The first hot rods emerged in the late 1930s and early 1940s, primarily in California. While it's hard to pinpoint a single creator, pioneers like Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and the early members of the Southern California car culture were instrumental in shaping what we now recognize as hot rods. These enthusiasts modified their cars for speed and performance, often focusing on Ford models from the 1920s and 1930s. The trend gained momentum after World War II, leading to the hot rod culture we know today.

Hot rods have a rich history rooted in California car culture, with pioneers like Ed Roth shaping the movement. Modifying cars for speed and performance, enthusiasts laid the foundation for the hot rod culture we see today.