The boys and girls over at Hot Rod Magazine have been bringing us some of the coolest muscle for longer than many of us have been on this planet. Somehow, I stopped reading Hot Rod years ago, but now that the rod culture is starting to turn my crank again I’ve been watching with interest.

This week on HotRod.com they’ve got 3 killer Rat Rods from this year’s Power Tour. Oops, we’re not supposed to call them Rat Rods. Ok, how about looks like I found it before I bolted it up to some modern motivational devices? Either way, this segment of the hobby turns my crank.

Take a ‘56 Chevy wagon, a ‘53 Stude Champion and ‘32 Ford Coupe in barn find condition and add a bit of slightly more modern tech and you’ve got 3 killer rides. Unlike traditional show rods, the owners of these beasts can drive them daily without fear of stone chips and shopping cart dings, while still having the coolest wheels in town. Let’s face it, how can you beat a Chevy wagon that does a burnout a day. Maybe with a big block, blown Stude. How about a 32 Ford daily driver with a legit drag racing history dating back 40 years or more.

Hot Rod has a gallery with a ton of great pics. The shot of the Ford’s door logo is my new wallpaper at work.