A rat rod is a custom car that is characterized by its deliberately worn-down, unfinished appearance. They are typically made from old, discarded cars, and they often feature exposed metal, exposed engine components, and a lack of paint or chrome.

Rat rods are often seen as a rebellion against the polished, perfect look of modern cars. They are a more raw and individualistic expression of automotive passion.

Here are some of the key characteristics of rat rods:

Worn-down appearance: Rat rods typically have a weathered, patinaed look, with rust, dents, and scratches.

Exposed metal: Much of the car's metalwork is left exposed, often with no paint or chrome.

Exposed engine: The engine is often left exposed, with bare metal showing and no unnecessary covers or shrouds.

Simple interior: The interior is often quite spartan, with minimal upholstery and no unnecessary creature comforts.

Customized components: Rat rods often feature customized or modified components, such as custom-built exhaust systems or hand-painted graphics.

Rat rods are not for everyone, but they have a dedicated following among car enthusiasts. They are a unique and expressive form of automotive art, and they embody the spirit of DIY creativity and rebellion.