Glossary of Car Show Terms
Parts or accessories made by companies other than the original manufacturer.
A vintage vehicle discovered after being stored for many years, often in poor condition.
A supercharger mounted on top of the engine to increase air intake and boost horsepower.
The angle of a wheel’s vertical alignment when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle.
A car with the roof lowered or “chopped” to create a sleeker, custom appearance.
A high-level car show where vehicles are judged on their condition, authenticity, and presentation.
The process of thoroughly cleaning and polishing a vehicle to improve its appearance.
A car, typically an older American sedan, modified with oversized wheels, often 24 inches or larger.
A measure of a vehicle’s aerodynamic resistance, affecting fuel efficiency and speed.
Exhaust manifolds designed to improve engine performance by allowing exhaust gases to flow more freely.
When the rear tires lose traction during a turn, causing the back of the car to slide out.
The natural wear and aging of a vehicle's paint and materials, often preserved for its character.
A class of American muscle cars characterized by sporty styling and affordable performance, such as the Ford Mustang.
A style of modified car with an exaggerated drag racing appearance, but street-legal.
A standard distance for drag racing, measured at 1,320 feet or a quarter of a mile.
A style of hot rod or custom car that imitates or exaggerates early hot rods from the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s.
A classic car that has been restored but modified with modern parts and technology.
The process of returning a vehicle to its original condition using period-correct parts and techniques.
A vehicle that has been lowered significantly, often nearly touching the ground.
A car with a plain or understated appearance that conceals high-performance modifications.
A design feature where the rear window is divided into two sections, famously seen on the 1963 Corvette.
Car doors that are hinged at the rear rather than the front.
A measure of rotational force produced by an engine, crucial for acceleration and towing.
When the front tires lose traction during a turn, causing the car to continue straight instead of turning.
When a vehicle’s front wheels lift off the ground under hard acceleration, typically seen in drag racing.
A tire with a white sidewall, popular on classic cars from the 1930s to the 1970s.
A vehicle body style with rear bodywork constructed of wood framework with infilled wood panels.
Slang for working on a vehicle, particularly performing mechanical repairs or modifications.
Distinctive camouflage patterns used on prototype vehicles during road testing to disguise their design.