The world of hot rods began with drag racing, then top speed racing at Muroc, El Mirage, etc.. it has come a long way, here's a great website about it

http://classicdragsters.com/main.php

Take the time (about 2 hours) to flip through the photos of the Starbird 50th Annual Rod and Custom Show, look at page two for the black and whites of vintage racing, and for lots of sweet customs, look through the HAMB drags pictures (Via http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ )

Just keep a cold one handy, I never moved for 2 hours while soaking it all in.

Thanks Mr Pontiac for the link, and the photoalbums, keeping the rest of us in car porn is a kind thing to do!