Following up the Henry J at #8 on our Top 9 Cars To Turn Into Hot Rods list, we move on to the Tri-Five Chevy in the number 7 slot. The Tri-Five Chevy is an extremely recognizable car. Just about everyone has either had one or known someone with one. They are immensely popular cars but not always built as hot rods.

Sammie Kelley’s 1955 Chevy Gasser

This is a point where the semantics of the word Hot Rod come into play. 1955 through 1957 Chevy cars are arguably the most rebuilt and/or restored vintage car in the world. Lots of them were made, which made them inexpensive – but they are big and heavy cars.

Dropping a hot motor under the hood will certainly bring it to life but it is already at a disadvantage on the starting line because of the weight. Many times, these beautiful cars are turned into street rods, customs or restored masterpieces. A Hot Rod, in old school terms, is a stripped down, big power beast with no frills.

The Tri-Five Chevy is a famous car in its own right. Harrison Ford brought a 1955 into the spotlight in American Graffiti and then again a ’55 was center stage in the movie Two-Lane Blacktop. On top of the Hollywood features, Tom McEwen famously drag raced a 1957 Chevy in the NHRA.

Tom McEwen’s 1957 Chevy NHRA Funny Car

Being such a popular and recognizable car, the Tri-Five had to end up on this list. Keep an eye out as we continue on our quest for the rest of our Top 9 list. You’ll never guess what number 6 is.