That Desoto is in my opinion, the epitome of reverse snobbery. I have owned a 1940 Ford 2-door sedan for many, many years. It sat out covered in snow for many of those years and looks 'rough' to say the least. However, it runs. And well.

I am going to run the rats out of the interior and drive it down to the once a year "Car Show" this summer.

I hope to be able to park it next to a $100,000 super duper professionally restored (too nice to drive) car and smirk. Can hardly wait!

Yes, Yes! YES!

Ratrods are destroying what hot rodders spent decades achieving.
I have driven old cars ONLY for the last 45 years. My newest car is a 1966 which we have been driving for 42 years. My 1939 Ford pickup has been driven every day for 17 years. My 1931 Ford coupe has been driven often for about 17 years. I have had My 57 chevy for about 26 years, the 59 Ford about 14 years. I have never bought a new car. None of my cars are showroom perfect but they are not intentionally crappy looking either.
I fear that Ratrods may draw unwelcome attention from our over zealous government and we may lose the old cars we love so much

I've been messing with old bicycles for a long time. The Ratrod vs. restoration *discussion* goes on with the old bike crowd as well. I understand the appeal of rustbucket vehicles although I, myself don't find them appealing. I'm a shiny fenders guy. As I always say- (when the wrong folks aren't listening) Patina, my ass- it's rust.

JWM

My 2 cents on "Rat Rods"... Most of these vehicles that are labeled rat rods are vehicles that would have most likely never been restored. I see this trend as giving new life to old stuff. Most of the rat rods Ive seen might look rough on the outside but most have good innards. Sort of like us old ugly guys... rough on the outside but still useful underneath...

Alls I know is that ICON is at the top of my 'first purchases' list after I win the lottery/invent the next Facebook/secure proof my long lost uncle was a concubine in the House of Saud.