to the start of this whole thing... I can really care less about what the car looks like or what the guy does with it, the stinker is, why the heck did Speedhunters even give the car a second look?
I guess they were having a slow day... I'll answer myself with another resounding "Whatever" - to each his own, that's what makes the world go 'round. AE86enstein is definately not my cup of tea. All I can say is I'm glad I don't have to wake up every morning looking at that "thing" and thinking, my God, what did I do. But, if it makes someone happy, then more power to them.
And now to address this ...
FUNCTION over form! = I like!
Michael - Collector of Toyotamobilia ~ www.toyotageek.com
Tomica Fan Club ~ www.tomicafanclub.com