Crazy, Sexy, Cool–and WTF?!?–Vehicles from the Petersen Vault

Cool

We got it bad, got it bad, got it bad….Yes, you might recognize this 1932 Ford Hi-Boy hot-rod that was featured in Van Halen’s iconic 1984 music video, “Hot for Teacher.” Vibrant yellow with dynamic line work and sweet graphics make this one rock star ride. Class dismissed!

We have nothing but huge respect for the little 1945 Bell Special Midget Racer, above. Powered by a very respectable double overhead camshaft Offenhauser engine, this racer performed big time on the track. The leather details are especially awesome. Is it wrong that we’d love to turn one of these into the world’s coolest riding lawn mower?

We wanted to snap into this Slim Jim. Named “The Carpetbagger,” this race car was the work of Dennis Baca, a madman of the Top Fuel drag race circuit of the late 1960s throughout the swinging 1970s. Baca had friends in low places, and wasn’t afraid to take the long way home. The Carpetbagger tore up the track at crazy speeds, shagging the competition.

Don’t call Dr. Freud on us, but we think this cigar-shaped ‘Carpetbagger’ is one hot ticket.

Don’t call Dr. Freud on us, but we think this cigar-shaped “Carpetbagger” is one hot ticket. This type of drag circuit was down and dirty racing done right; with some crazy, funky, and brilliant dragsters perfect for the long stretch. This lean and elongated machine takes you back to a different world of racing with a lot of heart, and a little dirty, sweet, and lowdown vibe.

This is a sidecar with some true stately style. The 1957 Norton Model 77 with Busmar Lancastria Sidecar might not go over that well at a biker bar, but it is fantastic craftsmanship. This is one stylish way to get the experience of riding a motorcycle without the helmet hair or bugs in your teeth. Featuring a tuxedo palette in gray, black and white lines, the chassis embodies a shapely 1950’s car. Ideally, we’d assume the sidecar rider would wearing a top hat with a leather jacket.

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.