Great Cars: Hot Rods, Classics & Vintage

Hot Rods were the phenomenal cars created by back-yard mechanics in Post-War Southern California. Features comments by ZZ Top member Billy Gibbons.

It was a time when the finest automobiles in the world were built. Some feel that from 1920 to 1940 was an Olympian Age of automotive design.

Most people think of them as relics of an era long past or antiques that belong in museums. This special uncovers some of the oldest running cars.

In the summer of 2003, thousands went to Dearborn, Michigan to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Ford Motor Company. Most came for the Model T.

Following World War II, Preston Tucker wanted to introduce an entirely new car. He set up shop in an old Dodge plant, but his hopes were shattered.

The Duesenberg entered the Depression era as the most costly, powerful and daring auto ever built. If you had money – you had to have a Duesy.

Almost everyone knows about Kaiser Permanente, but very few have any idea that it came from one of America’s greatest entrepreneurs – Henry J. Kaiser.

We'll see how a quiet and confident disdain for marketing ballyhoo propelled Packard to the top of the luxury market before its demise in the 1950’s.