For decades, auto enthusiasts have been upgrading antique cars to turn them into high-powered hot rods. As this practice has developed over the years, so have the terms used to describe it. If you’re interested in buying, selling, or learning about collector cars, Charlotte AutoFair suggests a few important pieces of lingo to master.

5 Collector Car Terms Used to Describe Hot Rods

1. Dragster

One essential term in the hot rod language is “dragster.” It refers to any vehicle that has been modified or designed to compete in drag races. In some slang circles, enthusiasts will refer to dragsters as “diggers.” While there are many types of these cars out there, those who want to get the most out of their ride may want to invest in a “street legal” dragster—or one that is able to race on the strip and drive normally on the road.

2. Blown

The term “blown” can mean many different things within the hot rod circle. The simplest definition is a word used to describe engines that have blown up. In many cases, however, a blown vehicle could refer to one that is equipped with a supercharger—a type of compressor that adds horsepower to an engine.

3. Moon Discs

In vehicle styling, moon discs refer to chrome or aluminum plates that cover hubcaps. The term originated among land speed racers who named the feature after Dean Moon, a hot rod racing innovator. In addition to hot rods, moon discs can be found on all types of collector cars, particularly foreign and vintage models.  

4. Suicide Knobs and Doors

Suicide doors refer to car doors that are modified to open vertically using roof hinges. The name comes from the concept that a driver could “bail” or roll out of the car if it was headed too fast toward an obstacle. Suicide knobs have a similar connection, but are used to describe levers that are attached to steering wheels for quick-release action.

5. Z’d Frame

In the hot rod world, auto body modifications can be just as important as upgrades made to the vehicle’s components. One common practice is “Z’ing” the frame, a process of removing chassis segments and rejoining the frame in a Z-shape. The resulting “Z’d frame” puts the vehicle lower to the ground, but does not alter the arrangement of the suspension.

If you’re ready to put this collector car glossary to the test—and perhaps, learn a few more words—checking out a vintage auto show is the next step. As the largest auto event of its kind in the Southeast, the Charlotte AutoFair is an excellent place to explore hot rods, no matter how long you’ve been in the game. Learn more about this bi-annual event online, or if you’d like to put your vehicles on display next season, call (704) 841-1990 to speak to a specialist.