There’s something to rat rods and jalopies. It’s the sense that those auto enthusiasts who are living this lifestyle (and yes, it is definitely a lifestyle), truly understand – and more importantly – cherish the stripped-down true spirit of hot rodding. The hot rodding movement that spurred salt bed racing, dirt track racing, drag racing and cruisin’.

These cars might not be the glossy, candied examples of what the layman would consider a “hot rod,” but to those who “get it,” rat rods and jalopies are the guys keeping history alive.

An East Coast lover of all things hot rods going by the name Scary Larry, started the Jalopy Showdown back in 2003, and the annual event has taken on a life of its own – all without losing itself to endless isles of vendors and corn dog carts.

Ultimately, the weekend event is meant to be a good time centered around heads-up racing for pre-’64 rods. If you’ve got a big block Corvette or a Road Runner, you need not apply. Like the flier says, “This is drag racing for fun…if you NEED a trophy, this is NOT for you!”

Each year, the Jalopy showdown is put on by Tradition Rod & Kulture Magazine, Carlisle Productions, Radir Wheels, Edelbrock, Eastwood, Daddy O’s, Kauffman’s Autorama and Bad Donkee Hot Rods.

We snagged this awesome first-person point-of-view camera footage of this ’33 Dodge’s 100-plus-mph pass at the Beaver Springs, PA. event. Enjoy!